5 Allée Duquesne - Cours Des 50 Otages, 44000 Nantes

Hotel Le Petit Duquesne

Name: Hotel Le Petit Duquesne
Address: 5 Allée Duquesne - Cours Des 50 Otages, Nantes, 44000, fr
Price range: 48 EUR - 71 EUR

Hotel 1-star in Nantes

Budget
With parking
Pets allowed
1 star

Presentation

The hotel Le Petit Duquesne enjoys a remarkable location on the Cours des 50 Otages, the main artery of Nantes, often compared by locals to the Champs-Élysées of their city. Even before stepping through the door, you are already at the heart of Nantes’ vibrant life, just a few steps from its most iconic monuments and within easy reach of transport options that allow you to explore the city effortlessly.

The building at 5 Allée Duquesne has a particularly unique history. Until the mid-1980s, locals knew it as the Gare Routière Nord, with the ticket counters of Cars Drouin on the ground floor and the Hôtel du Tourisme on the upper floors. This past is still palpable today, particularly in the staircase where remarkable cement mosaics reflect the aesthetic of the 1950s. It was only in 2017 that the Anolisa group undertook major renovation work, including the installation of private bathrooms in each room, thus transforming this memory-laden building into a modern and comfortable hotel.

The establishment comprises two distinct buildings. The first contains 19 rooms spread over four floors, accommodating between one and five people depending on the configuration. The second building, located in the immediate vicinity, offers 13 studios for one to four people, spread over three floors. These two entities form a coherent whole, suitable for solo travelers, families, or small groups.

It is useful to know that neither building has an elevator, and the hotel is not accessible to people with reduced mobility. For other travelers, the absence of an elevator is part of the building's 1950s charm, provided you plan ahead and travel with manageable luggage. This practical information should be taken into account at the time of booking to help organize your stay under the best conditions. On the other hand, pets are welcome, for an additional fee of five euros per night, showing special attention to travelers who do not wish to be separated from their companions.

The rooms at Le Petit Duquesne are soundproofed, a major asset in such a lively area as the Cours des 50 Otages. Despite the vibrancy of the neighborhood, you can expect peaceful and restful nights in an environment shielded from outside noise. Tranquility begins the moment you close your room door.

Each room is equipped with a private bathroom with shower and toilet, a flat-screen TV, a telephone, a desk, heating, and free WiFi access. Toiletries and a hairdryer are also provided. Housekeeping is done daily, ensuring a clean and tidy environment throughout your stay. The decor is simple and functional, focused on essential comfort without unnecessary frills.

The range of available rooms meets various needs: single rooms for solo travelers, double rooms for couples or business travelers, and family rooms accommodating up to five people. Connecting rooms are also available, offering a combined capacity of up to ten people for groups or large families. This configuration flexibility makes Le Petit Duquesne an adaptable choice for many types of travelers.

WiFi is available throughout the hotel, including in all rooms, at no extra cost. Whether you're on a business trip and need to stay connected, or on vacation and eager to share your experiences, you’ll have reliable internet access throughout your stay.

To start your day right, a buffet breakfast is served in the dining room each morning. On weekdays, it's available from 7:15 AM to 9:30 AM, and until 10:00 AM on weekends, giving you more flexibility on leisurely mornings. The buffet offers a generous selection: hot drinks, fresh bread, pastries, orange and apple juice, dairy products, cereals, and jams. The price is eight euros per person. If you are gluten intolerant, just inform the reception in advance so that an appropriate alternative can be arranged.

Reception operates during specific hours: from 7:00 to 11:00 in the morning and from 5:00 to 9:00 in the evening. This setup, different from a 24-hour service hotel, should be considered when planning your arrival. For travelers with off-schedule arrivals, the solution is simple and effective: the Hotel Duquesne, located at 12 Allée Duquesne just fifty meters away, ensures reception continuity outside of these hours. The team there is equally available to welcome and assist you, regardless of your arrival time.

For travelers arriving by car, the public Bretagne parking garage is located opposite the hotel, accessible via Rue de l’Abreuvoir. It accommodates vehicles with a height of 1.80 meters or less. This paid parking meets most needs, and its immediate proximity greatly facilitates comings and goings. Additionally, if you are traveling by bike, the hotel offers free secure storage for your bicycle on its premises, a simple yet valuable service for urban cyclists.

Access to public transportation is particularly convenient from the hotel. A tram stop is directly in front of the hotel at Place du Cirque on line 2, allowing you to reach the Cité des Congrès, the Exhibition Park, or various university campuses in just minutes. Nantes SNCF train station is about two kilometers away, accessible on foot or by tram with ease.

In the lobby, free newspapers are available, and luggage storage is offered so you can drop off your bags before check-in or after check-out without having to carry them around the city. The team also provides assistance with tourist visits and ticket purchases, which can save you valuable time when organizing your day.

The location of Le Petit Duquesne allows you to reach most of Nantes’ highlights on foot. The Château des Ducs de Bretagne is less than a kilometer away, as is the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral. Place Royale is a five-minute walk, and Place du Bouffay is about the same. The Passage Pommeraye, a 19th-century architectural gem, the Graslin Theater, and the School of Fine Arts are all in the same area. Further afield but still within walking distance or accessible by tram, the Île de Versailles and its Japanese gardens offer a welcome green escape.

