Hotels Near Aire de Pique-Nique in Froidchapelle

We booked this a few hours before our arrival on our way home to UK. There is a huge amount of construction work being done in the surrounding area which makes finding the hotel and the secure parking very challenging. This is not explained at booking. The car park doesn’t feel secure despite the entry system. We were greeted warmly by staff who were professional and helpful. We were in a room that felt like an oven. Upon asking for a fan we were told the air con was broken in that room. We did get a fan. We walked, quickly, to the nearest restaurant. Nothing to do with the hotel but the area does not feel safe at all. We passed a guy wearing a stab proof vest. He was not armed forces unless these guys walk with pitties in Belgium. Groups of young men gathered was quite intimidating for a women and her 14yr old son. When we were back in hotel the corridor and the room smelled of cigarette smoke. We had a disturbed sleep between the noisy fan, cigarette smoke seeping into the room and the fear of being murdered in our sleep! (I kid you not!). Never been so glad to leave a hotel or an area as soon as we could that morning! Couldn’t help wondering if hotel was used for tourism and other reasons because of the groups of people hanging about. The staff were welcoming and friendly. Despite the cigarette smoke and aged decor in the room, it was clean.

The first thing to say is - I'm not usually a Youth Hostel person so I'll give the Auberge de Jeunesse lots of credit here. Met by friendly receptionist who was helpful in telling me all the important information including the shuttle bus back to Charleroi Airport. The room I got was a ”Basic Single Room” - which was just a 2 bed dorm with Single occupancy. It did exactly what it said on the tin - it had a bed, toilet, shower, sink, plugs and table/chairs - just what was needed for an overnight stay. The bed was comfortable despite having to do the pillowcase/bed sheets/duvet cover myself, but I guess that's a hostel thing! The one downside to my stay was the amount of noise from outside my room - which I believe was next to a shared area. Constant banging, whistling and cheering until about 12.30am led to not much sleep being had until then - luckily my flight home was in the afternoon, it would be awful if you had an early connection! Breakfast was offered and was a good continental offering, some hot food would have been nice but the breakfast I had was more than acceptable. For a grand total of €37 including breakfast, this place is extremely good value for money, but expect noise before you go to sleep! I would return if I was coming back to Charleroi.

This hotel has an exceptional location in the heart of Charleroi. It adjoins a major downtown shopping mall with international brands and standard fast food options including Burger King. My room had amazing view of the central plaza including the church. There is an excellent range of restaurants nearby and a small selection of convenience stores. However, there was are no large supermarket in this area, and getting access to pharmacies was difficult at night. The reception area has lively bar on level 2 and there is outdoor areas with seating and umbrellas for the summer period. During this visit in August, there was some live music in the streets nearby which added to the town atmosphere, but this city is not Brussels, as visitors should lower expectations regarding night life options. It about a 10 min walks to the Central Station and express buses to the airport. (Charleroi low cost airport) Note: The railway stations area is under construction, some care may be required with luggage.