La Rochelle, 13 rue Sardinerie46.158135,-1.148913(Show on Map)
9.1
Excellent
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Checkin - Checkout dates
1 Room2 Guests
Info
Summary of reviews
Hôtel Saint Nicolas presents an idyllic combination of charm, convenience and exceptional hospitality, making it a highly recommended destination for travelers visiting La Rochelle. The hotel is lauded for its superb location in the heart of La Rochelle, allowing guests to explore major attractions like the old port, Saint-Nicolas historic district, vibrant city center and numerous restaurants and bars, all within walking distance. The serene atmosphere offers a peaceful retreat despite the central location, enhanced by picturesque surroundings and efficient access to public transport and off-street parking.
Guests particularly cherish the breakfast experience, noting its high quality, variety and the range of options including hot dishes, continental favorites, local products and homemade items. The breakfast service, starting early and catering to various dietary needs, is often highlighted as a memorable part of the stay, set in a pleasant environment such as a glass-roofed conservatory.
The dining options at Hôtel Saint Nicolas provide comfort and variety with quality dishes like risotto and charcuterie boards and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere for both drinks and dinner. While some found the evening menu limited, the presence of local nearby restaurants compensates well. The attentive service, especially by the night staff, adds to a positive dining experience within the hotel.
The rooms at Hôtel Saint Nicolas are commended for their cleanliness, modern amenities, cozy and comfortable beds and tasteful decor. While some guests noted the rooms could be small, the soundproofing and thoughtful design often overshadow these concerns. The rooms are well-maintained, equipped with conveniences like coffee machines and air conditioning, contributing to an overall comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Cleanliness is a standout feature with the hotel maintaining high hygiene standards across rooms and common areas, consistently providing a distraction-free and pleasant environment for guests.
The hotel staff receive high praise for their exceptional service, friendliness and professionalism. Guests frequently mention the staff's helpfulness and willingness to go above and beyond, ensuring a welcoming and enjoyable experience from check-in to departure.
While WiFi service had some mixed reviews, many guests found the connection satisfactory in public areas and certain rooms. The hotel offers a small, well-equipped gym, providing an added benefit for fitness enthusiasts.
Hôtel Saint Nicolas also offers secure parking options, including provisions for electric vehicle charging, making it convenient for guests with cars, albeit with some notes about the narrowness of parking spaces.
Families traveling to Hôtel Saint Nicolas will find it particularly accommodating with features like family rooms, child-friendly dining options and a welcoming atmosphere. The hotel's proximity to a vibrant nightlife scene is a bonus for those seeking entertainment, although nighttime noise can occasionally be an issue.
In summary, Hôtel Saint Nicolas excels in providing a convenient, comfortable and enjoyable stay with excellent hospitality, a prime location and high standards of cleanliness, making it an ideal choice for a diverse range of travelers visiting La Rochelle.
Categories
Sustainability Journey
Le Saint-Nicolas is deeply committed to sustainable tourism, implementing a comprehensive CSR policy. This includes using Ecolabel certified cleaning products, integrating thermal insulation, and controlling air conditioning for energy reduction. The hotel also features water fountains to minimize plastic waste, invests in energy efficiency like LED lighting and future photovoltaic panels, and partners with local environmental associations.
Honeymoon
This hotel in La Rochelle is known for its romantic atmosphere and central location. Its charm and accessibility make it a popular choice for couples.
Dog Friendly
This hotel is known for its dog-friendly policies and amenities, making it a great choice for pet owners. The staff is welcoming and accommodating, and the rooms are designed to comfortably host pets and their owners.
Nightlife
Located on Rue Sardinerie in La Rochelle, this hotel is close to numerous bars and pubs. The Saint-Nicolas district is known for its vibrant nightlife, making it a great choice for those looking to explore the city's evening scene.
Business
This hotel offers four meeting rooms with capacities ranging from 15 to 60 people, suitable for seminars and business events. Co-working space and a business center are also available.
Parking
This hotel offers parking and is located in the heart of La Rochelle. It's set in a renovated building that combines historical charm with contemporary design.
EV charging stations
Gym
This hotel's gym receives mixed reviews, but is considered to be well-equipped. It offers a calm setting that guests appreciate, enhancing their overall experience. Some guests find it well-equipped and fantastic, highlighting equipment, comfort, cleanliness and style.
