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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Brittany, France

Accommodation Types

Choices for Your Stay

  • Hostels

    These cater to budget travelers, backpackers, and solo adventurers. Hostels in Saint-Malo generally have dorm beds, often with shared bathrooms, and sometimes a few private rooms. They offer a good way to meet other travelers and are frequently centrally located. The Auberge de Jeunesse HI Saint-Malo within Intra-Muros makes a known selection. Find options on Hostelworld.

  • Hotels

    This common lodging option in Saint-Malo ranges from basic 1-star establishments with simple amenities to luxurious 5-star properties with extensive amenities. Discover international chains (like Ibis) and independent boutique hotels, many in charming historic buildings. Look at IHG Hotels, Booking.com, or Agoda.

  • Apart-hotels / Residences

    These selections include self-catering apartments with hotel conveniences like reception, cleaning, and sometimes breakfast. They are a good choice for longer stays or those who prefer to cook some of their own meals.

More Lodging Options

  • Guesthouses (Chambres d'Hôtes)

    Private homes where hosts rent out rooms, often with breakfast included. These are typically found outside the immediate Intra-Muros area but typically have easy access. Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.

  • Vacation Rentals & Apartments

    Broadly available through platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, and Vrbo, vacation rentals offer fully furnished apartments or houses. They find favor with families, groups, or travelers planning longer visits, providing more space, privacy, and kitchen amenities.

  • Camping & Outdoor Stay

    Several well-equipped campsites sit just outside Saint-Malo, notably towards Paramé and the surrounding coastal areas. These campsites have pitches for tents and caravans, as well as mobile homes or chalets, presenting a more rustic or family-focused choice.

Neighborhood Guide

Choose a neighborhood that aligns with your visit style.

Intra-Muros Within the Walls

Highlights
  • Historic, , all major sights nearby.
  • Walkable, immersive history.
  • Ferry terminal close.
Considerations
  • Can be loud, especially in high season.
  • High accommodation prices.
  • Vehicle access and parking challenging.

Paramé

Highlights
  • Quieter, more spacious than Intra-Muros.
  • Direct beach access.
  • Often lower accommodation prices.
  • Ideal for families, relaxed atmosphere.
Considerations
  • Travel to Intra-Muros calls for a bus or longer walk.
  • Dining options more spread out.

Rocabey / Gare Train Station Area

Highlights
  • Value-oriented accommodation.
  • Excellent access to train station.
  • Major bus hub.
Considerations
  • Less historic charm.
  • Further from main attractions, a walk or bus ride is common.

General Neighborhood Advice

Safety

Saint-Malo neighborhoods typically maintain safety. Standard urban vigilance is advisable, especially in crowded areas or transport hubs late at night. Petty crime, like pickpocketing, may occur in very crowded tourist zones.

Proximity

Proximity to attractions varies by neighborhood. Intra-Muros is central for historic sights. Paramé suits beach visits. Rocabey performs well for transport. Rothéneuf presents a quieter coastal village feel.

Booking Strategies

Plan your stay with these booking tips for Saint-Malo.

Advance Booking by Season

  • High Season (July - August): Booking 3-6 months beforehand is important for popular properties. Availability becomes very limited, and prices typically rise closer to the date.
  • Shoulder Season (April - June, September - October): Booking 1-3 months ahead generally secures good selections and favorable rates. Last-minute options may be limited.
  • Low Season (November - March): 2-4 weeks ahead often works well. More flexibility and favorable prices are common, with good last-minute chances.

Booking Platforms & Policies

  • Trusted Platforms: Websites like Booking.com, Expedia, and Hotels.com are widely used. Direct hotel websites often have loyalty programs or better rates. For apartments, Airbnb and Vrbo are popular.
  • Deposit & Cancellation Policies: Always review specific policies before confirming. Many bookings permit free cancellation up to a certain date, which brings flexibility.

Price Trends & Flexibility

Peak Pricing

Expect the highest prices during school holidays and major events.

Off-Peak Value

Greater value appears during the low season or mid-week stays.

Flexibility

Look for options with flexible cancellation terms if your plans might change.

Accommodation Recommendations

Find some recommended places to stay, considering budget and style.

Hotels & Hostels

Luxury Stays

For a premium experience:

  • Grand Hôtel des Thermes (Paramé, seafront spa)
  • Le Nouveau Monde (Intra-Muros, modern design, views, indoor pool)
Mid-Range Comfort

Quality and value:

  • Hôtel Le Nautilus (Intra-Muros, charming, central, historic building)
  • Hôtel L'Ascott (Rocabey, near train station, comfortable, good value)

Budget & Extended Stays

Budget-Friendly

Economical options:

  • Auberge de Jeunesse HI Saint-Malo (Intra-Muros, hostel, basic but central, social atmosphere)
  • Ibis Budget Saint Malo Centre (Rocabey, basic, clean, good value near transport links)
Long-Stay Options

For extended visits:

  • Vacation rentals (apartments or houses) offer value, space, and amenities like a full kitchen and laundry facilities for a more integrated local living experience.

Family & Solo Travel

  • Family-Friendly Options

    Many hotels in the Paramé area offer family rooms or connecting rooms, and their proximity to the beach is a plus. Vacation rentals (apartments or houses) are often ideal for families due to the extra space, multiple bedrooms, and kitchen facilities, allowing for self-catering. Campsites also hold good amenities for families.

  • Solo Traveler Stays

    Hostels within Intra-Muros present opportunities for meeting other travelers and locate centrally. Budget hotels near the train station (Rocabey) offer convenience and value for money, with easy access to public transport.

Exceptional Stays

  • Cultural or Historic Properties

    Hotels within Intra-Muros, especially those in beautifully renovated historic buildings, deliver an authentic and immersive experience of the walled city. They place visitors directly amidst the history and charm of Saint-Malo.

Recommended Properties Overview

Luxury & Mid-Range Sample

A selection of well-regarded options:

  • Grand Hôtel des Thermes: Paramé, Seafront, Comprehensive thalassotherapy spa, €200 - €400+
  • Le Nouveau Monde: Intra-Muros, Modern design, great views, indoor pool, €180 - €350+
  • Hôtel Le Nautilus: Intra-Muros, Charming, central, in a historic building, €120 - €200
  • Hôtel L'Ascott: Rocabey, Near train station, comfortable, good value, €90 - €150
Budget Sample

Cost-effective choices for your trip:

  • Auberge de Jeunesse HI Saint-Malo: Intra-Muros, Hostel, basic but central, social atmosphere, €25 - €40 (dorm bed)
  • Ibis Budget Saint Malo Centre: Rocabey, Basic, clean, good value near transport links, €60 - €90

Accommodation Takeaways

Book Ahead

Securing your preferred accommodation, especially during peak travel times, is best done well in advance.

Location Matters

Consider your priorities: historic charm within walls, beach access in Paramé, or transport links at Rocabey.

Flexible Options

Explore apartments or guesthouses for longer stays or family visits.