The Originals City, Hôtel Astoria Vatican

“First Lourdes Visit”

As a first timer I was not sure what to expect . The Astoria/Vatican provided for all my needs and more . Clean and comfortable room . The AC works even when your key card not in the slot! Unlike a lot of other hotels . Very friendly staff on reception desk and bar . Waiting staff at tables very q… more

As a first timer I was not sure what to expect . The Astoria/Vatican provided for all my needs and more . Clean and comfortable room . The AC works even when your key card not in the slot! Unlike a lot of other hotels . Very friendly staff on reception desk and bar . Waiting staff at tables very quickly realised our needs and would bring without being asked . Mine was boiling water to drink at breakfast ( you’d be surprised how many bring water from the tap!) and my friend’s was 3 strong coffees . Food was tasty and plenty of it . The management were prepared to go above and beyond to make our pilgrimage successful . All this and the hotel was close to the domaine so not a long walk back for a mid afternoon rest !

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“The gold standard for service and support”

I have been travelling to Lourdes annually since 1990 and always stayed in the Astoria-Vatican. The care shown by the team, especially Nicolas, François and Laurance is always exemplary, but this year was so much more. We experienced a number of challenges during our pilgrimage, none of which wer… more

I have been travelling to Lourdes annually since 1990 and always stayed in the Astoria-Vatican. The care shown by the team, especially Nicolas, François and Laurance is always exemplary, but this year was so much more. We experienced a number of challenges during our pilgrimage, none of which were the fault of the hotel, and they really couldn't do enough to help. We regularly travel with pilgrims with special dietary requirements and, whether hotel meals or picnic lunches / breakfasts for early flights, these are always so well accommodated - something that we've heard from other pilgrims isn't always the case in other, more expensive hotels in Lourdes. In addition, it's one of the few hotels in Lourdes that still has table service with most relying on a buffet style arrangement. Our group comprises many people with physical challenges and expecting them to queue up and carry a plate of food while using crutches, waking sticks or wheelchairs is really not feasible. Another great USP of the hotel! As a group pilgrimage organiser, there are so many moving parts and potential situations that could go wrong with flights, transfers, programme, tour company, illness etc but having the certainty that accommodation will never be something we need to worry about is such a relief. There are hotels in Lourdes with swimming pools, games rooms and rooftop terraces but when you're stuck at a hospital at 1am, none of these gimmicks matter (if it ever did - or should!). You will never get the personalised and genuine care and support from another hotel than you get from Nicolas, François and the team. They really are the best Lourdes has to offer.

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“Another Wonderful Stay”

Having visited this hotel a number of times now with a pilgrimage group, this was another very positive experience. Nicholas, François and all of the staff are so attentive and go above and beyond to help - particularly for our group this time when we had some unexpected challenges. The hotel is wi… more

Having visited this hotel a number of times now with a pilgrimage group, this was another very positive experience. Nicholas, François and all of the staff are so attentive and go above and beyond to help - particularly for our group this time when we had some unexpected challenges. The hotel is within very easy reach of the domaine and you are guaranteed a comfortable stay and warm welcome.

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“Highs and lows”

Quite difficult to find when arriving in a car, especially disabled. We did find a disabled place right at the top of the street, but it is very hilly. You can reserve a parking space at the hotel for a charge. When walking down the street to the hotel, do not take the first entrance into the littl… more

Quite difficult to find when arriving in a car, especially disabled. We did find a disabled place right at the top of the street, but it is very hilly. You can reserve a parking space at the hotel for a charge. When walking down the street to the hotel, do not take the first entrance into the little court yard, but the second into the reception area. Here we were greeted very warmly and the location of the hotel is excellent, near to the grotto, centre and shops. We decided to eat in the hotel the first evening and the food was very good and reasonable. The second evening to celebrate our 48th wedding anniversary from advice we are at the restaurant Alexandria, at the top of the street. Quite expensive, but the food was amazing. Breakfast the usual continental affair, though a lack of fresh fruit and a little mundane. It is also well worth taking the little white tourist train, which you board down in the centre, but also stops right outside the hotel and stops at various places including the candle factory. Our accessible room although with a hugh wet room, was really quite bleak with no view or adequate shelving in the bathroom. The bed was comfy, but far too low and following a recent knee operation, was a nightmare to arise from and although on the whole we enjoyed our stay, I was definitely glad to leave it after three nights.

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