EV charging stations
Hotel Saint Nicolas guests have found ample support for electric vehicles. The hotel offers a variety of EV charging options, including private EV chargers and a dedicated electric vehicle support station.
4 Star
This renovated hotel is located in the heart of La Rochelle, steps from the Old Port. It offers refined rooms, a welcoming lounge bar, and tailored services. Breakfast options are available.
Family
Accessible
Room Types
Cosy Double RoomAir-conditioned room with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV.
This room can accommodate guests with reduced mobility.
Cosy Triple RoomAir-conditioned room with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV.
Cosy Twin RoomAir-conditioned room with free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV.
Superior Cosy Double RoomThis room has a private bathroom with free toiletries.
This room can accommodate guests with reduced mobility.
Privilege RoomThis triple room has air conditioning and cable TV.
Superior Cosy Twin RoomProviding free toiletries, this twin room includes a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. The twin room provides air conditioning, soundproof walls, a tea and coffee maker, a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The unit offers 2 beds.
Privilege Room with BalconyThis double room has a satellite TV, air conditioning and a balcony.
Junior SuiteThis triple room features air conditioning, cable TV.
Guest Reviews
9.1
Excellent
Review Summaries
Location
Hôtel Saint Nicolas boasts an exceptional location that has garnered high praise from its guests. Nestled in the heart of La Rochelle, it offers close proximity to major attractions such as the old port, the vibrant city center, the historic district of Saint-Nicolas and an array of restaurants and bars. Guests appreciate the convenience of being able to explore the city on foot with the hotel being just minutes away from the harbor, the train station and popular tourist spots like the aquarium and market square.
The hotel's central position means everything is close by, yet it remains a serene retreat tucked away from the busy streets, providing a peaceful atmosphere for a restful stay. The immediate vicinity is charming with its picturesque areas, lively squares and lovely terraces, perfect for soaking up the local ambiance. With amenities such as off-street parking, Hôtel Saint Nicolas ensures ease of access whether guests are arriving by car or public transport.
This hotel is described as an ideal base for discovering the wonders of La Rochelle, allowing guests to enjoy a car-free stay where all the city's highlights are within walking distance. The combination of its prime location and quiet surroundings, complemented by friendly and attentive staff, makes Hôtel Saint Nicolas a highly recommended choice for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the charm and convenience of La Rochelle.
Breakfast
When it comes to breakfast at Hôtel Saint Nicolas, guest reviews paint a delightful picture of an experience that starts the day off right. The breakfast is lauded for its high quality, variety and sheer abundance. Words like "excellent," "very good," and "delicious" appear frequently with many guests emphasizing the extensive selection available.
Guests appreciate the mix of hot and continental options, including scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, meats, cheeses, yogurts, fruits, cereals and fresh baked croissants. Local products and homemade items, such as cakes, add a special touch that enhances the authenticity and quality of the meal.
The breakfast is described as hearty and generous with enough choices to satisfy different dietary needs, including gluten-free options and organic products. The morning feast is set in a pleasant and sometimes picturesque environment, such as a glass-roofed conservatory, which adds to the overall dining experience.
Starting as early as 6.30am, the well-stocked buffet ensures guests can enjoy a full, satisfying breakfast before heading out for the day. The high standards of food hygiene and the attentive service further elevate the experience, making it not just a meal, but a highlight of the stay.
Overall, the breakfast at Hôtel Saint Nicolas is highly recommended and it often stands out as a memorable part of the guest experience.
Dinner
The Hôtel Saint Nicolas offers a mixed but predominantly favorable dining experience for its guests. Many appreciated the variety of meal options, noting the quality of dishes like risotto, charcuterie and cheese boards and fine dining selections. The restaurant provides a pleasant and comfortable atmosphere for both drinks and dinner with options to enjoy aperitifs outside or in the cozy lounges.
Service receives high marks, particularly the welcoming and accommodating night staff who went out of their way to prepare meals and serve drinks to late-arriving guests. Additionally, the small in-room catering service and the excellent meal trays were well-received, adding to the overall comfort and convenience for those too tired to dine out.
Breakfast seemed to hit the mark with offerings like croissants and coffee and the option to order breakfast in bed at no extra charge was a delightful touch. Guests enjoyed the homemade jars and the unique apple pineapple compote, which stood out as particularly delicious.
