Hotel in Le Mans town?

[gareth h]

We had a poor experience camping at the circuit for the Classic this year, and would like to find a hotel in town next year, and use the tram to / from the circuit, any recommendations? And any reason why it is a bad idea?
Thanks
G

[LM240]

Haven’t ever camped at circuit, but first few years we did so about 20mins from circuit on private site.

After a solid wet weekend, that was the end of camping.

No real ‘bad’ aspect to hotel, air bnb in Le Mans town. Either driving or trams would be easy enough and plenty of choices for bars and food.

We stay in a little village about 20mins drive away from the track. So don’t be afraid to search around the area. There are hotel and air bnb options out there (with many working out far cheaper than a ‘luxury’ circuit camp option with tickets and a lot of the travel costs combined).

For the Classic we ended up in La Flèche. 30mins drive to the circuit, which wasn’t too bad. But I personally wouldn’t stay further than that time frame.

I personally prefer some proper (secure) comfort with the added bonus it is cheaper than any ‘luxury’ shed or tent at the circuit. I’m not doing down any supplier or operator, there is a demand and costs, but it doesn’t suit me.

[gareth h]

We really wanted to avoid driving to and from the circuit so everybody is free to have a few beers, which was why the tram appealed.

[LM240]

gareth h said:

We really wanted to avoid driving to and from the circuit so everybody is free to have a few beers, which was why the tram appealed.

Fair enough.

We counter that with maybe a couple during circuit time, but more than make up for it during social time in the village bars or restaurants.

Too be honest, the lighter circuit time acts as a nice balance!

The trip is now heavily weighted to enjoying the French culture rather than killing ourselves with spectator endurance as in years gone by.

….. Crikey, memories of leaving hotel at 1100 Saturday and not returning till around 1700 Sunday, eyes hanging out. (Freezing cold sleeping on a bank overlooking arnage). However getting that satisfying second-wind for Sunday night celebrations, feeling like you’d conquered 24hrs(+) also was great. Can’t see that being repeated, what the hell was I thinking!!!

[ridds]

There's some really nice Gites / Chateauxs just down from the Mulsanne corner.

Worth a look, easy drive to the circuit too.

[gareth h]

LM240 said:

Fair enough.

We counter that with maybe a couple during circuit time, but more than make up for it during social time in the village bars or restaurants.

Too be honest, the lighter circuit time acts as a nice balance!

The trip is now heavily weighted to enjoying the French culture rather than killing ourselves with spectator endurance as in years gone by.

….. Crikey, memories of leaving hotel at 1100 Saturday and not returning till around 1700 Sunday, eyes hanging out. (Freezing cold sleeping on a bank overlooking arnage). However getting that satisfying second-wind for Sunday night celebrations, feeling like you’d conquered 24hrs(+) also was great. Can’t see that being repeated, what the hell was I thinking!!!

We used to camp at Arnage back in the late 80s, many nights spent on the bank at Indianapolis

[Truckosaurus]

Cost will be the biggest issue. Otherwise, the tram now makes it nice and simple to get to/from the circuit.

[eps]

Truckosaurus said:

Cost will be the biggest issue. Otherwise, the tram now makes it nice and simple to get to/from the circuit.

Yep, I think we were trying to consider the other end of the tram, but then again it's the University so probably a whole load of student accommodation..

[e635815]

Hotel availability will be the biggest issue.
Clubs book most of the hotels from one session to the next. For example, the hotel Arbour used to be entirely (I mean all the rooms + tables at restaurant) booked by the Morgan Club. Don't know if it is still the case... Went there this year but couldn't see any Morgan parked.
Prices will be the second issue.
Expect a factor 3 to 4 between normal WE and race WE. If you happen to find a room in the first place.
Best bet is to go to the B&B Hotel at Arnage. Fixed prices all year long and booking opened only in January for the year. No possibilities to book two years in advance. But unfortunately not on the Tram circuit.

[rlw]

We stayed at the old Commercial Hotel, quite close to the station for a number of years but one year they just sent us a letter to say sorry but we've had a better offer. The better offer was the Jaguar team booking the whole place for two weeks. They also had a big chunk of another hotel too

All I'm saying is that any booking made now may well not be honoured by December, although I suspect if you go via booking.com or similar, it's a bit safer.

[LawrieC]

The general rule is that everything is already booked. If you allow for the teams, their sponsors/guests, the officials, the tour operators, the car clubs etc., your chances are slim, All attempts I've heard of in the past have failed. You might have a chance in Tours

But keep trying

[rlw]

There's a few Airbnb places that might be worth a look although some of them have a certain Gallic charm.....