I know that the right hotel can make or break a trip — especially when you’re visiting with family. In Nantes, a city that effortlessly blends history, creativity, and warmth, I found plenty of options that cater to parents, grandparents, and little adventurers alike.
I’ll take you inside one hotel I personally stayed in with my family, followed by four more family-friendly hotels in Nantes that I researched extensively and came highly recommended by other travelers I trust.
My Stay: Aparthotel Adagio Nantes Centre
I booked the Aparthotel Adagio Nantes Centre for a four-night stay after reading that it combines the flexibility of an apartment with the services of a hotel — a perfect balance for traveling with my sister and her two kids.
📍 Location
Right in the heart of Nantes, just a five-minute walk from the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and 10 minutes from the Bouffay district. The kids loved that we could see the trams passing by from our balcony. The central location meant we could pop back for a break in the afternoon before heading out again for dinner.
🛏 Rooms & Comfort
We stayed in a one-bedroom apartment with a sofa bed in the living room. The kitchenette was a game-changer — I could prepare simple breakfasts and even cook pasta one evening when we didn’t feel like eating out. Everything felt modern, clean, and functional, with enough storage space for all our things.
🍳 Breakfast
The buffet breakfast was €14 per adult, kids ate for half price, and it included a generous spread of pastries, cereals, cheeses, cold cuts, and fresh fruit. My nephew made it his mission to try every kind of jam they offered.
🛠 Facilities & Services
- Free Wi-Fi that worked well enough for streaming kids’ shows.
- On-site laundry (essential when you’re traveling with kids who manage to get sticky within 30 minutes).
- 24-hour reception — handy when we needed an extra blanket late at night.
- Small gym (I didn’t use it, but my brother-in-law did early one morning).
💶 Price & Booking
We paid about €118 per night, booked through Booking.com using a Genius discount, which saved around 10%. Booking early was essential — I noticed the prices jumped by €25 per night closer to our travel dates.
👍 Pros
- Central location with tram access nearby.
- Kitchenette for easy meals.
- Family-friendly pricing on breakfast.
👎 Cons
- The sofa bed was fine for the kids, but adults might find it too firm.
- The street-facing rooms can be a little noisy if you keep the windows open.
⭐ My Family Rating: 9/10 — The convenience of apartment living with hotel comforts made our stay smooth and stress-free.
Recommended Hotel #1: Radisson Blu Hotel Nantes
Why It’s Great for Families
Housed in the former Palais de Justice, this hotel offers spacious family rooms and interconnecting suites, perfect for larger groups.
Location: Just a 10-minute walk from the Passage Pommeraye shopping arcade and the Graslin Theatre.
Facilities & Highlights:
- Free baby cots and high chairs available on request.
- In-room coffee machines (for tired parents).
- On-site restaurant serving a kids’ menu with locally sourced ingredients.
Rates: Around €150–€190 per night for family rooms. Booking early via Hotels.com often includes free breakfast.
Tip: Ask for rooms overlooking the courtyard for a quieter stay.
Recommended Hotel #2: Novotel Nantes Centre Bord de Loire
Why It’s Great for Families
Novotel is known for its family-friendly approach, and the Nantes Bord de Loire location is no exception. Rooms comfortably fit two adults and two kids without feeling cramped.
Location: On the edge of the Loire River, with lovely riverbank walks nearby, and a 15-minute stroll to Île de Nantes.
Facilities & Highlights:
- Kids under 16 stay free when sharing a room with parents.
- Outdoor terrace restaurant with a relaxed vibe.
- Board games and video game consoles in the lobby area.
Rates: From €120 per night; look for deals on AccorHotels.com for up to 20% off with advance booking.
Tip: The Sunday brunch is very family-oriented, with a kids’ corner and plenty of sweet treats.
Recommended Hotel #3: Mercure Nantes Centre Gare
Why It’s Great for Families
Directly connected to Nantes train station, this hotel is perfect if you’re arriving or departing by rail and want zero stress with luggage and kids.
Location: Beside the Jardin des Plantes, which is fantastic for morning strolls or a quick playground stop.
Facilities & Highlights:
- Interconnecting rooms available for larger families.
- On-site restaurant with flexible dining hours.
- Play area with toys for younger kids.
Rates: Around €125–€160 per night; check Expedia for packages including train tickets.
Tip: If your kids are light sleepers, request a room facing away from the tracks.
Recommended Hotel #4: Hôtel Voltaire Opéra Nantes Centre
Why It’s Great for Families
A charming boutique option with just 38 rooms, giving it a cozy, homely feel. Family rooms have thoughtful touches like welcome baskets with coloring books for kids.
Location: In the Graslin district, close to the Théâtre Graslin and Rue Crébillon shopping street.
Facilities & Highlights:
- Free Wi-Fi and family board games available at reception.
- Babysitting service on request (extra charge).
- Daily breakfast buffet with fresh, local pastries.