On the downside, some guests found the evening menu limited and overpriced with complaints about dishes being akin to microwave meals or overly simple. However, the convenience of nearby good local restaurants provides alternative dining options.
Overall, Hôtel Saint Nicolas seems to strike a balance between comfortable dining within the hotel and offering enough variety and quality to leave guests largely satisfied.
Rooms
Nestled in the heart of La Rochelle, Hôtel Saint Nicolas offers charm and comfort in its diverse range of rooms. While some guests found the rooms to be on the smaller side, many praised their well-thought-out design and soundproofing, making them perfect sanctuaries amidst a bustling environment. The recently renovated rooms boast modern amenities and tasteful decor. The cozy and comfortable beds seem to be a consistent highlight with many reviewers mentioning the quality of the bedding and overall room comfort.
The rooms come equipped with modern conveniences such as coffee machines and air conditioning, which are greatly appreciated by guests. Though some bathrooms were noted as small, they are functional and clean, adding to the overall positive experience. Superior rooms and family options provide more space, though they still maintain a cozy ambiance.
Cleanliness is a recurring theme in the feedback with many guests noting that the rooms are spotless and well-appointed. The decor is frequently described as tasteful and elegant, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. Added touches like slippers and bathrobes in some rooms enhance the sense of comfort.
Despite occasional comments about limited space and quirky layouts, the general consensus is that Hôtel Saint Nicolas provides a comfortable, well-equipped stay with a combination of modern amenities, excellent cleanliness and a touch of elegance, all set within a prime location that makes exploring La Rochelle convenient and enjoyable.
Beds
Hôtel Saint Nicolas receives stellar feedback when it comes to the comfort of its beds. Guests consistently describe the beds as comfortable, often mentioning the high quality of the bedding. Both twin and king-size beds come highly recommended for their comfort with phrases like "comfortable beds," "super comfortable," and "quality sleep comfort" frequently appearing in the reviews.
The rooms have reportedly been refurbished recently and many guests note the presence of good quality, large and cozy beds. Bedding comfort is frequently highlighted with terms such as "excellent bedding" and "high-quality bedding" reflecting the satisfaction of travelers. Clean and new beds further contribute to a relaxing stay.
A consistently positive theme is the comfort of the bedding, often described as perfect with a pleasant room ambiance enhancing the sleep experience. Despite minor issues like firmness preferences and occasional bed frame movements, the majority of guests find the beds exemplary for a good night’s rest.
Adaptability to individual preferences could be improved with some guests noting that softer beds would be appreciated. Nonetheless, the overall feedback suggests that Hôtel Saint Nicolas excels in providing guests with a comfortable and restful sleep environment.
Cleanliness
Reviews for Hôtel Saint Nicolas highlight it as an exemplar of cleanliness and comfort. Words like impeccable, spotlessly clean and hyper-clean appear frequently, depicting an establishment that prioritizes hygiene. Guests consistently remark that the rooms are very clean, well-maintained and often describe the hotel as modern and pleasant.
The high standards of cleanliness extend throughout the property, from the spa to the common areas, ensuring a small distraction-free stay. Even the breakfast service receives praise for cleanliness, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Despite sporadic complaints about specific issues such as noisy stairs, small bath towels or occasional musty smells, these instances seem isolated. The majority emphasize the hotel's meticulous attention to cleanliness standards, further illustrated by reviewers noting rooms were cleaned more than once during their stay.
Overall, Hôtel Saint Nicolas receives unwavering appreciation for its clean, comfortable and modern facilities.
Staff
Hôtel Saint Nicolas boasts a staff that consistently receives high praise for their exceptional level of service and friendliness. Guests repeatedly highlight the team's helpfulness, attentiveness and welcoming nature, making interactions warm and pleasant from the moment of arrival. The reception staff, noted for their politeness and professional demeanor, are always ready to offer valuable advice on local attractions and amenities, ensuring a well-rounded and enjoyable stay. Reviews frequently mention the staff's ability to go above and beyond, providing thoughtful and dedicated service that includes handling special requests with efficiency and a smile. The friendliness and charming attitude of the personnel add a delightful touch to the hotel's ambiance, earning them commendations for their courteous and approachable manner. Overall, the hotel staff at Hôtel Saint Nicolas sets a benchmark for hospitality, consistently delivering a high level of customer satisfaction.
