This is the one of the most original economic hotels in all of the Loire. Located in the heart of town at the foot of the Château de Chinon, the castle-like 15th-century building used to be a courthouse where the father of writer François Rabelais worked as a lawyer. A highlight is its early Renaissance spiral staircase. The hotel has its quirks, but these are overruled by the large high-ceilinged guest rooms; most have canopy beds and some have stone fireplaces and/or views of the castle. Dine in its medieval hall, where you can sample some tasty local freshwater sandre prepared with Chinon wine, or duckling with dried pears and smoked lard.