10 hotels in La Rochelle's centre to visit the city by foot

La Rochelle is undoubtedly the best-known town in the Charente Maritime department. Although there is some debate about its nickname, sometimes "La Ville Blanche", sometimes "Porte Océane", everyone agrees on its gentle way of life. As soon as the fine weather returns, Parisians take advantage of the opportunity to escape for the weekend. During the summer months, holidaymakers are delighted to discover its history and stroll through its Old Port to admire its towers.

Finding a parking space can quickly become a headache, so the best option is to visit the city on foot. We've selected 10 charming hotels in the heart of La Rochelle, all less than 15 minutes' walk from the Old Port! And to top it all off, some even have a spa or swimming pool ...

Vue panoramique sur le port de La Rochelle en été
© eonaya / 123RF

1. Un Hôtel En Ville

Le balcon d'une des chambres
© Un Hôtel En Ville / Booking

With its cosy, warm and contemporary decor, this establishment is a real gem to stay at in the centre of La Rochelle. Its location, just a stone's throw from the city's tourist attractions, is a major attraction for tourists staying here.

As well as offering comfortable rooms with TV and free Wi-Fi, the hotel also boasts a pleasant terrace overlooking the Lanterne Tower. It's the ideal place to relax at the end of the day and watch the sun set over the Roche monument.

Le coin repas du restaurant de l'hôtel
© Un Hôtel En Ville / Booking

The positive points of this establishment are also reflected in the food, as it offers a gourmet breakfast with particular attention paid to the choice of exclusively local products.

Un Hôtel En Ville La Rochelle
Booking.com

Un Hôtel En Ville

It's aptly named, as it's right in the heart of the Old Port!
9 Fabulous
From
£99 / night
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2. Maisons du Monde Hotel & Suites

Vue sur les tours du port de La Rochelle depuis le balcon d'une chambre
© Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - La Rochelle Vieux Port / Booking

Hidden away under the arcades of La Rochelle, this hotel transports us into a very 'fashionable' world, while remaining warm and welcoming, thanks to its refined, cutting-edge decor. The hotel is part of the Maisons du Monde chain of interior design shops.

Staying here is like sleeping in a Maisons du Monde showroom. Decoration enthusiasts will be delighted to stay here, and will be sure to pick up a few decoration ideas to reproduce at home.

Le restaurant de l'hôtel est très élégant avec ses suspensions
© Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites - La Rochelle Vieux Port / Booking

As for the facilities, we particularly like the bedrooms with their comfortable bedding, as well as the bathrooms which come with free toiletries, bathrobes and everything you need, if not more, to pamper yourself and relax.

Maisons du Monde Hotel & Suites Nantes
Booking.com

Maisons du Monde Hotel & Suites

The world of this hotel, just a stone's throw from the historic quarter, is surprising but harmonious!
8.2 Very good
From
£95 / night
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3. Hôtel La Tour de Nesle

Chambre colorée avec balcon
© Hôtel La Tour de Nesle La Rochelle Vieux Port / Booking

The hotel La Tour de Nesle La Rochelle is popular with travellers because of its central location, making it easy to visit the old town on foot. The hotel is on a human scale and offers twenty-nine comfortable, bright and colourful rooms.

Balcon d'un chambre avec vue sur le port
© Hôtel La Tour de Nesle La Rochelle Vieux Port / Booking

Facing the towers of the port of La Rochelle, it offers a breathtaking view of the harbour. Some rooms have a private balcony from which you can enjoy breakfast while taking in the view!

Hotel La Tour de Nesle La Rochelle
Booking.com

Hotel La Tour de Nesle

A brightly decorated hotel with an exceptional view over the port of La Rochelle!
8.2 Very good
From
£142 / night
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4. Hotel de Paris

La cour intérieure de l'hôtel
© Hotel de Paris / Booking

Despite its name, the Hôtel de Paris is actually in La Rochelle! Located in the heart of the historic centre of La Rochelle, it's a 5-minute walk to the Vieux Port and 15 minutes to Plage de la Concurrence. With its retro seventies-style decor and friendly staff, you'll feel as if you're being welcomed into a family home.

Hotel breakfast in 70s-style crockery
© Hotel de Paris / Booking

The hotel's inner courtyard is a delightful place to enjoy breakfast in vintage crockery in fine weather, or to prepare for visits to the city.

Hotel de Paris La Rochelle
Booking.com

Hotel de Paris

Unbeatable price for this central hotel with retro decor!
7.7 Fine
From
£73 / night
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5. Novotel La Rochelle Centre

Piscine extérieure chauffée de l'hôtel
© Novotel La Rochelle Centre / Booking

The Novotel La Rochelle Centre is a real gem, with its heated outdoor swimming pool just 10 minutes' walk from the old town! The icing on the cake? It has free private parking, which is really appreciated because in high season, spaces are scarce in La Rochelle!