Wi-Fi
Guests at Hôtel Saint Nicolas have had mixed experiences regarding the WiFi. On the positive side, many guests reported that WiFi is available throughout the hotel and described the connection as very good, great and even high speed in some areas. Free WiFi was mentioned several times with functional and efficient coverage primarily noted in the lobby area. Good internet access and strong connections were appreciated by several guests, highlighting a generally reliable and accessible service.
However, not all feedback was positive. Several reviews pointed out poor connections and intermittent service, especially in some rooms and during peak hours. Issues like a weak and unreliable signal, slow speeds and the need to frequently reconnect were common complaints. Some guests noted an absence of WiFi details or difficulty in obtaining the WiFi code. Additionally, for those whose WiFi expectations weren't met, recommendations for improvement included providing better signals and more thorough WiFi information.
In summary, while Hôtel Saint Nicolas provides satisfactory WiFi service in certain areas, there is room for improvement, particularly in reaching consistency across all rooms and busy periods.
Gym
Hôtel Saint Nicolas offers a calm setting that guests appreciate, enhancing their overall experience. The gym at the hotel receives mixed reviews. Some guests find it well-equipped and fantastic, highlighting equipment, comfort, cleanliness and style. Others note that although the gym is clean, it is small and could use some improvements. Nonetheless, the presence of a fitness center is a positive aspect for guests who prioritize maintaining their workout routines.
Parking
Hôtel Saint Nicolas offers secure and private parking options, including underground parking with locked gates, ensuring the safety of vehicles. Guests find the parking to be a significant convenience, especially in the city center with some mentioning its affordability. Many appreciate the reserved parking spaces, which guarantee availability and peace of mind. However, it's noted that the parking spaces are often very narrow, making it challenging for larger vehicles. Despite this, the secure nature of the parking is frequently highlighted as a major positive aspect. The parking comes at a cost of €13 per night, which some guests find reasonable, while others suggest booking in advance due to limited availability. Overall, the parking facilities at Hôtel Saint Nicolas are seen as a valuable feature, albeit with some limitations regarding space and the necessity to reserve spots ahead of time.
EV charging stations
At Hôtel Saint Nicolas, guests have found ample support for electric vehicles. The hotel offers a variety of EV charging options, including private EV chargers and a dedicated electric vehicle support station. Parking at the hotel costs €13 and includes the use of charging facilities, making it convenient for guests with electric cars. There are both public and private charging stations available, although one review mentioned a lack of specified charging in the parking lot. Overall, the availability of EV chargers has been positively noted by guests, making Hôtel Saint Nicolas a practical choice for electric vehicle owners.
Family
Hôtel Saint Nicolas is ideal for families, offering an array of features that cater specifically to those traveling with children. The hotel boasts family rooms, including duplex options and connecting rooms, ensuring ample space and comfort for family stays. The atmosphere is very welcoming for both children and adults with many guests highlighting the excellent child-friendliness and pleasant family ambiance.
The dining experience is particularly kid-friendly with the hotel providing high chairs at breakfast and offering gluten-free bread options. Free meals for children are available, making mealtime convenient for parents. The overall ambiance at breakfast, complemented by great food and friendly staff, further enhances the family-friendly experience.
The hotel’s neat, tidy and clean rooms accommodate families well, even those bringing pets along. While there are no specific amenities for children mentioned, the environment itself is deemed very accommodating for young families. The hotel’s staff receive positive feedback for their genuine hospitality and helpfulness, contributing to a comfortable and pleasant stay for families. The general consensus among guests is that Hôtel Saint Nicolas is highly recommendable for family vacations, ensuring a memorable and stress-free experience for parents and their children.
Nightlife
The area around Hôtel Saint Nicolas boasts a fantastic location for those seeking vibrant nightlife with multiple bars, clubs and restaurants in close proximity. Guests appreciate the hotel's walking distance to numerous dining options, local bars and the harbor, providing a great range of choices. Reviewers highlight the lively neighborhood, which offers an excellent entertainment district and easy access to nightlife spots. Several nightlife bars and nightclubs are within reach, ensuring a varied and enjoyable evening experience.
However, this vibrant atmosphere means that nighttime noise can be an issue. Some guests report disturbances from nearby bars and street noise, though others mention that the area tends to quiet down at night, providing a balance between liveliness and tranquility. Overall, the proximity to the city center and old town nightlife, along with the variety of nearby dining and drinking establishments, makes the hotel's location highly favorable for those looking to explore the local scene.
