Calais, has anyone stayed rather than pass through?

[Soups]

During the summer we'll need somewhere to stay in Calais. It's only a one night stop over so we don't want anywhere grand or expensive. I can't decided between getting there late and staying in a motel near the tunnel. Or getting there earlier and staying on the seafront in the town centre. So we'd have a few hours to have a stroll and get dinner somewhere. The later option of course would end up costing more, around 30 E more per night but the food costs would also be greater.

Ibis. Fairly cheap (all in 1 room), clean, right by tunnel, also right by big hypermarket place, so self cater, or restaurants around. Breakfast from 4am an advantage if you've an early start.

Sorry forgot to ask my question! Is the town centre and sea front a pleasant enough place to spend a few hours? Or is it not worth the bother with 2 children?

Thanks weary mum :) If we did stay in that area we'd probably go for a B&B (the chain) as they do family rooms for 4, we could get one for E55. I hadn't thought about Citie Europe, that's a good idea. It's be good to take the opportunity to stock up and grab some food.

Beach offered plenty of amusement for DS to waste a few hours/ run off some energy. Didn't venture into the town (if your LO anything like mine, constant passage of ferries and car transporter trains is entertainment enough!)

Quick word of warning; last Thursday my Dad, who is a very regular traveller to France, had his car broken into when it was parked in the car park opposite the village hall in Calais.