Hôtel de la Gare Nantes Station Hotel

Presentation

The Hôtel de la Gare, in Nantes, lives up to its name: it stands literally opposite the SNCF train station, on the Jardin des Plantes side, north entrance. No need to drag a suitcase for miles to get there.

From the lobby onward, the atmosphere is more family-oriented than institutional. Reception is open twenty-four hours a day, which matters if you arrive on a late train or leave at dawn. Luggage can be left free of charge if the room is not yet ready - check-in is from 1 p.m., check-out before 11 a.m. - but the baggage storage service handles these timing gaps with flexibility.

The 28 rooms, all non-smoking, are spread over four floors served by an elevator. On the walls, reproductions of watercolors depict Nantes as it appeared in the nineteenth century, without overdoing it. The bathroom is fully equipped, with a bathtub or shower depending on the room. A small desk provides space for a computer. The telephone is still there, discreetly. The television, with a 32-inch flat screen, receives Canal+ and the usual channels, including Eurosport. The wifi runs on fiber, is free, and handles the load.

As for soundproofing, the double glazing in the rooms facing the station was designed for that: two rows of windows, and train noise stays outside. One drawback, however: the rooms are not accessible to people with reduced mobility, despite the presence of an elevator. Affected travelers should check this point before booking, or turn to another hotel in the neighborhood.

In the morning, a continental breakfast awaits, served in the dining room or brought directly to the room - for an additional charge, to be included in the budget if you want that comfort.

Parking is not on-site but very close by, at the paid NGE Gare Nord parking lot. A detail to plan for if you are arriving by car.

Small pets are accepted, and a baby cot or an extra bed can be added depending on availability.

Once outside, the city unfolds quickly: five minutes’ walk is enough to reach the Jardin des Plantes, the Museum of Arts, the pedestrian historic center, the Château of the Dukes of Brittany, the cathedral, the Cité des Congrès, or Le Lieu Unique.

Summary of a few positive reviews read on the Web

• Quiet room despite the station being right nearby. The double glazing does a good job, you can hardly hear the trains or the tram.
• Decent breakfast, fresh products, but a bit limited when it comes to dairy. Nothing bothersome for an overnight stop before a morning train.
• A night porter is on site. Appreciated when arriving late after a delayed train.
• Free baggage storage upon arrival. Handy for dropping off luggage before room access time.
• Location right opposite the station, about a five-minute walk from the Château of the Dukes of Brittany. Very convenient for a quick trip to and from Nantes.
• Simple but clean room, friendly reception staff. The hallway carpet could use a refresh, but that remains a minor detail.

Services

Other services

General

• Pets allowed

Miscellaneous

• Non-smoking rooms
• Family rooms
• Elevator
• Soundproof rooms
• Heating
• Entirely non-smoking property
• Key access

5 Allée Commandant Charcot, 44000 Nantes

Photo gallery