1 Bd des Martyrs Nantais, 44200 Nantes

Novotel Nantes Centre Bord de Loire

Name: Novotel Nantes Centre Bord de Loire
Address: 1 Bd des Martyrs Nantais, Nantes, 44200, fr
Price range: 94 EUR - 222 EUR

Hotel-restaurant 4-star in Nantes

With parking
Romantic stay
Design
Pets allowed
4 stars
Family
Accessible for disabled

Presentation

Novotel Nantes Centre Bord de Loire occupies a rare position in the Nantes hotel landscape: directly on the banks of the Île de Nantes, facing the Loire River, just a few minutes’ walk from the historic heart of the city. This four-star rating comes with carefully considered amenities and exemplary accessibility, two assets that make it an address well suited for both business stays and getaways with family or friends.

From the moment you arrive, the geographic location stands out for its thoughtfulness. The hotel borders the Loire and places you at the intersection of several modes of transport: a Bycloo self-service bike station is located at the foot of the property, two tram lines serve the nearby stop, and a Chronobus line completes the network. Whether you want to walk to the city center in about ten minutes, reach the SNCF train station, or explore more distant neighborhoods, the city is easily navigated from this anchor point.

The building has been completely renovated and air-conditioned. Its river-facing façade offers many rooms a direct view of the Loire—a changing tableau depending on the time and season. On the practical side, a private covered parking lot allows for worry-free vehicle storage, with direct elevator access to the rooms. A private outdoor lot complements the offer during busy periods. It is useful to know that the covered parking lot is paid on weekdays: an important detail to factor into your budget if you're coming by car, although on weekends it is free, making it a real advantage for leisure stays.

The hotel has 108 rooms divided into three distinct categories. Superior rooms can accommodate two adults and two children, making them a serious option for families. The design is contemporary, with clean lines and attention paid to everyday comfort: each room includes air conditioning, a bed with duvet, a safe, a mini-bar, and a flat-screen TV with satellite and Canal+ access. The bathroom, depending on the room, is equipped with either a shower or a bathtub.

Executive rooms, also designed for four people, add to this offering with a complimentary mini-bar, a Nespresso machine, and a wellness kit including bathrobes and slippers. This level of service turns the room into a true recovery space after a day of sightseeing or meetings. The flexibility of these configurations meets the varied needs of guests, whether they’re traveling as a couple, a blended family, or on business.

For those who want even more space, the 31-square-meter suites offer exceptional views of the Loire. Comprising two separate rooms and a bathroom, they include two televisions and bathrobes. This format is popular for longer stays or for family groups who value privacy without sacrificing proximity.

Special attention has been paid to family travelers: children under the age of sixteen stay and can have breakfast for free when sharing a room with their parents or grandparents. This detail, often decisive when planning a trip with children, significantly simplifies budgeting and logistics.

The hotel’s restaurant is named BDL. The cuisine is traditional, prepared using fresh and quality ingredients by the chef and his team. It is open for lunch Monday to Friday and for dinner Monday to Thursday. These weekday-focused hours are ideal for business travelers. For weekend leisure stays, it’s best to plan ahead: the bar remains open daily and offers light dining options, and the surrounding neighborhood offers many choices just a few minutes’ walk away, particularly near the Hangar à Bananes.

The bar pleasantly complements the dining options. Open daily, it offers cocktails in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. The bar area is perfect for a break, whether for a coffee between meetings, a drink at the end of the day, or a conversation with colleagues. The terrace, indoor seating, and room service further expand the possibilities depending on your mood.

Breakfast deserves special mention, as the hotel has developed a fairly original modular approach. Four options are available depending on your schedule and preferences. For early risers, the Early Bird is available at reception from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. The City Breakfast at the bar offers a hot drink, pastries, a yogurt, and orange juice for quick departures. The Morning Buffet in the restaurant allows for a full all-you-can-eat meal. Finally, the Breakfast Box is a convenient takeaway option, ideal for busy days.

The service is organized to seamlessly cover all needs: the reception operates 24/7, room service is available, and a souvenir shop allows you to buy gifts or essentials without leaving the hotel. Wi-Fi is provided free of charge throughout the property.

For business trips, the hotel has four seminar rooms, positioning the property as both an efficient workspace and a comfortable place to stay. The Cité Internationale des Congrès is a ten-minute walk away, making Novotel particularly relevant for conference attendees wishing to limit travel while enjoying a pleasant setting outside of sessions.

The immediate surroundings of the hotel are one of its most distinctive features. The Île de Nantes is an area undergoing transformation, blending contemporary architecture, cultural spaces, developed riverbanks, and a lively neighborhood atmosphere. Walking along the quays or cycling across the island from the nearby Bycloo station offers a very different experience of the city—both vibrant and peaceful—compared to classic tourism.

Fifteen minutes on foot will take you to the Machines de l’Île, one of the most unique attractions in France. Inspired by the worlds of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci, these monumental mechanical creations operate and move in a one-of-a-kind scenographic universe. The Grand Elephant, capable of carrying dozens of passengers in its belly during rides on the island, has become the emblem of Nantes. The Marine Worlds Carousel, with its animated abyssal creatures on multiple levels, adds a poetic and dreamlike dimension to the visit. The experience is equally appreciated by adults and children alike and easily warrants two hours of exploration.

