Considering there is a plethora of choice in the Aubiere area of Clermont Ferrand, and pretty much every budget hotel brand is represented, i chose the Arena hotel for an overnight stay as most of the others have pretty indifferent reviews.
From the outside, the Arena doesn't have a great deal to differentiate it from the competition, but the price is around the standard for budget hotels in the area. There is plenty of parking, and assorted eateries nearby (we chose Tabla Pizza) or a vending machine with snacks in the foyer. We were on the top floor, and there is a lift (which isn't always the case in budget chains). The rooms are quite small but nicely thought out, better than the standard budget hotel in my opinion. The bed was comfortable, the Aircon chillingly lovely for a 35c summer day and a wide range of Francophone TV was available to entertain.
Breakfast is served in a convivial little alcove adjacent to the reception and a wide range of sweet and savoury items are available for around €6. With my French being a little ropey, i misunderstood the setup for booking breakfast when we were checking in and booked it later on. The chap on duty was very accommodating and helpful.
If you come to this hotel expecting the Ritz, you'll be disappointed. If you expect an average budget chain hotel, you should be pleasantly surprised.