Wonderful sea scenery, rocks, islets, ships, ports, towers and fortifications, these are the first images coming to mind when the name of Saint-Malo is mentioned. In this city of legend, each stone, each alley of the walled city testify of a glorious past.
Coined the scenic jewel of the English Channel, Saint-Malo can be visited throughout the year. Just make sure you get you book the room well in advance.
A favorite destination for tourists all over the world
This channel port is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Brittany. Famous for its walled city, great beaches and lots to see, do and discover, it is a holiday destination dream. With high quality accommodation and numerous leisure facilities, the location is a must for all those who seek diversified and tonic holidays.
Every year, the city's unique location and atmosphere attract visitors from all over the world. In summer, thousands of holidaymakers flock to the city for its beaches, its brisk sea air and all the pleasures of a seaside resort. But the best time to experience the city's true spirit is in the spring or autumn, when things are a little quieter.
If you plan to stay the night before catching a ferry to Britain or if you are looking for a family vacation package, it's best to make a reservation well in advance, as Saint Malo is notoriously overbooked.
Online booking-the best traveler’s solution
Online reservation is always the best way of finding suitable hotel accommodation in any season. The specific of this city is that you are allowed to choose between inside-walls(intra-muros) establishments or outside locations, for a small price difference.
Unfortunately, the intra-muros hotels tend to take advantage of high summer demand by insisting that you eat in their own restaurants. Cheaper rates can be found by the gare SNCF, or in suburban Paramé, but it's hardly worth being away from the citadel for the sake of saving a few euros.
Cozy hotel rooms for convenient rates
One of the best and quite inexpensive locations is Hotel Univers, a two star establishment, located just inside the city walls close to the main gate of the city. The hotel provides the perfect spot to sit under a parasol with a drink and watch the world go by. In summer the hotel's terrace provides a comfortable ringside seat to watch the jugglers, puppeteers entertaining in the central arena.
Another inside location that will charm you is the intra-muros Hotel Le Louvre, within easy reach of the beaches, restaurants, the casino of the Palais des Congres, the shops and the harbor. The hotel welcomes you with its 50 guest rooms, all completely refurbished during 2004: decorations, bedding, bathrooms equipped with hairdyrer, satellite TV, modem hookups, king-size beds or twin beds, rooms for the non-smokers.
Also of a good price-quality report is the small family run Hotel Eden. The establishment is located just off the Boulevard Chateaubriand within 5 minutes walk of the sea, local cafes, bars and restaurants and approximately 20 minutes walk, along the seafront, from the centre of St Malo. The stuff will be happy to give you directions and indicate the most important things to do in and out of the walls.
A dream destination for sea lovers
But if you are willing to spend a bit more money and get an incredible view facing the sea, then you should definitely choose Hotel Kyriad Saint Malo Plage.
It is placed in front of the main beach of Saint-Malo, between the thalasso therapy areas and the old town. The former Bleu Marine Atlantis Hotel offers the tactful charm of a typical sea-side residence. A courteous and attentive staff is always at your disposal and will be pleased to provide you all the necessary information for a successful stay in Saint-Malo. The peaceful and convivial atmosphere of the entrance hall invites you to take advantage of the bar, with a charming view on the sea and its terrace with direct access to the beach. Furthermore, a sauna, a fitness room and a library are at your disposal. Other premium locations in the area include such cozy places as Hotel Ajoncs D’Or, or the more expensive but outstandingly welcoming Le Grand Hotel Des Thermes
And while you are here, you should know that going for a fresh dish of seafood is a most. Most of the restaurants facing the beach have a restaurant serving deliciously prepared delicatessen taken directly from the sea.
And no matter where you will stay, keep in mind that Saint Malo is an open history book, an experience to remember in all seasons.
Laurent Fabier is well known as a partner editor
on travel and news web portals, economic and online marketing sites. His experience ranges from important contributions in written media to news and
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