Please select your travel dates to see rates and availability
Check In
Check Out
1 room2 guests1 room, 2 guests
Info
Summary of reviewsHôtel de la Cité enjoys a prime location within the historic city walls of Saint-Malo, offering guests unique, picturesque views and easy access to the city's main attractions, beach, restaurants and shops. This setting provides both convenience for daytime explorations and a tranquil retreat with a calm, serene atmosphere. The standout feature of this hotel is its advantageous position, perfect for immersing oneself in Saint-Malo's rich history and vibrant culture.
The hotel's breakfast receives mixed reviews. It is generally appreciated for its quality and abundant fresh produce with guests enjoying a varied selection that includes continental and British options. However, some find it lacks variety and is overpriced with criticisms directed at the industrial pastries and cold boiled eggs offered. The breakfast room itself is praised for its beautiful decor and scenic views, though some guests note issues like a broken coffee machine and a noisy environment.
Dining at the hotel offers a romantic and enjoyable atmosphere, thanks in part to the hotel's collaboration with the Châteaubriant brewery. Guests appreciate the convenience of nearby dining options and the charming setting of the hotel’s brasserie and rooftop gastronomic restaurant. The attentiveness of the staff enhances the experience, although there are mixed feelings about the quality and pricing of the food. Some guests recommend exploring nearby restaurants for a more satisfying culinary experience.
Rooms at Hôtel de la Cité are generally described as spacious and comfortable with large beds and modern amenities. Positive comments highlight the clean environment, tasteful decor and features such as sea views and good bedding. However, there are reports of outdated or poorly maintained rooms, noise issues and cleanliness concerns, such as dirty carpets and moldy bathrooms.
The hotel cleanliness is a mixed bag with many guests finding their rooms clean and comfortable, while others point out significant shortcomings like dirty carpets and mold in bathrooms. The cleaning standards appear inconsistent, affecting the overall guest experience.
The staff, however, are consistently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing significantly to positive guest experiences. They are noted for being polite, professional and accommodating with specific commendations for the reception staff’s exceptional service. Despite occasional criticisms of unhelpfulness, the majority of feedback highlights the staff's positive impact on stays.
The WiFi service at the hotel is a notable drawback with many guests experiencing weak or non-existent connections, especially in their rooms. While the rooms are comfortable and the staff's attitude enhances the experience, the poor WiFi is a concern for those needing stable internet access.
For beach lovers, the hotel's location is ideal, offering effortless access to the sandy shores of Saint-Malo. Guests benefit from being just a minute's walk away from the beach, making coastal activities easily accessible.
Families are well-catered for at Hôtel de la Cité with spacious rooms and family-friendly amenities such as family duplexes and suites equipped with kitchenettes. Free baby cots and other practical features make it a suitable choice for those traveling with children.
The beds receive positive remarks for their comfort and quality with many guests appreciating the large, luxurious beds and good bedding. However, there are some complaints about low-quality or outdated bedding and discomfort with certain mattress setups.
The hotel's three-star rating is a point of contention with guests experiencing a mix of updated and outdated facilities. Issues such as dilapidated bathrooms, lukewarm water and poor service quality detract from the overall experience, leading some to question the hotel's rating.
Lastly, Hôtel de la Cité is particularly praised for being dog-friendly, enhancing the guest experience for pet owners. The hotel's accommodating policy and friendly staff make it a welcoming environment for both guests and their dogs. Show more
Read review summaries for all categories
Categories
Family Friendly Hotel
This hotel is considered one of the top family-friendly hotels in Saint-Malo. It is well-regarded by previous guests.
Dog Friendly Hotel
Located within the historic ramparts, this hotel provides a unique and welcoming experience for pets. Its central location allows easy access to the beaches and iconic sites of Saint-Malo, perfect for exploring with your dog.
3-Star Hotel
Located in Intra Muros, this hotel offers breakfast options and is favorably reviewed. It is conveniently situated in Saint-Malo.
Hotel near The Beach
Room Types
Standard Double or Twin RoomRooms with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and a bath or shower.
Standard Double or Twin Room with Partial Sea ViewProviding free toiletries, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. The twin/double room features sea views.
Superior Double or Twin RoomProviding free toiletries, this twin/double room includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. This twin/double room provides a TV.
Superior Double or Twin Room with Sea ViewThe spacious twin/double room features a private bathroom equipped with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. This twin/double room offers a tea and coffee maker, a TV and sea views.
Family Duplex with kitchenetteRooms are 58 square metres.
Children cannot be accommodated in this room.
Family Duplex with Sea View and KitchenetteRooms are 80 square metres.
Children cannot be accommodated in this room.
Please note that an extra bed cannot be accommodated in this room.