One kilometer from the hotel, the Hangar à Bananes is another must-see spot on the Île de Nantes. This former port warehouse converted into a festive and cultural space brings together bars, restaurants, clubs, and exhibition venues in a reinvented industrial atmosphere. In the evening, the site comes alive and becomes one of the rallying points of Nantes’ nightlife, accessible on foot from the hotel.

The Lieu Unique, a former LU biscuit factory converted into a national stage, is less than a kilometer away. It hosts performances, exhibitions, concerts, and eclectic artistic events throughout the year. Its iconic tower with illustrated biscuits is one of the city’s visual landmarks. At a similar distance, the Church of Sainte-Croix and its historic surroundings testify to Nantes' medieval past, in a district where cobbled alleys and old façades invite leisurely wandering.

The Château des Ducs de Bretagne, about a kilometer from the hotel, is the city's flagship monument. Once a ducal residence and now a museum of Nantes' history, it offers a rich permanent exhibition spanning several centuries of Breton, Nantes, and Loire Valley history. The moats and ramparts offer a free outdoor visit—ideal for late afternoon walks. The museum interior is ticketed but very well designed for a family audience.

About a kilometer and a half away, the Jardin des Plantes is one of the most beautiful botanical parks in western France. Its tropical greenhouses, remarkable plant collections, and shaded lawns make it a welcome breath of fresh air for families and solo strollers alike. Nearby, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Nantes, recently expanded and renovated, houses collections ranging from the Middle Ages to contemporary art in a building that is itself worth visiting. These two venues make for an excellent half-day itinerary, just a few minutes by tram from the hotel.

Nantes also enlivens its event calendar with regular happenings that can enrich a stay depending on the season. Le Voyage à Nantes, a must-see summer event, transforms the entire city into a contemporary art trail filled with ephemeral installations. Artworks punctuate the streets, squares, and riverbanks, inviting visitors to rediscover the city from an unexpected angle. Other highlights like Les Rendez-vous de l’Erdre, a jazz and boating festival, or the Christmas market bring a unique touch to each season.

Staying at Novotel Nantes Centre Bord de Loire means enjoying a rare balance between contemporary comfort, ideal geographic location, and immediate access to the most vibrant aspects of Nantes. The 108 well-equipped rooms, various dining options, flexible room categories for families, and ease of transport right outside the hotel make it a solid base for any type of stay. The river is there—visible from the window, the restaurant, or the banks just steps away. There’s little to plan for the stay to start off right: the hotel has thought of the essentials, and the city takes over as soon as you step out the door.

Some activities and sights near this hotel

From the Bycloo station located at the foot of the hotel, hop on a bike and join the La Loire à Vélo route, a marked trail that runs along the riverbanks east toward Sainte-Luce-sur-Loire or west to the open landscapes of the Nantes vineyards. The Tour de l’Île de Nantes route, directly accessible from the hotel, offers 13 flat and easy kilometers along the banks—perfect for a first exploration of the city on two wheels.
The Machines de l’Île are a 15-minute walk away: make sure to book your tickets online in advance, especially for the ride on the Grand Elephant, which often sells out on weekends and during school holidays. A weekday morning is the quietest time to enjoy the site.
Le Lieu Unique, a national stage located in the former LU factory less than a kilometer away, offers an eclectic program throughout the year: shows, concerts, exhibitions, and screenings. Checking their website before your stay often leads to finding an evening event that perfectly matches your interests.
The Château des Ducs de Bretagne, about a kilometer along the banks, is accessible on foot by following the Loire. Entry to the moats and ramparts is free and already offers a good glimpse of the monument; the Nantes History Museum inside warrants about an hour and a half for those interested in the city’s history and its links to the slave trade.
The Hangar à Bananes, a kilometer from the hotel, comes alive in the evening: bars, restaurants, galleries, and clubs line up in a converted port warehouse atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to end a day of sightseeing over a drink or dinner, with no worries about the return trip since the hotel is within walking distance.
For a half-day of nature, the Jardin des Plantes, 1.5 kilometers away, offers a pleasant break before or after a visit to the nearby Nantes Museum of Arts, whose permanent collection spans several centuries and whose entry is free on the first Sunday of each month.

Summary of some positive reviews found online

Came for a trade show at the Cité des Congrès, and I appreciated being able to walk to the venue in about fifteen minutes. The room was quiet, the welcome warm from the moment I arrived, and I was able to have dinner on-site arriving around 9 p.m., which is not always possible in hotels like this.
Very well located for visiting the island on foot and reaching the Machines de l’Île, the underground parking is a real comfort. The staff was competent and pleasant, special mention to the front desk agent who took the time to guide us as soon as we arrived.
Family stop for two nights: the family room with double bed and sofa bed was clean and well kept, with a view of the Loire in the morning. Breakfast suited everyone, and the reception team was smiling and attentive throughout the stay.
The bedding is of good quality, the rooms relatively spacious, and the secure covered garage is a real advantage when traveling by car. Breakfast was plentiful, with fresh products. A stay without unpleasant surprises—which is ultimately what we’re looking for.
What convinced me was the overall package: impeccable cleanliness, functional amenities, and especially the ability to do everything without a car thanks to the tram and self-service bikes right outside the door. A location that really changes your relationship with the city during a stay.
Arrived late and a bit tired, we were welcomed with a smile and appreciated the efficiency. The room was well designed, the minibar well stocked, and the bathroom spacious. The on-site bar nicely completed the evening. We’ll definitely be coming back.