Before we get into this article let me start by saying that I really do not recommend going to Bourg-lès-Valence with or without your dog. Based on my limited experience, it is unfortunately not a very nice place.
However, I needed a place to stay in between two longer drives while on a roadtrip with my dog and this area just happened to be roughly in the middle. As it was basically just for sleeping, we chose to stay at the Kyriad Direct.
Overall it was a decent choice, but with a very odd check-in experience. For a full breakdown of my experience, read the review below.
DOG FRIENDLINESS
My dog was welcome here. Beyond that, there is nothing special to report.
THE LOCATION
The hotel is located at the Rhône river, so there is a promenade where you can walk your dog. It looks nice, but to be honest it was not that great. We came across some odd people, including unleashed dogs that ran aggressively towards my leashed one. Twice! Urgh.
Also, don’t try to walk across the car bridge towards Bourg-lès-Valence itself. It is narrow and you will walk through lots of fuel smell, with nothing much to show for it on the other side. It’s not worth it. In fact, I would recommend walking in the opposite direction. Probably less weird people that way too.
On the plus side, there is a McDonalds drive-through very nearby. For us, that was good for some quick and easy dinner before going to sleep.
THE CHECK-IN
I usually don’t write specifically about the check-in process, but this one stood out in a weird way. It was very odd. When I arrived, everything was closed, even though I was arriving in the first hour of the designated check-in window. I had received no prior instructions, so I expected a normal reception.
Instead, I had to figure out that I was supposed to scan a small QR code. I did not have a QR code reader, so I had to download one. What if I had no internet? I do not know. Then, I had to fill in some details online (again, what if I had no internet?). Eventually, still standing in front of the closed door, mind you, I received a code to open that door, as well as a code to open my room door.
At the room, I had a problem with the keypad. My key included a zero, but when I pressed zero, it got stuck and registered loads of zeroes in a row instead of just the one. Urgh. No one there to help, so now what? Eventually, I thankfully managed to press it just perfectly and I got in. I was not looking forward to doing this multiple times with my dog during the stay.
Overall, a really bad and unexpected check-in experience. I must say however, I do not think this is the norm. Except for when I arrived, there was always a person at reception. So maybe I was just really unlucky that for some reason they were out when I arrived. Your experience may differ!
THE ROOM
The room itself was not too big but comfortable. Large, comfortable bed, small table and chair. Not real closet though. For one night, it was no problem, but for a longer stay I would not have been happy. I guess this place is really just meant for sleeping though.
The bathroom was not very large either, but totally fine. A hairdryer was available.
THE SERVICE
We did not experience much service. As mentioned, there was no one there during check-in. Later on, I only spoke to a staff member to ask if I could take the breakfast to the room, which was no problem. I think you can’t expect much service here.
THE VALUE
At this hotel, I paid 59 EUR per night. My dog cost an extra 6 EUR, and breakfast was 7.90 EUR.
Overall, it was ok, but perhaps a little on the pricey side given the location and compared to other places that I have stayed at.
Not terrible value, but certainly not great value either.
THE BOTTOM LINE
I can not recommend the town itself, but overall the hotel was fine for one night. If you need a place to stay in the area with your dog, you can definitely come here without worries. Just don’t expect much beyond a decent place to sleep. Overall, I give it a 3/5 due to the weird check-in, the barebones room and the location just not being very nice.
A trip with my dog 