Set on the edge of the forest, the Pasino hotel is a ten to fifteen minute walk away from the centre of Saint-Amand-les-Eaux and its beautiful, white Abbey Tower. Taxis are easily available.

The rooms are modern, simply furnished, comfortable and clean. I’ve been going there once a year for the last six years and have always found it to be quiet, whether in a standard or a superior room. And a civilized touch: here's always a bottle of Saint-Amand mineral water. The staff at the Reception desk and in the buffet breakfast dining room are very welcoming and helpful.

One unusual aspect: you have to pay on arrival. The reason being that the hotel is part of a complex that includes large gambling rooms so bills have to be settled first, just in case! However, it is useful as there are no last-minute rushes to pay as you leave.

There are four themed restaurants in the main building: Oriental; Japanese, Italian and a Brasserie. I have eaten three times in the Italian restaurant but would advise choosing carefully because some of the helpings are rather large and the pasta can be heavy. On my last stay I had dinner in the Brasserie. Set in a mock-up covered piazza, complete with fountain, in the main hall, it’s good for people watching as they pass on their way to the theatre, party rooms and gambling halls.

I had an excellent melon with port and local ham, followed by salmon on a bed of delicious, thinly sliced vegetables. There was a good choice of wine. The service was friendly and well-judged.

With plenty of parking and its restaurants, the Pasino is a useful stopping place if you’re driving through Nord-Pas-de-Calais, or stopping to visit Saint-Amand-les-Eaux.