12 Allée Duquesne, Cours des 50 Otages, 44000 Nantes

Hôtel Duquesne

Name: Hôtel Duquesne
Address: 12 Allée Duquesne, Cours des 50 Otages, Nantes, 44000, fr
Price range: 66 EUR - 95 EUR

Hotel 2-star in Nantes

Presentation

The Hôtel Duquesne occupies a remarkable early 19th-century building, a former shipowner’s private mansion built in tuffeau, the blonde and noble stone typical of the Loire Valley. The history of the place tells of a time when the Erdre River still flowed beneath its windows, before diversion work begun in 1929 transformed the riverbed into what would become, after World War II, the Cours des 50 Otages. This past gives the establishment a heritage dimension that you will feel as soon as you arrive.

You are staying here along one of Nantes’ main arteries, in the historic center of the city, less than a ten-minute walk from Place Royale and the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral. The Tour de Bretagne is about a hundred meters away, while the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, the Passage Pommeraye, and the city hall are reachable within a few minutes on foot. This central position allows you to easily explore the entire city, whether you choose to move around on foot, by bike, tram, or bus.

Access to the hotel is hassle-free, regardless of where you are coming from. Tram and bus lines serve the area extensively, quickly connecting you to the Cité des Congrès or the Parc des Expositions de la Beaujoire. If you come by car, note that the establishment has a partnership with the public Talensac parking lot, located just opposite on rue Le Nôtre. You benefit from a preferential rate of ten euros for twenty-four hours of parking. As spaces are limited and the maximum height is set at one meter eighty, it is advisable to check compatibility with your vehicle and reserve your space before arrival. This external setup has the advantage of avoiding maneuvers in a tight underground parking lot and facilitates early morning departures.

The hotel has twenty-five rooms and studios spread over several floors served by an elevator, each individually decorated in soft, pastel tones. The twelve-square-meter single rooms have a 120 cm bed, the fifteen-square-meter double rooms offer a 140 cm bed, while the eighteen-square-meter triple rooms combine a double bed and a 90 cm single bed. This variety can accommodate solo travelers, couples, or families alike.

For those seeking more autonomy, several studios equipped with kitchenettes are available. The twenty-square-meter single studio includes a refrigerator, microwave, coffee machine, dishes and cooking utensils, as well as a table to enjoy your meals. An identical studio can accommodate two people, and for families, a twenty-two-square-meter family studio offers a double bed along with two single beds, always with the same complete kitchenette. These options provide appreciated flexibility, particularly for extended stays or when traveling with children.

Each room and studio has a private bathroom equipped with a shower or bathtub, toilet, toiletries, and a hairdryer. The accommodations underwent a thorough renovation between 2013 and 2014, incorporating modern amenities while preserving the charm of the old. In your space, you’ll find an LCD flat-screen TV broadcasting Canal+ and Canalsat channels, a desk for work if needed, and a soundproofing system ensuring your peace. Free Wi-Fi lets you stay connected to the outside world at all times.

Reception operates 24 hours a day, offering total flexibility for your arrival and departure times. The multilingual staff is at your disposal to inform you, offer advice on outings, or help organize your visits. A concierge service facilitates your arrangements, particularly for booking tickets or obtaining information about tourist attractions. A luggage storage facility allows you to securely store your belongings if you arrive early or leave late.

In the morning, between 7:00 and 10:30, a buffet breakfast is served in the dining room adorned with original stained glass windows depicting iconic places and buildings of Nantes. These stained glass windows create an elegant and bright atmosphere that makes for a particularly pleasant start to the day. The buffet favors organic, fresh, artisanal, and local products: breads and pastries, hot and cold drinks, charcuterie, yogurts, cheese. If you follow a gluten-free diet, just notify the reception in advance to adapt your breakfast tray. Room service is also available for an additional fee, allowing you to enjoy breakfast in the privacy of your room.

The establishment has chosen to focus on the quality of accommodation and breakfast rather than offering a full restaurant service. This approach encourages you to discover the gastronomic richness of Nantes by enjoying the many restaurants, bistros, and brasseries that liven up the neighborhood at all hours. Your immediate proximity to the city center places you just steps away from numerous dining options to suit your current cravings, from traditional crêperies to contemporary tables. The reception team will be happy to guide you toward the best options based on your preferences.

The establishment shows a strong commitment to sustainable development and responsible tourism. This approach has earned it two of the most demanding environmental certifications in the world: the European Ecolabel and the Green Key. The hotel is one of only two establishments in Nantes to hold both labels simultaneously, demonstrating a concrete desire to reduce its ecological impact while maintaining a high level of comfort. This commitment is reflected in daily choices, from breakfast to cleaning products, as well as waste and energy management.

If you like to travel with your pet, you’ll be happy to know that the hotel gladly accommodates them for a five-euro supplement. This pet-friendly policy avoids the need to leave your four-legged companions at home or arrange pet care. The entire establishment is non-smoking, ensuring clean and pleasant air in all common areas and rooms.

