Located off the west coast of France, Île de Ré is a chic island where people flock to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. In fact, it’s such a dream destination that it’s been referred to as the Parisian version of the Hamptons. While here, you can kick back and enjoy water activities at the beaches, hike and bike various trails, attend concerts, browse art galleries, and simply bask in the beauty of the Parisian seaside.
With so much to do during a stay on Île de Ré, you’ll definitely want to find a great place to stay. Whether you’re looking for a luxury experience or just want a comfortable, budget-friendly room to sleep in after you explore, there are plenty of beautiful accommodations available on the island. Keep reading to discover the best hotels to stay in during your visit to Île de Ré.
Hôtel de Toiras
Hôtel de Toiras is a five-star luxury hotel located at the port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré, the island’s capital. The charming rooms overlook either the harbor or a beautiful garden, and each room is inspired by famed personalities from history, like George Washington and Madame de Sévigné. While you can certainly make your way to the island’s beaches, this hotel is perfect for travelers who simply want to enjoy relaxing amenities like its world-class dining options and in-room spa treatments.
With its location, the hotel boasts close access by way of a bridge to the nearby town of La Rochelle. La Rochelle has one of the largest aquariums in Europe — it’s home to more than 12,000 animals — making it prime for family outings. Amusement park Puy Du Fou is also a short two-hour trip away from the hotel. The hotel is also only open during the spring and summer, though that’s the best time to visit the island anyway. If you plan to come then, the staff at Hôtel de Toiras will be available to welcome you.
Les Bois Flottais
If you’re looking for a place to stay on the Île de Ré that feels more like home, Les Bois Flottais is an excellent option. All of this hotel’s spacious rooms are on the ground floor and open up for easy direct access to the swimming pool. The staff also offer different food tours and bike rides for guests, and it’s easy to take advantage of the island’s standard water sports and fishing when you choose Les Bois Flottais as your home base.
The hotel’s restaurant, Bistrot Côte et Homard, serves traditional French cuisine, and there is also a nice bar on the grounds for a nightcap. One night at Les Bois Flottais can start as low as a little over $100 a night, depending on the room chosen. This hotel is budget-friendly without sacrificing comfort and elegance.
Hôtel Le Sénéchal
Hôtel Le Sénéchal is another more affordable hotel option for your stay on this beautiful island. Costs can range from a little over $100 a night to roughly $400. Depending on how many people will be on the trip, you can also pay for entire lofts, homes, and villas on this property. These are very spacious and luxurious properties that still come with hotel services from Le Sénéchal.
There are many places within reach where visitors can participate in different activities. There are several restaurants near the hotel. You can catch a surfing lesson at Surf’in Ré or embark on sailing trips at the Cercle Nautique d’Ars en Ré. There’s also a grocery store nearby that’s particularly convenient for those in homes and villas; here, you can purchase food and cook for yourself. The hotel offers a tourist information center to help visitors plan their whole trip around the island. With help from the information center, you will likely find great deals on various activities.
La Baronnie Hotel & Spa
Located in the heart of Saint-Martin, La Baronnie Hotel & Spa will make you feel like royalty. This is a classic 18th-century building that has been classified as a historical monument. Louis XVI once bought it for Marie Antoinette! Though it was once a royal residence, it has been transformed into a fabulous hotel with contemporary decor.
La Baronnie offers various packages prioritizing wellness, activities, and cultural outings. The hotel also has a separate villa on the grounds that’s known simply as La Villa Baronnie. With five bedrooms, the villa can accommodate up to 15 guests, making it the perfect holiday home for a family or group of friends. Prices for this hotel and spa range from $200 to $600, depending on the room or suite you select.
Hôtel Atalante
If you want to be right by the beach on the Île de Ré, Hôtel Atalante is the hotel for you — the property is mere steps away from the water. The hotel also has an onsite restaurant to serve you throughout the day. Rates start at roughly $170 a night.
This hotel is truly for those who want to relax and focus on their overall wellness. Hôtel Atalante offers different stay packages and programs, depending on your needs. For example, there is a package that focuses solely on restoring your energy by disconnecting you from your devices while you spend time outdoors. There is another that centers on thalassotherapy, a newer practice of using seawater (or water in general) to revitalize your body. Of course, you can enjoy various spa packages if you choose a relaxing day at the hotel. This would be a great spot for friends who want to reconnect, or even as part of a solo trip to rejuvenate.
Keep in mind that these are just a few of the different hotels that Île de Ré offers. However, they are all great options to explore while you spend time on the island.