3 Star
Hôtel Saint Nicolas delivers a solid and pleasant stay experience with a calming atmosphere, especially for those seeking a peaceful retreat. The hotel impresses with its modern building and stylishly decorated rooms that reflect a recent renovation. Facilities are superb, comfortable and align well with the high standards of cleanliness maintained throughout the hotel. Despite its official three-star rating, many guests found it to be of higher quality with some even comparing it to a four-star establishment. The service is notably exceptional with very friendly and welcoming staff contributing to an overall positive experience.
Conveniently located and easily accessible to the port and town, the hotel offers good value for money. However, guests noted that the three-star rating is evident in certain aspects, such as the basic restaurant and typical 3-star amenities. Some rooms are small, typical for hotels in this category and there were occasional mentions of outdated facilities and average cleanliness. Noise insulation between rooms and adjoining bathrooms could be better.
Overall, Hôtel Saint Nicolas meets the standard expectations for a three-star hotel, offering charming character and comfort. It is a good choice for its category and ticks most boxes for a pleasant stay. While it fits well within its three-star rating, it often feels like it exceeds the typical standards, making it a favorable option for travelers seeking reasonable rates without compromising on quality and comfort.
Business
Hôtel Saint Nicolas is highly recommended for business travelers, offering a superb blend of convenience, efficiency and essential amenities. Its prime location near the city center and easy accessibility make it an excellent choice for those in town for work. Guests commend the hotel for its well-equipped business rooms and suitable facilities, which include superb meeting rooms and helpful coworker suites. The staff, described as professional and attentive, are known for their quick responses and exceptional service, particularly at reception. The hotel also provides a business-friendly environment with efficient services, ensuring a comfortable and productive stay. Additionally, the breakfast buffet receives positive remarks, rounding out a productive and pleasant business travel experience.
Accessible
Hôtel Saint Nicolas receives positive feedback for its accessibility features, making it a comfortable choice for guests with disabilities. The hotel offers accessible rooms with designated facilities, ensuring comfort for wheelchair users and elderly individuals. Accessible parking is available, though it is noted to be limited in height and better suited for smaller vehicles. The hotel's prime location near attractions and the train station further enhances its appeal.
Rooms are equipped with features that cater to mobility issues and specific details about accessibility are shared to help guests make informed choices. Some rooms are highlighted for their accessibility features, including wheelchair-friendly areas and accessible bathrooms with great showers. However, feedback suggests that certain rooms and parking layouts would benefit from additional accessibility improvements.
The hotel’s neighborhood also contributes to its allure, being accessible and quiet, which ensures a pleasant stay. While some guests mention a need for extra accessibility details and features, the overall consensus indicates that Hôtel Saint Nicolas is a disabled-friendly hotel with easy access, suitable for all guests with various mobility needs.
Dog Friendly
Hôtel Saint Nicolas is a haven for travelers with furry companions, thanks to its well-documented dog-friendly policies and amenities. The hotel prides itself on fostering a canine-friendly environment, making it an excellent stop for pet owners. Dogs are warmly welcomed and the staff is notably friendly and accommodating, ensuring both pets and their owners feel at home.
The pet-friendly accommodations are thoughtfully designed with rooms that can comfortably host up to three people and a dog. Such considerations make the stay enjoyable for all members of the family, human and canine alike. However, pet owners should be aware that their furry friends are not allowed in the breakfast area, which is a minor inconvenience considering the otherwise comprehensive pet amenities.
While the hotel's commitment to being pet-friendly is evident, there is room for improvement in transparency regarding pet-related fees and conditions. Several reviews indicate a need for clearer communication about pet charges and a more detailed outline of pet policies. Additionally, some guests have suggested that the current pet fees should be more explicit and perhaps discounted.
Despite these minor concerns, the positive feedback overwhelmingly highlights the hotel as a friendly and comfortable retreat for pets and their owners. For those traveling with dogs, Hôtel Saint Nicolas comes highly recommended, offering a welcoming and accommodating environment that ensures a pleasant stay for both people and their four-legged friends.
FAQ
No, Le Saint-Nicolas doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Le Saint-Nicolas.
Yes, Le Saint-Nicolas welcomes dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Le Saint-Nicolas.