Studio with Kitchenette - Sea ViewProviding free toiletries, this studio includes a private bathroom with a bath or a shower and a hairdryer. Meals can be prepared in the well-fitted kitchenette, which is equipped with a refrigerator, kitchenware and a microwave. This studio features a tea and coffee maker, a dining area, a TV and sea views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Guest Reviews
7.7
Good
Location
Nestled within the historic city walls of Saint-Malo, Hôtel de la Cité boasts an exceptional and highly praised location, making it an ideal choice for visitors wanting to explore this charming seaside town. Perfectly positioned at the foot of the ramparts and within easy reach of the city's main attractions, guests frequently highlight the hotel's proximity to the beach, restaurants, shops and the bustling city center. The geographic placement within the intracultural walls allows for a convenient and immersive experience, offering picturesque views of the sea and the old town's unique architecture.
Visitors consistently commend the hotel's setting as perfect for walking around and exploring on foot, emphasizing its centrality and ease of access to Saint-Malo's celebrated sites. The location is not only convenient for daytime adventures but also for enjoying the vibrant nightlife with numerous cafes, bars and bistros just steps away. The calm and serene environment of the hotel provides a quiet retreat amid the historic scenery.
In addition to its superb location, the hotel is noted for its friendly and welcoming staff, who enhance the overall experience, ensuring that stays are both comfortable and memorable. With clean, spacious rooms and modern amenities, Hôtel de la Cité stands out as a top choice for travelers seeking to delve into the rich history and natural beauty of Saint-Malo from a vantage point embedded within its storied walls.
Breakfast
Guests who stayed at Hôtel de la Cité had mixed feelings about the breakfast offered at the hotel. The majority appreciated the quality and abundance with comments noting a very good, hearty and plentiful breakfast, supplemented by fresh produce. Many enjoyed the wide selection available at the buffet with some describing it as excellent, varied and featuring both continental and British options.
However, several guests felt that while the breakfast was good, it lacked variety and leaned towards being basic. The high price point of €15 per person was a common critique with many feeling it was expensive given the offerings. Some also noted that industrial pastries and cold boiled eggs contributed to a less than exceptional experience. Issues like broken coffee machines and noisy breakfast rooms were also mentioned by a few guests.
Despite these criticisms, the setting of the breakfast room itself received praise for being beautiful, overlooking historical ramparts and decorated with historical paintings. The service during breakfast had its ups and downs with some guests praising attentive and helpful staff, while others pointed out inconsistencies and less supportive interactions.
In summary, while the breakfast at Hôtel de la Cité is generally considered good with ample and fresh choices, it poses value concerns for some guests and could benefit from greater variety and quality improvements.
Dinner
The restaurant experience at Hôtel de la Cité delivers varied impressions among its guests. The hotel benefits from a partnership with the Châteaubriant brewery and features a romantic restaurant, which is often praised for its atmosphere. Additionally, the hotel's location is highly convenient, placing guests just a minute away from numerous dining options, cafes and shops. Some highlight the presence of a brasserie overlooking the square and a gastronomic restaurant on the roof as delightful enhancements to their stay, making it a memorable part of their travels in Brittany.
The staff at the hotel generally receive positive feedback for their attentiveness and useful advice on local dining and sightseeing. However, there are mixed reviews regarding the on-site dining experiences. While some guests appreciate the quality of the food, others find the dinner offerings lackluster and express disappointment with certain dishes and the price-to-quality ratio. Furthermore, the absence of included dinner and dissatisfaction with buffet hygiene has been pointed out by several guests.
In summary, the hotel's convenient location and some charming dining options are strong points, though potential guests should consider variances in experiences and potentially explore nearby restaurant alternatives for a more satisfying culinary experience.
Rooms
The guest reviews for Hôtel de la Cité paint a varied picture of the rooms offered. On the positive side, many guests appreciated the spaciousness of the rooms, often highlighting the large and comfortable beds. Some rooms feature a modern, well-appointed and clean environment with good size and tasteful decoration. Sea views from some rooms and the central location near shops and attractions were highly praised. The presence of amenities like tea and coffee provisions, multiple shower heads and good bedding added to the comfort.
However, not all reviews were glowing. Some guests experienced discrepancies between the room they booked and the one they received, citing issues with outdated or poorly maintained rooms. Noise was a common complaint, particularly for rooms facing busy streets or bars. Cleanliness was another significant concern with reports of dirty carpets, stained bedding and moldy bathrooms. Some rooms lacked basic amenities like hairdryers, adequate ventilation and sufficient storage space.
Overall, while quite a few guests found the rooms pleasant and comfortable, others noted that the hotel could benefit from more consistent maintenance and renovations. Traveler experiences seem to vary widely, suggesting the importance of room selection and personal preference in determining satisfaction.
Beds
The beds at Hôtel de la Cité are generally praised for their comfort and quality. Many guests have highlighted the large size of the beds, frequently mentioning king-size and super king-size options. The bedding is often described as excellent with luxurious, fluffy towels adding to the overall experience. Rooms are typically clean, tidy and spacious, contributing to a comfortable stay. However, some reviews mention issues with low-quality or outdated bedding and a few guests noted discomfort with mattresses or the fact that some double beds are simply two singles pushed together. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the positive feedback about the beds and bedding suggests a generally satisfying sleep experience.
