JudyADenver

The hotel scene in La Rochelle looks rather grim. The information available is sadly lacking and from what I have read, nothing stands out as an obvious choice. We will be in La Rochelle for 3 or 4 nights and would like to have a comfortable, quiet room in a central location. Is the port area noisy?

Ile de Re is not logistically feasible which is a shame because there are some interesting sounding hotels in that area.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help

LynFrance

We stayed in a hotel in the port area a couple of years ago and it was not noisy.

I don't remember the name of the hotel, probably because it ws not memorable, but I do remember the view which was beautiful.

The hotel was right across the street from the water and within walking distance from pretty much everything.

There are a lot of good restaurants along the port.

hanl

Just wondering, what are the logistical reasons stopping you from visiting the Ile de Ré? There's a regular bus service from La Rochelle... and it's such a lovely place that if you were interested in visiting I'm sure you wouldn't regret it.

JudyADenver

I've read that the summer season doesn't really start until June on Ile de Re and we will be visiting in mid May. The bridge is something like 16E which makes commuting back and forth rather expensive. Our friends have a boat moored in the port of La Rochelle and they are staying near the port. Isn't the drive between Ile de Re and La Rochelle at least 1/2 hour?

StCirq

The drive between La Rochelle and Ile de Ré is only as long as it takes to get over the bridge, which can be jammed in high season.

There are plenty of nice hotels in La Rochelle - I don't understand what's "grim" about the choice. The Hôtel de l'Océan, Hôtel La Marine, Hôtel La Tour de Nesle, and Hôtel Le Savary are all well placed, comfortable, and attractive. The port area is bustling in high season, but I wouldn't call it "noisy," especially after dark when most of the tourists have moved inland to partake of the city's excellent restaurants.

hanl

Hadn't realised that you were visiting friends in La Rochelle. As others have said, there are plenty of pretty places to stay in the town - I haven't stayed in a hotel there but I remember reading a few reviews of nice places on this board in the past.

Nonetheless, Ile de Ré is worth a daytrip if you have time - just take the bus over and you'll avoid the bridge toll. Or do as the French do and hire a bike and cycle across. As regards the season, I think it's lovely to visit the island before the summer season gets into swing, as it can get very crowded. It's a beautiful place at any time of year. I've been there during every season (my husband's family are from the island) and I'd say that May is a fine time to visit. St Martin (the capital) is a pretty harbour town with enough to keep you occupied for a pleasant day trip, with stops for lunch and ice cream of course