Rates: From €110 per night; direct booking via their official website often includes complimentary breakfast.
Tip: This hotel is best for families who enjoy smaller, more personal service rather than big-chain amenities.
Family Travel Quick Guide to Nantes
1. Best Time to Visit
For family trips, April to June and September to October are the sweet spots—mild weather, fewer crowds, and parks in full bloom. July and August bring lively festivals and street performances, but also higher prices and busier attractions, so book accommodations well in advance.
2. Getting Around
Nantes’ public transport system is excellent, especially the TAN network of trams and buses. A family day pass (about €9 for up to 5 people) offers unlimited rides. The city center is walkable, and BiclooPlus city bikes are a fun option for short rides with older kids.
3. From the Airport
From Nantes Atlantique Airport to the city center, the airport shuttle bus takes about 20 minutes (€9 one-way). Taxis cost around €25–30 and are worth it if you have young children or heavy luggage.
4. Must-Visit Family Attractions
- Les Machines de l’Île – The giant mechanical elephant ride is unforgettable, and the creative workshops fascinate both kids and adults.
- Jardin des Plantes – A peaceful botanical garden in the heart of Nantes, with a small play area and charming animal sculptures.
- Château des Ducs de Bretagne – This castle and history museum combines interactive exhibits with centuries-old architecture.
- Île de Versailles – A Japanese-style garden by the river, perfect for a quiet afternoon stroll.
5. Family-Friendly Dining
- Crêperie Ker Breizh – Affordable Breton galettes and sweet crêpes, with plenty of kid-friendly options.
- La Cigale – A historic brasserie with Belle Époque décor and classic French dishes.
- Basilic & Co – Creative pizzas made with local ingredients, sure to please the whole family.
6. Hotel Booking Channels
My go-tos include Booking.com (flexible cancellation), Hotels.com (loyalty nights), Expedia (flight + hotel deals), and sometimes the hotel’s own website for extras like free breakfast or parking.
7. Budget Guidelines
Expect to pay €90–180 per night for a family room. Lunch “Menu du jour” deals are often €12–15 per person, while dinner can range from €20–35. Many museums are free for visitors under 18, and the Nantes City Pass (around €25 for 48 hours per adult) can save you money on attractions and public transport.
8. Packing Essentials
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, along with a lightweight rain jacket (Nantes weather can change quickly), reusable water bottles, a small first-aid kit, and a couple of small toys or books to keep kids occupied during waits.
9. Safety & Practical Tips
Nantes is generally safe, but keep an eye on your belongings in busy markets or festivals. Some attractions close for lunch (usually between 12–2 pm), so plan around that. Parking in the city center is limited and expensive—public transport is often a better choice.
10. Day Trip Ideas
If you’re staying longer, consider:
- Clisson – An Italian-inspired town with castle ruins, just 30 minutes by train.
- Pornic – A charming fishing port with beaches and ice cream shops, about 45 minutes by train.
- Guérande – A medieval walled town famous for its salt, perfect for a scenic afternoon.
Choosing the Right Family Stay in Nantes
For me, Aparthotel Adagio Nantes Centre ticked all the right boxes — central location, the flexibility of having our own kitchenette, and a price that made sense for a family of four. It allowed us to balance eating out at local restaurants with simple, home-style meals when the kids were tired, which made our days much smoother.
But the beauty of Nantes is that it caters to so many different family travel styles. If you love staying in a grand historic building, the Radisson Blu is a treat — parents get elegance, while kids get space to roam around safely. If you prefer a chain hotel with consistent standards, Novotel and Mercure are safe bets, especially if you want those little extras like late check-outs, kids-eat-free policies, and indoor play corners. And if you’re looking for charm and personal touches, Hôtel Voltaire Opéra delivers that boutique feeling without compromising on comfort.
My biggest takeaway after years of traveling with kids: location beats almost everything. In Nantes, having your hotel within walking distance (or a short tram ride) to the main attractions like the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, Jardin des Plantes, and Île de Nantes means fewer meltdowns and more spontaneous adventures.
Three Extra Tips for Family Travelers in Nantes:
- Look for breakfast-included deals — Many hotels offer generous morning spreads, which can replace a full lunch for younger kids.
- Check for in-room fridges — Handy for storing milk, snacks, and picnic items.
- Don’t underestimate downtime — Pick a hotel with a lounge, courtyard, or nearby park where kids can recharge between sightseeing.
Nantes is one of those cities where the pace feels friendly, the distances are manageable, and family-friendly touches are woven into everyday life. Choosing the right hotel here isn’t just about a bed for the night — it’s about creating a base where every family member feels comfortable, safe, and ready to explore.
Whichever hotel you choose, one thing’s certain: Nantes will surprise you with its mix of history, creativity, and warmth. By the time you leave, you’ll have more than just photographs — you’ll have memories of shared breakfasts, evening strolls along the Loire, and kids laughing in the shadow of a 15th-century castle. And honestly, that’s worth far more than the room rate.
