Hotel reviews: Hotel de la Cathedrale Rouen,France

Rouen is one of the most historic cities in France. It was in Rouen that Joan of Arc was tried and found guilty of being a witch and where she was burned to death. With a city this historic staying in a historic hotel adds to the overall appeal. The Hotel de la Cathedral is just such a hotel. Located on a pedestrian street it faces the Cathedral as well as the Bishops Palace where the trial took place. You will be hard pressed to find a hotel anywhere with a better location than this one. From here you will be able to walk to all the historic attractions, the museums and all the amazing shops with their beautiful painted faience and latest of fashions.

The hotel is one of many crooked half timber houses on this street, while the history is evident it also has plenty of modern amenities. The rooms come in a variety of configurations from a single bed to family rooms. The dcor is simple with very French style furniture and chenille bedspreads. Most of the walls have wall paper and bright colors. The beds are comfortable and there are enough pillows and blankets to guarantee a comfortable stay.

This is a tourist class hotel. Don’t expect a lot of amenities. The bathrooms are private and modern, breakfast may or may not be included in your rate, be sure to ask. It is a good European style continental with cheese, meat, fruit, boiled eggs, yogurt and cereal. The breakfast room is charming and overlooks the interior courtyard. In the warm weather this is a gathering area for guests.

The hotel does not have any of it’s own parking. There is a public parking lot a couple of blocks away and it is interesting to try to get up the cobbled street with rolling luggage. The price of parking is reasonable , it is after all a city but really there isn’t another choice unless you arrive by train.

Located where it is on Cathedral Square there are many restaurants in the area. We arrived on a Sunday and on Sunday evening many restaurants are closed.

The staff was at all times friendly and helpful but most of them did not speak a great deal of English. I speak Canadian French and we were able to communicate quite well but knowing French will come in very handy here. There is internet access in the lobby and be warned the desk is not open 24/7, usually by 9pm you are on your own.

The reasons to stay here are many, location, location, location and of course price, it is very inexpensive by any standards. The hotel is clean and certainly has plenty of charm including a resident feline.