To explore Nantes and its surroundings, a bicycle rental service is available. This option is convenient for discovering the city at your own pace, using the bike paths along the Erdre, or reaching more distant sites without relying on public transportation. The neighborhood is perfect for walking, allowing you to reach all major points of interest effortlessly.

Housekeeping intervenes daily to keep your room in impeccable condition. The dynamic team takes pride in offering you a comfortable stay in a calm and well-maintained atmosphere. The prices remain very competitive, especially if you stay with family or choose one of the studios, making this address one of the best options in its category in Nantes.

From your accommodation, the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany can be reached in a few minutes. This historic monument houses the Nantes History Museum, tracing the city’s evolution from its origins to the present day through rich and varied collections. The fortifications, moats, and gardens form a remarkable architectural ensemble that you can visit freely or with a guide.

The Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral, located less than a kilometer away, impresses with its size and the whiteness of its tuffeau stone. The Gothic building houses the tomb of Francis II of Brittany and Marguerite de Foix, a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture. Access is free, and visitors can wander through the majestic nave, admire the stained glass windows, and discover the Romanesque crypt.

The Passage Pommeraye, a 19th-century shopping arcade classified as a historic monument, is worth a visit for its exceptional architecture. Its three levels connected by monumental staircases, its sculptures, ironwork, and lighting create a unique atmosphere that appeals to both architecture lovers and casual strollers. The shops within add to the charm of the ensemble without distorting the heritage character of the place.

The Machines de l’Île, an artistic installation located on the former industrial zone of the Île de Nantes, offer a unique experience blending mechanical art and the world of Jules Verne. The Great Elephant, a twelve-meter-high animated structure, carries visitors on its walks. The Gallery of Machines and the Marine Worlds Carousel complete this original creation that fascinates both young and old.

The Jardin des Plantes, one of the four major botanical gardens in France, offers a seven-hectare green haven just a few steps from the city center. Its botanical collections, greenhouses, floral beds, and scenic perspectives make it a refreshing place to stroll. Admission is free, and the garden regularly hosts outdoor art exhibitions.

Hôtel Duquesne thus combines the authenticity of a historic building with the comfort of modern amenities, in a lively neighborhood that concentrates the main attractions of Nantes. The renovated rooms and studios meet the expectations of various traveler profiles, while the establishment’s environmental commitment appeals to those who wish to travel responsibly. The immediate proximity to monuments, museums, and cultural spaces allows you to plan a rich stay without wasting time on transportation. Reasonable rates, a well-crafted breakfast, and the team’s availability create the conditions for a successful stay, whether you are visiting for business, tourism, or family discovery. Choosing this address means opting for an authentic Nantes experience in a preserved setting that naturally invites booking.

Some activities and discoveries near this hotel

Discover the Talensac covered market, a Nantes institution inaugurated in 1937, located just opposite the hotel. Open Tuesday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on weekends until 1:30 p.m., this renowned market brings together nearly 150 vendors offering seafood, artisanal cheeses, certified meats, and local organic products. Prefer a morning visit to fully enjoy the atmosphere.
Follow the green line painted on the ground that makes up the Voyage à Nantes route, an artistic and urban itinerary renewed each summer that connects contemporary artworks and installations scattered throughout the city, transforming Nantes into an open-air museum.
Book a night tour of the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany to admire the exceptional lighting of the fortifications and towers. This experience offers a completely different perspective of the monument and creates a unique atmosphere that enhances the medieval architecture.
Explore the Île de Versailles and its Japanese garden located at the end of the boulevard des 50 Otages, a zen haven with traditional Japanese buildings, a central patio, and lush vegetation. This place offers a peaceful break just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel.
Take advantage of the Nantes Pass available in 24h, 48h, 72h, or 7-day formats, which gives free access to around fifty activities including major museums, the Machines de l’Île, public transport, and some cruises on the Erdre. An excellent way to optimize your budget while exploring the city.
Visit the Nantes Museum of Arts on rainy days to discover its varied collections ranging from the Renaissance to contemporary art, or stroll through the Passage Pommeraye, a 19th-century covered shopping arcade classified as a historic monument, known for its exceptional neoclassical architecture over three levels.

Summary of some positive reviews found online

The hotel’s location is truly exceptional for exploring Nantes on foot, everything is easily accessible and the reception remains impeccable no matter the arrival time thanks to the 24/7 front desk.
We appreciated the quietness of the room despite the central location, the stained glass windows in the breakfast room create a special ambiance and the stone walls add a lot of charm to the establishment.
The value for money remains unbeatable for a hotel located in the heart of Nantes, the room was clean and comfortable with a newly renovated bathroom, and the staff is always helpful and professional.
The friendliness of the staff really makes a difference, they are available to advise on visits and local restaurants, and the ability to reserve the public parking opposite for ten euros a day greatly simplifies logistics.
The buffet breakfast offers a nice selection of organic and artisanal products, the rooms contain everything necessary with satellite TV and free Wi-Fi, ideal for a tourist or business stay.
The location allows you to reach all major tourist sites like the castle, cathedral, and Passage Pommeraye directly on foot, while also being close to the train station and well served by public transport.