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Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

The Loire, France

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options from Hostels to Luxury Hotels

  • Hostels:

    Limited choices, good for budget travelers or social stays. Dorms and private rooms, shared facilities. The Angers Youth Hostel is one example.

  • Hotels:

    Wide selection from budget chains (Ibis, Campanile) to comfortable mid-range options (Mercure, Novotel), and upscale establishments (Hôtel d'Anjou).

  • B&Bs (Chambres d'hôtes):

    Personal experiences in charming historic buildings or countryside homes. Breakfast often included, local host interaction.

  • Vacation Rentals and Apartment Options:

    Widely available through Booking.com, Agoda, and Vrbo. Independence, flexibility, and more space. Good for families or groups.

Unique Local Accommodation Types

  • Gîtes:

    Self-catering holiday cottages or apartments, popular for families or longer stays. More space and kitchen facilities. Often in rural settings near Angers.

  • Château Hotels:

    Many châteaux in the wider Loire Valley have been converted into luxury hotels or B&Bs. Ideal for special occasions.

  • Homestay and Community-Based Tourism:

    No formal programs, but B&Bs or TrustedHousesitters often offer a homestay feel with local hosts and cultural exchange.

  • Camping and Outdoor Accommodation:

    Campsites on the outskirts of Angers or in nearby towns. Popular along the Loire River, attracting cyclists. Pitches for tents, mobile homes for rent.

Neighborhood Guide

Angers has distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character.

City Center Ralliement/Château

Pros
  • Central location for easy access to attractions on foot or tram.
  • Wide array of dining and shopping options.
  • Very safe during the day and evening.
  • Historic heart with shops, restaurants, cafes.
Cons
  • Can be noisy, especially on weekends and evenings.
  • Parking is limited and expensive.
  • Accommodation here tends to be higher priced.
  • Busy pedestrian areas.

Gare Saint-Laud Train Station Area

Pros
  • Excellent for arrivals and departures.
  • Direct tram access to city center and other parts of Angers.
  • Hotels here often include good amenities.
  • Generally safe with constant activity.
Cons
  • Less historic charm compared to the old town.
  • Can be busy with transport activity.
  • Not as many dining options as city center.
  • More modern development.

Doutre Quarter

Pros
  • Quaint, authentic, and often quieter than the main city center.
  • Features narrow streets, half-timbered houses, local shops.
  • Good local restaurants and artisan shops.
  • Very safe and pleasant for walking.
Cons
  • Requires a short walk over a bridge or tram ride to main attractions.
  • Fewer major attractions directly in the quarter.
  • Can feel more residential than commercial.
  • Less evening activity than the city center.

Characteristics at a Glance

Proximity to Attractions:

City Center: Most major attractions walkable, abundant tram stops. Gare Saint-Laud: Directly adjacent to train/bus station, direct tram connections. Doutre Quarter: Walkable to Château and city center via bridges, also accessible by tram.

Noise Levels and Ambiance:

City Center: Lively, pedestrian traffic, restaurant buzz, evening activities. Gare Saint-Laud: Busy with transport during day, generally quieter in evenings. Doutre Quarter: Generally quiet, residential ambiance, peaceful retreat.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking practices save money and ensure you get the accommodation you want.

Advance Booking Recommendations by Season

  • High Season (June-August): Book 3-6 months ahead. Popular hotels, B&Bs fill quickly. Prices are highest.
  • Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Book 1-3 months ahead. More availability, potentially better prices. Weather is pleasant.
  • Low Season (November-March): Book 2-4 weeks ahead. Best deals, more last-minute availability. Check for reduced hours or closures.
  • Deposit and cancellation policies vary. Always check terms carefully. Many free cancellation options are available.

Trusted Booking Platforms and Other Advice

  • Use reputable global booking platforms like Booking.com or IHG Hotels. For B&Bs, local tourism office websites are useful.
  • Always check reviews on multiple sites before booking.
  • Negotiating prices is not common in France for hotels; published rates are generally firm.
  • Accommodation prices are significantly higher in summer and during major local events. They drop considerably in low season.

Important Considerations

Choosing the Right Platform:
Flexible Bookings:
  • Look for properties that allow free cancellation up to a certain date.
  • Some properties require a non-refundable deposit.
  • Read all terms before confirming your reservation.

Location Verification Tip

Map Check:

Always check the exact location on a map before finalizing a booking.

"City Center" Definition:

"City center" can sometimes refer to a larger area; confirm it aligns with your walking or public transport preferences.

Travel Preferences:

Ensure the location suits your preferred mode of transport and desired level of quiet or activity.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some recommendations tailored to different traveler needs.

Top Picks by Budget

Budget €40-€70 per night

Hostel, basic hotel

  • Hostels, Ibis Budget Angers Centre
  • Essential amenities
  • Communal spaces (hostels), close to transport
Mid-range €80-€150 per night

3-star hotel, B&B

  • Mercure Angers Centre Gare, Novotel Angers Centre
  • Comfortable rooms, central location
  • Breakfast options

Family-Friendly Options

Apartment Rentals

Gîtes or those found on vacation rental platforms.

  • More space, separate bedrooms
  • Self-catering facilities
  • Highly convenient for families.
Hotels for Families

Hotels with family rooms or connecting rooms.

  • Look for properties with amenities like small kitchens.
  • Play areas are a bonus.

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Hostels:

    Good for meeting other travelers, especially if seeking social interaction.

  • Centrally Located Hotels:

    Security and easy access to attractions, supporting independent exploration.

  • Safety and Location:

    Look for places with good reviews regarding safety and location for peace of mind.

  • Luxury (€180+ per night):

    4/5-star hotel, Château hotel. Hôtel d'Anjou, Château de l'Epinay (near Angers). Premium services, elegant decor, fine dining, spa.

Long-Stay Accommodations

  • Gîtes, Apartment Rentals, or Aparthotels:

    Well-suited for longer stays, like Aparthotel Adagio.

  • Amenities for Extended Stays:

    These typically include kitchenettes, laundry facilities.

  • More Living Space:

    Greater comfort for settling in and experiencing local life more deeply.

  • Properties with Cultural or Historical Significance:

    Hôtel d'Anjou offers a classic, elegant stay. Many B&Bs in Doutre quarter are beautifully restored traditional homes. Consider a château hotel in the Loire Valley for historical immersion.

Additional Tips for Booking

Consider your budget and travel style

Whether you prefer luxury, comfort, or economy, Angers has suitable options.

  • Check reviews for specific properties to ensure quality.
  • Factor in additional costs like breakfast or parking.
  • Early booking can secure better prices and availability.
Explore different neighborhoods

Each area offers a distinct ambiance and different accessibility to attractions.

  • City center for attractions and nightlife.
  • Gare Saint-Laud for transport convenience.
  • Doutre for a quieter, authentic feel.

Finding a Perfect Stay

Luxury Choices

For a premium stay, Hôtel d'Anjou or a nearby château hotel offer exceptional experiences and amenities.

Mid-Range Comfort

Mercure or Novotel provide a good balance of comfort, location, and price for a pleasant visit.

Budget-Friendly Options

Hostels or Ibis Budget hotels are great for travelers seeking economical and functional lodging.