Salle de bain avec baignoire, le luxe ultime
© Novotel La Rochelle Centre / Booking

The spacious and modern rooms are equipped with an electric kettle with tea and coffee. The bathrooms have recently been refurbished to the delight of guests. Some rooms offer a view of the swimming pool, the garden or the city of La Rochelle.

Novotel La Rochelle Centre La Rochelle
Booking.com

Novotel La Rochelle Centre

A rare find in La Rochelle: a hotel with a swimming pool just 10 minutes' walk from the Old Port!
8.2 Very good
From
£109 / night
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6. Villa Verde

Le petit-déjeuner est servi dans la chambre
© Sylvie Curty / Booking

Set in a period building combining Art-Deco style and exoticism, Villa Verde is a charming guest house with its own terrace and garden. Owners Fernanda and Rodolphe, a Franco-Brazilian couple, are keen to promote sustainable, eco-responsible tourism. Breakfast is prepared using local produce, and bicycles are available free of charge for touring the city.

L'immense salle de bain d'une chambre
© Sylvie Curty / Booking

Each room has a name and a world of its own. The bathrooms make you want to pamper yourself, especially as towels and shower products are provided for guests, so there's no need to load up your suitcases!

Villa Verde La Rochelle
Booking.com

Villa Verde

Charming hosts, an ideal location, a delicious breakfast - all good things!
8.9 Superb
From
£102 / night
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7. Hôtel Le Bord'O

Chambre bleue avec portrait mural de femme
© Hôtel Le Bord'O Vieux Port / Booking

Originality is the adjective that best describes the decor of this establishment! Located in the artistic district of Saint-Nicolas, the hotel perfectly embodies the bohemian and atypical atmosphere of the area. Nightlife is lively in the area and the flea market attracts locals and tourists alike.

Le petit-déjeuner dans la salle de restaurant colorée de l'hôtel
© Hôtel Le Bord'O Vieux Port / Booking

Each room is decorated with a portrait of a woman, inviting you to relax. Some rooms have a balcony where you can enjoy breakfast. Alternatively, you can enjoy breakfast on the hotel terrace.

Hôtel Le Bord'O Vieux Port La Rochelle
Booking.com

Hôtel Le Bord'O Vieux Port

An original, low-cost hotel right by the station!
8.3 Very good
From
£77 / night
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8. Hotel La Marine

Chambre lumineuse avec balcon donnant directement vue sur le port
© Hotel La Marine, Vieux Port / Booking

In the heart of the Old Port, Hôtel La Marine is a small hotel with seventeen rooms, some overlooking the courtyard garden, others offering a view of the port's two towers. So you can choose between waking up to birdsong or the laughter of seagulls!

Bathroom with double washbasin and large mirror
© Hotel La Marine, Vieux Port / Booking

The rooms are soundproofed with double glazing, air conditioning and quality bedding. However, as the hotel is on three floors without a lift, it is not suitable for people with reduced mobility (don't worry, the staff are used to helping travellers carry their luggage to their rooms!)

Hotel La Marine La Rochelle
Booking.com

Hotel La Marine

A small, family-run hotel with 17 rooms close to the port for your excursions!
8.2 Very good
From
£84 / night
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9. Hôtel Saint Nicolas

La terrasse de l'hôtel
© Hôtel Saint Nicolas / Booking

A warm and welcoming guest house, the Hôtel Saint Nicolas offers sober and cosy rooms just a 10-minute walk from the Old Port of La Rochelle. Although located in the lively St-Nicolas district, the hotel is set in a quiet street and offers its guests the luxury of a shaded terrace in the heart of the old town.

Gâteaux fait maison au petit-déjeuner de l'hôtel
© Hôtel Saint Nicolas / Booking

Fitness room, co-working space, bar and restaurant, and even a glass roof for breakfast: the hotel's facilities are sure to make your stay a success!

Hotel Saint Nicolas La Rochelle
Booking.com

Hotel Saint Nicolas

Between the station and the port, you can easily discover the bohemian district of St-Nicolas.
8.4 Very good
From
£83 / night
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10. Hôtel La Monnaie Art & Spa

Chambre luxueuse dans un style baroque
© Hôtel La Monnaie Art & Spa / Booking

Housed in a former money workshop, this 16th-century building would almost pass for a museum thanks to its works of art, a blend of Baroque and street art.

In the city centre, but away from the hustle and bustle, you can reach the two towers of the Old Port in less than 5 minutes.

The modern bathroom and its toiletries
© Hôtel La Monnaie Art & Spa / Booking

The decoration of the rooms oscillates between modernity and classicism, giving an atypical atmosphere to the whole place. The bathrooms are an invitation to relax, but if you want to go further, the hotel's Spa area is just the thing for a moment of escape...

Hôtel La Monnaie Art & Spa La Rochelle
Booking.com

Hôtel La Monnaie Art & Spa

An eclectic, central hotel for strolling the streets of La Rochelle!
8.7 Superb
From
£130 / night
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by Editorial Team
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