MileHacker Logo
Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

France

Accommodation Types

Lodging Categories

  • Hostels

    Economical choices, dormitory or private rooms, popular with solo travelers and backpackers.

  • Budget Hotels (1-2 star)

    Basic, functional rooms, frequently near transport hubs, focusing on value.

  • Mid-range Hotels (3-4 star)

    Comfortable rooms with amenities like Wi-Fi and breakfast, a balance of comfort and cost.

  • Luxury Hotels (5 star)

    Premium services, spacious rooms, fine dining, and high-end facilities.

Other Options

  • Unique Local Accommodation Types

    Some hotels occupy renovated historic buildings, especially in the city center, offering a distinct charm.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartments

    Accessed via platforms like Booking.com and Vrbo, these feature more space, kitchen facilities, and a local living experience. Good for families or longer stays.

  • Homestay and Community-Based Tourism

    Formal homestay options are less common but may be found via specialized platforms or local connections.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation

    Several campsites just outside Rennes offer pitches for tents and caravans, sometimes cabins or mobile homes.

Neighborhood Guide

Rennes features distinct neighborhoods, each with an unique atmosphere and conveniences.

Centre Historique

Pros
  • Heart of the city, walking distance to attractions
  • Numerous restaurants and shops
  • Lively, picturesque atmosphere
Cons
  • Can be noisy, especially weekends
  • Parking is challenging and expensive
  • Accommodation prices are often higher

Quartier de la Gare

Pros
  • Excellent transport links (TGV, metro, buses)
  • Convenient for early departures or late arrivals
Cons
  • Less charming than the historic center
  • Busy due to commuter traffic
  • Lacks immediate aesthetic appeal

République/Colombier

Pros
  • Central location with shop access
  • Good metro access
  • Modern urban feel
Cons
  • Lacks old-world charm
  • More about commerce and transport

Neighborhood Considerations

Safety:

All central areas of Rennes are generally safe for visitors. Exercise common sense and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Noise:

Historic Center and République areas are lively and can be noisy, notably on weekends. Thabor/Saint-Hélier generally offer a more peaceful ambiance.

Booking Strategies

Plan your booking based on the season to find the best rates and availability.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (Summer, major holidays, festivals): Book 3 to 6 months ahead. Demand is high, and prices typically rise closer to the date.
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Booking 1 to 3 months ahead generally works. You will find good availability and potentially better rates.
  • Low Season (November-March): More flexibility. Booking 2 to 4 weeks ahead is often sufficient, with good availability and lower prices.
  • Seasonal price variations: Accommodation prices are highest in summer and during major events like the Trans Musicales festival in December.

Platforms & Policies

  • Trusted Booking Platforms: Use Booking.com, Agoda, IHG Hotels, Hostelworld, Vrbo, and Airbnb. Direct booking with hotel websites sometimes features loyalty benefits or better cancellation terms.
  • Negotiation Customs: Negotiation is uncommon in France for established hotels. Prices are generally fixed.
  • Deposit and Cancellation: Policies vary by property and platform. Review cancellation policies before confirming your booking. Many platforms feature free cancellation up to a certain point.
  • TrustedHousesitters is an option for house/pet sitting exchanges.

Booking Considerations

Peak Travel Times:
  • Summer (June-August)
  • Major holidays (e.g., Easter, Christmas)
  • City festivals (e.g., Trans Musicales in December)
  • School holidays (French zones)
Off-Peak Travel Times:
  • Late autumn (November, excluding festival dates)
  • Winter (January-February)
  • Early spring (March)
  • These times typically present better value and fewer crowds.

Heads Up

Festival Impact:

During Trans Musicales in December, hotel rates spike considerably. Plan accordingly if your visit coincides with such events.

Direct Booking:
Cancellation:

Always review the cancellation policy carefully to avoid unexpected charges.

Accommodation Recommendations

This table compares accommodation options to inform your choice.

Traveler-Specific Choices

Family-Friendly Options

Vacation rentals offer ample space and kitchen facilities for meal planning. Hotels like Novotel Rennes Centre Gare or Mercure Rennes Centre Parlement often feature family rooms.

  • Kitchen facilities
  • Multiple bedrooms
  • Kid-friendly amenities
Solo Traveler Recommendations

Hostels like Auberge de Jeunesse (Youth Hostel) provide a social setting. Centrally located budget hotels offer convenience and security for solo exploration.

  • Social environment
  • Walkable locations
  • Secure options

Stay Duration & Significance

Long-Stay Accommodations

Vacation rentals (apartments) are generally suitable and cost-effective for stays exceeding a week. They offer a home environment and potential savings on dining.

  • Living spaces
  • Cost-effective
  • Extended duration suitable
Properties with Cultural/Historical Significance

Boutique hotels in the city center reside in beautifully restored historic buildings, offering an unique ambiance. Balthazar Hotel & Spa, a 5-star property, is known for its design and service.

  • Historic setting
  • Connects with city's past
  • Unique design

Price Category Examples

  • Budget (Hostel Dorm): €25-40

    Shared rooms, communal areas, central location. Good for solo travelers, backpackers, social travelers. Search on Booking.com/Hostels in Rennes.

  • Budget (1-2* Hotel): €50-90

    Basic amenities, private room, often functional. Good for budget-conscious travelers, short stays. Search on Booking.com/Budget Hotels Rennes.

  • Mid-Range (3-4* Hotel): €90-180

    More amenities, comfortable, good service, diverse locations. Good for couples, families, business travelers. Search on Booking.com/Mid-Range Hotels Rennes.

  • Mid-Range (Vacation Apartment): €70-150

    Full kitchen, living space, local experience. Good for families, longer stays, groups. Search on Airbnb Rennes or Vrbo.

Premium Options

  • Luxury (5* Hotel): €180+

    High-end service, premium facilities, central locations. Tailored for luxury travelers, special occasions. Search on Booking.com/Luxury Hotels Rennes.

  • Balthazar Hotel & Spa (5-star)

    A remarkable example of a luxury property known for its design and service, located in a beautifully restored historic building.

  • Premium Amenities

    Expect features like spas, fine dining, attentive service, and spacious, well-appointed rooms in luxury accommodations.

  • Special Occasion Stays

    Luxury hotels are well-suited for anniversaries, honeymoons, or other significant events, offering a memorable experience.

Image: Rennes - Rue du Chapitre

Description

A narrow street in Rennes's historic center, featuring traditional timber-framed houses, captures the city's old-world charm.

  • Historic Center
  • Traditional timber-framed architecture
  • Narrow, charming street
  • Popular photo spot
Context

These streets offer a glimpse into Rennes's past before the 1720 fire, with many houses dating from the 15th to 17th centuries.

  • Pre-1720 fire architecture
  • Ideal for walking tours
  • Architectural heritage
  • Enjoyable in daylight for details

Additional Stay Insights

Accessibility

Rennes's city center and public transport are relatively accessible. Some older buildings may present challenges, so check with properties beforehand.

Pet-Friendly Options

Many hotels and vacation rentals welcome pets, often for an additional fee. Confirm pet policies directly with the accommodation.

Guest Services

Larger hotels typically feature concierge services, luggage storage, and tour booking assistance. Hostels frequently run social events and group activities.