The city of Nantes is rich in museums and cultural venues. The Nantes History Museum, located within the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, presents seven centuries of local history—from the ducal court to the dark era of the slave trade, and through to modern industrial Nantes. Entry to the castle's moats and courtyards is free, and both permanent and temporary exhibitions are well worth the visit. Nearby, the Museum of Fine Arts of Nantes, after a long and ambitious renovation, now hosts one of the finest collections outside Paris, from Italian primitives to contemporary art.

Lovers of contemporary art and unusual creations will not want to miss Les Machines de l’Île, located in the former shipyards on the Île de Nantes. The mechanical Great Elephant, a spectacle in itself, takes passengers on a unique urban journey. The Marine Worlds Carousel, a true kinetic artwork over three levels, fascinates both children and adults. These creations, inspired by the imaginations of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci according to their creators, perfectly illustrate the inventive and offbeat spirit that defines Nantes.

The city hosts numerous major cultural events throughout the year. The "Voyage à Nantes" festival each summer transforms the entire city into a trail of contemporary art and discoveries, with temporary installations scattered through streets, parks, and buildings. "La Folle Journée," a classical music festival held annually at the Cité des Congrès in late January, draws tens of thousands of music lovers from around the world with a dense and accessible program. These two events, among others, make Nantes a lively and inventive cultural destination, whether you're visiting for the first time or returning regularly.

Beyond its major landmarks, Nantes invites you to wander through its neighborhoods. The Bouffay district, with its medieval alleys and lively terraces, contrasts with the classical elegance of the Graslin area. The Île de Nantes, undergoing transformation for two decades, features bold contemporary architecture and a dynamic creative scene. Getting lost in these different faces of the city, starting from your base on the Cours des 50 Otages, remains one of the simplest and most satisfying pleasures you can treat yourself to.

Le Petit Duquesne stands out as an honest, well-located, no-frills address that delivers on its promises without exaggeration. Its history, stair mosaics, quiet and functional rooms, breakfast buffet served every morning, and location on Nantes’ main thoroughfare make it an ideal starting point to discover the city at your own pace. Everything you need for a successful stay is there, within easy reach, with no detours or unpleasant surprises. The value for money, often cited as one of the establishment’s strengths, remains a solid argument for anyone looking to enjoy Nantes without sacrificing comfort or budget. Whether for a weekend getaway, a business trip, or a family stay, the hotel offers the essentials consistently, in a character-filled setting that few establishments in this range can claim.

Some activities and discoveries near this hotel

From the hotel, walk to the Château des Ducs de Bretagne in under ten minutes: access to the moats and ramparts is free, making it an ideal first stop upon arrival. The Nantes History Museum inside requires a ticket but is well worth the visit to understand the city’s past.
The Passage Pommeraye, listed as a historic monument, is just a few minutes’ walk to the south. This 1840 shopping arcade, spread over three levels connected by a monumental staircase, is one of the few 19th-century covered passages still in operation in France. Avoid peak hours if you want to photograph it in peace.
Heading north along the Cours des 50 Otages to the Erdre, you’ll reach the Île de Versailles and its Japanese garden in about twenty minutes on foot, or two tram stops (line 2, direction Orvault). From there, the walk along the Erdre riverbanks to the Tortière Bridge is about six flat and easy kilometers, much appreciated by locals.
The Talensac covered market, accessible by tram from Place du Cirque, is open every morning except Monday. It’s one of the city’s liveliest food markets, ideal for creating a picnic or discovering regional products from the Loire area, including Muscadet wine, local cheeses, and galettes.
For an evening cultural outing, the Graslin Theater, less than ten minutes away on foot, offers operas, recitals, and classical music concerts throughout the season. The surrounding Place Graslin, with its Art Nouveau brasserie La Cigale, is also worth a visit for a drink on the terrace after the show.
Les Machines de l’Île, in the former shipyards on the Île de Nantes, are reachable by tram from Place du Cirque in about ten minutes. Book your tickets online in advance, especially for the ride on the mechanical Great Elephant, as time slots often sell out on weekends.

Summary of a few positive reviews read online

The hotel’s location is truly its strong point: everything is within walking distance, the tram is right in front, and you’re in the heart of the city without hearing street noise from your room. A good balance that’s hard to find downtown.
Stayed with family in a studio with a sink and microwave, which makes a big difference when traveling with kids. Spacious room, friendly staff, and ideal location to visit Nantes. We’ll definitely return if we come back to the city.
Very clean, comfortable bedding, and a shower with good water pressure. We’re not asking for the moon in a hotel at this price, just the essentials done well—and that’s exactly what we found here. Staff available and attentive to our needs.
What surprised me most was how quiet it was at night despite being right in the center. The rooms are well soundproofed from each other and from the street. For the price in this city, the value for money is hard to beat.
The staff helped me find my way around the city, use the public transport app, and organize my visits. This kind of human and helpful—but not intrusive—hospitality really makes a difference on a short stay.
Central establishment, steps from the Bretagne parking and the tram. Impeccably clean, breakfast is decent for the price, and the team is responsive. An honest hotel that doesn’t promise more than it can deliver.