So, I don’t like to complain, but this hotel is a real mixed bag.
First, the hotel is very well-situated between the train station and the old port, it’s very modern and tries hard to be chic. The design is interesting, but the open common area around which all the rooms are oriented is not as pictured. It’s now a dining area for breakfast service. That said, the design concept is an interesting touch.
Secondly — and crucially — if you’re unlucky enough to be placed in one of the rooms on the 1st floor (2nd floor for Americans), you very well will have an open bathroom. “What’s that?” you ask. It means that there is no door to your bathroom. It’s situated behind a wall between the bathroom and the bedroom, but in terms of privacy, that doesn’t do much. I mean, traveling as a couple who’s been married for 13 years, it’s not a big deal, but if this is a romantic getaway — maybe your first trip together — be forewarned. You will probably be defecating in the same room you’re sleeping in. There. I said it. Forewarned is forearmed.
Lastly, the hotel advertises itself as having soundproof rooms. This is simply untrue. Noise is a problem, not from the interior of the hotel, but from the outside. Sound insulation was NOT a real investment by the designers.
So: very friendly and helpful staff and an interesting design concept, but no real soundproofing and an epic bedroom/bathroom design make La Fabrique the hotel I will NOT go back to during my next trip to La Rochelle.