Arras is weirdly beautiful. It’s one of those French cities that people usually just drive past on the A1 motorway while heading from London or Brussels toward Paris, which is honestly a massive mistake. If you’ve ever stood in the middle of the Place des Héros at night, you know exactly what I mean. But when you’re planning a trip here, the accommodation situation can be a bit of a toss-up between overpriced "boutique" spots that haven't been renovated since the 90s and budget chains that feel like sleeping in a plastic container. This is exactly where the Holiday Inn Express Arras fits in. It isn't trying to be a five-star palace. It’s a functional, surprisingly modern base of operations located right across from the train station.
Let’s be real. Nobody books a Holiday Inn Express because they want a life-changing spiritual experience. You book it because you want a decent shower, a bed that won't destroy your back, and a breakfast that doesn't cost an extra twenty Euros.
The Location Reality Check
If you are arriving by TGV, the location of the Holiday Inn Express Arras is basically unbeatable. You walk out of the Gare d'Arras, look across the street, and there it is. It’s located in the "Entre deux Places" district. This is a massive plus for anyone traveling light or those who don't want to mess around with local taxis.
Now, some people worry that staying near a train station means it's going to be sketchy or loud. Arras isn't Paris or Marseille. The area around the station is actually quite clean and feels safe, even late at night. The hotel has some pretty solid double-glazing, so the sound of the trains isn't really an issue unless you’re a hyper-sensitive sleeper. You’re about a ten-minute walk—maybe twelve if you’re stopping to look at shop windows—from the Grand’Place and the Petite Place. These are the two massive, Flemish-Baroque squares that make Arras famous.
Parking is usually the biggest headache in French city centers. The hotel has an underground partnership with the Effia parking lot nearby. It’s not free, but it’s secure. If you’ve ever tried to parallel park a rental SUV on a narrow cobblestone street in the city center, you’ll gladly pay the daily rate for the underground spot.
Inside the Rooms: Is it Just a Cookie-Cutter Box?
Kinda. But in a good way.
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The rooms at the Holiday Inn Express Arras follow the updated European brand standards. This means you aren't getting those old, dusty floral carpets. It’s clean lines, laminate flooring, and those blue-and-grey accents. The "Next Gen" room design focuses on things that actually matter to travelers in 2026. For example, the USB ports are right by the bed. It sounds like a small thing until you’re in an old hotel trying to charge your phone behind a heavy wardrobe.
The beds are surprisingly firm. Not "sleeping on a board" firm, but supportive. You get a choice of firm or soft pillows, which is a standard IHG touch that actually works.
- The Bathroom: It’s a pod-style setup. The shower has decent pressure. The toiletries are mounted to the wall in large bottles to reduce plastic waste, which is basically the norm across France now due to environmental regulations.
- The Workspace: There’s a small desk area. It’s fine for answering emails, but you wouldn’t want to write a novel there.
- Climate Control: You can actually control the AC. In many older French hotels, the "air conditioning" is just a suggestion or a centralized system that the front desk controls. Here, you have your own thermostat.
The Breakfast Situation and Dining
One thing people often get wrong about the Holiday Inn Express Arras is expecting a full-service restaurant. They don't have one. They do have a bar area that serves snacks and some light meals—think pizzas or croque monsieurs—but you shouldn't plan on having a gourmet dinner here.
The "Express Start" breakfast is included in the room rate. It’s a buffet. You’ve got the standard European continental spread: croissants (which are actually decent because, well, it's France), baguettes, cheeses, cold cuts, and yogurt. They usually have a few hot items like scrambled eggs and sausages, but don't expect a full English breakfast. The coffee comes from a machine. It’s fine. It’s caffeine.
If you want real food, you need to walk to the squares.
The dining scene in Arras is actually incredible. You have places like L'Aiflette or La Table du Jardinier. If you’re at the hotel, just walk toward the Belfry. You’ll hit a dozen better restaurants than anything a hotel bar could provide.