Cleanliness
The cleanliness standards at Hôtel de la Cité are mixed according to guest reviews. Guests positively note that many rooms are clean, tidy and spacious with some describing the hotel and rooms as very clean, warm and comfortable. Numerous reviewers also appreciated clean bedding and towels, as well as the cleanliness in certain bathrooms and newly renovated amenities.
However, there are frequent mentions of issues such as dirty carpets, stained flooring and dust in various areas. Notably, several reviews highlight a persistent problem with stained and worn carpets, both in rooms and common areas like hallways and elevators. There are reports of dirty bathrooms, mold in showers and poorly maintained fixtures. Guest feedback also indicates inconsistent and inadequate cleaning practices, including unemptied rubbish bins, floors that remain dirty and superficial room cleaning. Common areas, including stairwells and corridors, are frequently described as damaged and dirty, contributing to a general impression of neglect.
Overall, while some guests found the hotel clean and comfortable, others noted significant shortcomings in cleanliness and maintenance that detracted from their stay.
Staff
Guests of Hôtel de la Cité consistently praise the staff for being friendly, welcoming and helpful. Many guests highlight the staff's politeness, professionalism and accommodating nature. The reception in particular receives high marks for its exceptional and attentive service with staff members being described as smiling, courteous and responsive to requests promptly. Several reviews specifically commend individual staff members by name, noting their exceptional kindness and positive attitudes, which enhanced the overall guest experience.
Despite overwhelming positive feedback, there are occasional criticisms with a few guests encountering unhelpful or cold behavior from certain staff members, particularly in reception and housekeeping. These incidents, however, seem to be exceptions rather than the norm. Overall, the hotel staff’s friendliness and willingness to go the extra mile significantly contribute to the positive experiences reported by many guests.
Wi-Fi
Hôtel de la Cité offers a stay with very comfortable and spacious rooms, complemented by comfy beds and overall cleanliness, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere for guests. The staff exhibits a friendly and positive attitude, enhancing the overall experience. The bathrooms are well-equipped, featuring extra towels for added convenience.
However, the hotel's WiFi service leaves much to be desired. Despite advertising free WiFi, many guests have experienced issues such as weak or non-existent connections, particularly in their rooms. The WiFi, when it works, tends to be slow with many reporting that the signal is only reliable in common areas or occasionally functioning in the bathroom of their room. This lack of reliable internet can be a significant drawback for those needing stable connectivity during their stay.
In summary, while Hôtel de la Cité excels in comfort and service, the WiFi issues could be a point of concern for travelers relying on a dependable internet connection.
Beach
Hôtel de la Cité boasts an enviable location for beach lovers, offering effortless access to the pristine sandy shores just a short walk away. Perfectly situated within the ramparts, guests find themselves merely a minute's stroll from the beach, making it an ideal spot for those eager to enjoy coastal activities. The proximity to the sea is highlighted by various positive remarks, underscoring the ease with which visitors can transition from hotel comfort to beachfront relaxation. Being opposite the beach and near local restaurants and bars, this hotel provides a blend of convenience and accessibility. Overall, its closeness to the beach ensures guests can effortlessly indulge in water sports or simply bask in the sun with minimal effort.
Family
Hôtel de la Cité is well-regarded for its family-friendly amenities, making it an excellent choice for those traveling with children. Families can enjoy spacious rooms, including options like the family duplex which provides ample space spread across two floors. The family suites are particularly noteworthy, being both beautiful and functional with some featuring a small kitchenette ideal for preparing simple meals. Free baby cots are available, adding convenience for those with infants. Overall, the hotel is highly recommended for families, offering both comfort and practicality during their stay.
3 Star
Hôtel de la Cité has received mixed feedback regarding its facilities and services. While some guests found the rooms to be comfortable and meeting the standards of a typical French 3-star establishment, others expressed disappointment with various aspects. The hotel appears to suffer from inconsistent renovations, resulting in a mix of outdated and updated areas. Several patrons highlighted issues such as dilapidated and moldy bathrooms, significant odors in rooms, clogged sinks and lukewarm water in bathtubs.
Breakfast service was notably problematic with multiple mentions of a broken coffee machine that was not fixed in a timely manner and a general lack of reaction from the reception staff to reported issues. The overall service quality was frequently described as poor and not up to 3-star expectations.
Despite some useful amenities like a manicure set and body lotion being mentioned, the negative aspects significantly overshadowed the positive ones. The general sentiment suggests that Hôtel de la Cité falls short of the standards typically associated with a 3-star hotel with many guests indicating that the hotel does not deserve its current rating.
Dog Friendly
Hôtel de la Cité is highly praised for its dog-friendly policy, making it a welcoming choice for pet owners. Guests commend the establishment for being especially accommodating to dogs at a reasonable price. The staff is noted for their politeness and pleasant demeanor. Dogs are welcomed without issue in various areas of the hotel, including the restaurant, where pets can accompany their owners during meals. This acceptance extends to dogs lounging by the breakfast table without any staff intervention. Overall, the hotel's efforts to welcome pets contribute positively to the guest experience.
No, Hôtel de la Cité doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Hôtel de la Cité.
Yes, Hôtel de la Cité welcomes dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Hôtel de la Cité.