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Where to Stay in Angers

Where to Stay in Angers

Angers The Loire, France Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Full Spectrum of Lodging Options from Hostels to Luxury Hotels

  • Hostels:

    Limited choices, good for frugal travelers or social stays. Dormitory-style and private rooms, shared facilities. The Angers Youth Hostel is one example.

  • Hotels:

    Wide selection from budget chains (Ibis, Campanile) to pleasant mid-mid-priced options (Mercure, Novotel), and high-end establishments (Hôtel d'Anjou).

  • B&Bs (Chambres d'hôtes):

    Individual experiences in delightful 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 additional room. Good for families or group travel.

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 larger Loire Valley have been turned 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 staying with a local family feel with local hosts and cross-cultural interaction.

  • 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 simple entry 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 in short supply and expensive.
  • Accommodation here tends to be higher priced.
  • Busy pedestrian areas.

Gare Saint-Laud Train Station Area

Pros
  • Excellent upon arrival and departures.
  • Direct tram access into the city's core and other parts of Angers.
  • Hotels here often include good amenities.
  • Generally safe with constant activity.
Cons
  • Less historic charm in comparison with the old town.
  • Can be busy with transport activity.
  • Not as many dining options as city center.
  • More contemporary development.

Doutre Quarter

Pros
  • Quaint, authentic, and often quieter than the main city center.
  • Features narrow streets, half-wood-framed 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 immediately in the quarter.
  • Can feel more residential than commercial.
  • Less something to do in the evening than the city center.

Characteristics at a Glance

Proximity to Attractions:

City Center: Most key sights walkable, abundant tram stops. Gare Saint-Laud: Directly adjacent to train/bus station, direct tram connections. Doutre Quarter: Within walking distance of 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 at night. 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 lower hours or closures.
  • Deposit and cancellation terms are not the same. 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 look at reviews on numerous places before booking.
  • Negotiating prices is not common within 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 you book.

Location Verification Tip

Map Check:

Always check the highly location on a chart 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 wanted amount 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.

  • Search for accommodations with things 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:

    Protection and easy access to attractions, supporting independent exploration.

  • Safety and Location:

    Seek out 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, The royal residence of 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 timeless, elegant stay. Many Guesthouses in Doutre quarter are beautifully restored traditional homes. Consider a château hotel in the Loire Valley for deep dive into history.

Additional Tips for Booking

Consider your budget and travel style

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

  • Look at 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 nice visit.

Budget-Friendly Options

Hostels or Ibis Affordable hotels are great for tourists in search of economical and functional lodging.