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Why Arras Matters for History Buffs
Most guests at the Holiday Inn Express Arras are there for one of two reasons: business at the nearby offices or the First World War remembrance sites.
Arras was right on the front lines. The hotel is a great starting point for the "Circuit du Souvenir." You are a short drive from the Vimy Ridge National Historic Site of Canada. It’s a haunting place. The white pylons of the monument against the green grass—which is still pockmarked by shell craters—is something you never forget. Then there’s the Wellington Quarry (Carrière Wellington). It’s literally minutes from the hotel. You go 20 meters underground into the tunnels where thousands of British and Commonwealth soldiers hid before the Battle of Arras in 1917.
The hotel staff is usually pretty well-versed in helping people find these sites. They see a lot of Canadians, Australians, and Brits coming through for pilgrimages.
The Business Side of Things
Arras is a hub for the Hauts-de-France region. If you’re here for work, the hotel has a couple of meeting rooms. They aren't huge, but they’re equipped with the tech you’d expect. The Wi-Fi in the building is surprisingly snappy. In some older "charming" hotels in the city, the stone walls basically act as a Faraday cage, killing your signal. You won't have that problem here.
It’s worth noting that the hotel is frequently used by crews and corporate travelers. This means the lobby can get a bit buzzy in the mornings. It’s not a "resort" vibe. It’s an "I have things to do" vibe.
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Hidden Details Most People Miss
The hotel is pet-friendly, which is a huge deal if you’re driving through Europe with a dog. There’s a small fee, but it beats leaving your pet in a kennel.
Also, look for the "Blue Badge" parking spots right near the entrance if you have mobility issues. The transition from the street to the lobby is completely level, which isn't always a guarantee in historic French towns.
One minor annoyance? The elevators can be slow during peak checkout times (around 9:00 AM). If you’re on a lower floor, just take the stairs. It’ll save you five minutes of staring at a closed door.
Comparison: Holiday Inn vs. The Competition
If you're looking at other options in Arras, you’ll probably see the Hôtel de l'Univers. That’s the "grand" old hotel in town. It’s beautiful, sure, but it’s also significantly more expensive and can feel a bit stuffy. Then you have the Mercure, which is right on the Grand’Place. The Mercure has a better view, but you’ll pay a premium for it, and parking there is a nightmare.
The Holiday Inn Express Arras wins on price-to-value ratio. It’s the "safe" choice. You know exactly what the room will look like before you open the door. For many travelers, that predictability is worth more than "character" that comes with squeaky floorboards and tiny elevators.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
Don't just book and show up. To get the most out of a stay at the Holiday Inn Express Arras, keep these points in mind:
- Request a high floor: If you want it extra quiet, ask for a room on the top floor facing away from the station. The view isn't spectacular—mostly rooftops—but it’s peaceful.
- Join IHG One Rewards: Even if you don't stay at Holiday Inns often, join the loyalty program before you book. You often get a "Member Rate" which is a few Euros cheaper, and they sometimes offer late checkout (2:00 PM) for free if they aren't fully booked.
- The Kettle Situation: Unlike some budget hotels in France, these rooms actually have a kettle with tea and coffee. If you’re a tea drinker, bring your own bags, as the provided ones are pretty basic.
- Walk the Boves: While you're in town, go to the Town Hall and take the tour of the "Boves." These are underground cellars that date back to the 10th century. It’s a completely different world beneath the streets.
- Check the Calendar: Arras hosts a massive Christmas Market and the Main Square Festival (a huge music event in July). If you’re planning to stay during these times, the Holiday Inn Express Arras will book up months in advance, and prices will triple.
Ultimately, this hotel is a tool. It's a clean, reliable, well-located tool that lets you explore one of the most underrated cities in Northern France without worrying about whether your hotel room is going to be a disaster. It's basically the smart choice for the pragmatic traveler.