Hotel La Marine, Vieux Port

Right in the middle of the waterfront restaurant and tourist area of the old harbor. Room upgrade thanks to Booking was really nice and we got the best view right out over the water. Very helpful and friendly reception staff, not least with carrying some of our baggage up from street-level entrance (since they have no elevator). The Harbor area of La Rochelle is beautiful, with lots to see and do and with great dining and cafés, etc.

Parking is a bit of a hassle, but it isn't the hotel's fault. The local government is trying to make the waterfront area a nearly car-free pedestrian area, which is nice once you are there. It was, however, possible to (slowly and carefully) drive to the hotel to drop off luggage. Underground parking is an 8-10 minute walk away along interesting streets, shops, and restaurants, and was reasonably priced. Lack of elevator in the hotel was not an issue for us, but might be a problem for people with reduced mobility.

We upgraded to a room (No 7)with a view of the old port which was excellent! It was so good our friends would meet us and bring a bottle or two for pre dinner drinks looking at the view of the port and the crowds below. it was better than sitting in the bars below!

Too many stairs! If you were less mobile then you would struggle with this hotel. We had 52 to our room and no lift! No parking at the hotel for your car however they provided a discounted rate for a secure underground car park approx 10-15 mins walk away. They provided a pass for the car park to allow you in and out at anytime during your stay(€12) per day.

This hotel is right in the heart of downtown La Rochelle along the harbor, so it is an easy walk to restaurants, the ferris wheel, and all the sights. We had a lovely room that was very comfortable and quiet. The toilet broke a part on our 2nd night, so we had a plumber in the room at 11:30 pm at night. These things happen, so it wasn't really the hotel's fault, but it disturbed our night's sleep. We felt the hotel should have compensated us in some way, but they didn't.

There are 2 flights of stairs to get up to the hotel desk, and then our room was 3 flights more above that. There is no elevator, so keep that in mind. The paid parking isn't particularly close to the hotel, so dragging one's bags can also be an issue.

I started to write “location”, which was exceptional, but I’d have to add on “view”. Yes, you are right in the middle of things on the marina, but be sure to get a room with a view of it to fully take advantage of the wonderful spot. The size of my room was generous. In addition to the bed—which was very comfortable—there was a dresser and, my favorite, a round table and a couple of chairs. I was able to spend time doing some journaling in that spot, while overlooking the port. The double-paned window eliminates any concern about noise from the outdoor restaurant(s) seating just below. the bathroom had two sinks, and a good-sized shower. This area also had a view of the marina from the back of the room, like the bridge of a ship.

You can’t say they don’t warn you, but there are stairs and no elevator to get inside. One flight from the street to the front door. One more flight from that landing to the lobby. If your room isn’t on that same floor, you’ll have at least on additional flight to get to your room. However, both the young lady on duty when I arrived and the charming gentleman on duty when I checked-out offered to help me with my luggage, and did…happily. This last one feels a bit silly to say, but it would be nice to have a box of tissues provided in the room.

The location of the hotel is excellent, you can visit the main objectives. On the ground floor, towards the port, there are always full terraces, where you can dine. The hotel is clean, the daily cleaning services are exemplary. I wanted a quiet room and that's why I received a room overlooking the inner courtyard. The room is functional, tastefully decorated. The WiFi connection was very good. There is an electric tea cup in the room. Very good breakfast coffee. The hotel staff had a friendly and kind attitude.

The sound insulation between the rooms is poor, probably due to the fact that it is an old building. The rooms and the shower are very small, especially suitable for a medium-sized person. But breakfast is not classic, but consists only of good, tasty, but sweet products (croissant, butter, jam, sweet yogurt, juice), the same every day, according to the image on the site, without diversification. The tea bags in the room were not replaced during the stay. There is no cheese, ham, vegetables, nothing salty at breakfast, which makes it already difficult to eat on the third day, if you are a person who eats more diverse, more vegetables and not so sweet.

Lovely clean room, although a little claustrophobic as it overlooked a central courtyard. The aircon was FANTASTIC!!!!! We were so grateful for it. A good location, too. The b real fast, delivered to our room, was fabulous! Great, warm pastries and lovely yoghourt and orange juice with great coffee. The staff were lovely. Helpful, kind and useful.

Well, if you are in any way less than fit, it’s a real drag going from the underground carpark in Place Verdun and dragging your suitcase through the tourist hordes to the hotel. Then there is one very steep, narrow staircase up to the first floor, and then once the door is open, it’s up ANOTHER step staircase to reception and then if you’re on the higher floors, MORe narrow twisty stairs up to your room. Once you finally make it, though, it is very nice but if you’re elderly or your case is heavy - it’s probably not for you.

We absolutely LOVED the view over the old harbor! The hotel is located in the old town so cannot be accessed by car and as the very cheerful and friendly receptionist told us, there is not a single straight wall in the house. Our room had an open bathroom and separate toilet - modern and very nicely done, and we loved looking across the port to the towers from our bed. The hotel is just in the midst of everything - bars, restaurants, boutiques... We just loved it! We left our car in the underground parking at Place Verdun at the reasonable rate of €12/day (May 2022) and had a badge from the hotel to get in and out without having to get a new ticket each time. Very easy - just take a ticket when you arrive and exchange it at the reception for the badge.

One should be warned to not bring too heavy a suitcase as the parking is about 700m away and there are plenty of rather narrow stairs to manage at the hotel. However, the very nice couple at the reception is very helpful with that as well, if needed.

Amazing location with a great view of the old port. Great to watch the evening street entertainment from our room! Room very clean and comfortable, lovely bathroom. AC very welcome on a very hot day. Very nice breakfast which we enjoyed in our room sat by the window taking in the view. Perfect! Staff very welcoming, friendly and helpful and spoke very good English.

Nothing to dislike.

The hotel is well placed for the town and local facilities. The rooms are modern and well equipped.

It should be noted this hotel is not suited for those with limited mobility. There is no lift and there are no ground floor facilities. It is also a 10 minute walk between the parking and hotel.

Hotel room was excellent with a beautiful view of the Port. Lovely to have breakfast in the room whilst enjoying the view. Able to stop car in front of hotel to drop off bags and passenger and dog. Loved La Rochelle.

Suggested car park was a good 5 minutes away. Steep steps leading up to reception, although assistance given by excellent receptionist.