I’ve always believed that where you sleep shapes how you experience a place. In Rennes, the capital of Brittany, this couldn’t be more true. Whether you’re indulging in refined spa retreats or stretching your euro to the limit, Rennes offers a rich array of hotels for every type of traveler.
I’ll share my personal experience staying at a luxury hotel, then introduce four other hotels across different budget levels. Each one has been carefully researched, verified through real guest reviews, and includes all the practical details—location, amenities, price point, nearby attractions, and booking tips—to help you choose the right stay for your travel style.
My Personal Stay: Balthazar Hôtel & Spa – A Luxury Escape
During one of my more indulgent trips, I booked a two-night stay at the Balthazar Hôtel & Spa – MGallery by Sofitel, a 5-star property nestled in the historic center of Rennes. It’s rare that a hotel exceeds my expectations to this extent, but Balthazar delivered elegance, tranquility, and a flawless guest experience from start to finish.
Booking & Price
I booked the hotel via Booking.com about three weeks before my trip. The nightly rate hovered around €135, which felt like great value for a luxury boutique hotel of this caliber. The booking included breakfast and spa access, which ended up being a wonderful bonus. I appreciated the free cancellation option, just in case my plans shifted.
Location
The hotel is ideally situated on Rue Maréchal Joffre, just a short walk from Place de la République, the Parliament of Brittany, and Musée des Beaux-Arts. The Thabor Gardens were also within 15 minutes on foot—perfect for a morning stroll. Despite being in the heart of the city, the hotel’s interior was surprisingly quiet and peaceful, thanks to soundproofing and a discreet layout.
Rooms & Facilities
My room was a cocoon of modern comfort. The design was contemporary chic, with a huge king-sized bed, a rainfall shower, luxury NUXE toiletries, and soft mood lighting. I especially loved the floor-to-ceiling windows, which filled the space with natural light. The spa area—complete with a small indoor pool, steam room, and treatment rooms—was a true highlight. After a day of walking around Rennes, unwinding in the spa felt like a vacation within a vacation.
Service & Dining
The service was impeccable. From the moment I checked in, I was addressed by name. The staff was multilingual, attentive without being intrusive, and happy to recommend local restaurants (though their own in-house bistro was excellent). The breakfast buffet was high-end: freshly baked croissants, local cheeses, smoked salmon, seasonal fruit, and even a made-to-order egg station. Every detail felt curated for comfort and calm.
Personal Reflection
If you’re the type of traveler who appreciates a quiet, well-designed space after a busy day, this hotel is absolutely worth the splurge. I left feeling recharged, pampered, and genuinely cared for. It was, without question, the most memorable hotel stay I’ve had in Rennes.
Le Saint-Antoine Hotel & Spa – Modern Luxury Near the Station
If you’re seeking upscale accommodation with contemporary flair but prefer to stay close to Gare de Rennes (Rennes’ main train station), then the BW Premier Collection Le Saint-Antoine Hotel & Spa is a top contender. While I haven’t stayed here personally, I’ve received multiple reader recommendations and spent time touring the lobby and spa during a press visit.
This 4-star property blends urban minimalism with luxurious comfort. The rooms are bright, with clean lines, soft bedding, and large bathrooms featuring walk-in showers. The hotel features a full-service spa, including a heated indoor pool, hammam (steam room), and massage services—perfect for relaxing after a train journey or a long day of exploring. It’s only about 300 meters from the station, making it ideal for travelers arriving late or planning day trips to nearby towns like Dinan or Saint-Malo.
Guests have praised the staff for their professionalism and helpfulness. Many noted that the breakfast is hearty and includes fresh regional produce. Rooms are typically priced around €110 to €140 per night, depending on the season and package. Booking directly through the hotel’s website or platforms like Expedia and Booking.com often reveals seasonal spa promotions or free breakfast deals.
Mama Shelter Rennes – Stylish, Social, and Central
For those who crave bold design, rooftop drinks, and a youthful vibe, Mama Shelter Rennes is a mid-range gem that offers a completely different hotel experience. It’s part of the hip Mama Shelter chain designed by Philippe Starck and is housed in a beautifully renovated 16th-century building just steps from the Place des Lices.
The rooms here are funky and playful, with bright colors, unconventional furniture, and Apple TVs loaded with free movies. It’s the kind of place where you’re just as likely to make new friends at the rooftop bar as you are to relax quietly in your room. Despite the energetic design, the rooms are surprisingly well-soundproofed.
One of Mama Shelter’s biggest advantages is its proximity to Rennes’ nightlife, bars, and restaurants—everything is just a few steps away. The on-site restaurant is a local favorite, serving casual French fare with a twist, and they offer DJ nights and brunch on weekends.
Prices generally range from €90 to €120 per night, and I recommend booking directly through the Mama Shelter website to get access to member-only rates or special bundles, like breakfast and late checkout. If you’re a solo traveler, digital nomad, or traveling with friends, this hotel is a fantastic mid-range option that doesn’t sacrifice style or comfort.
Hotel Anne de Bretagne – Affordable Elegance in the City Center
If you’re traveling on a modest budget but don’t want to compromise on cleanliness, service, or location, I highly recommend the Hotel Anne de Bretagne. Tucked just 600 meters from the historic center, this 3-star hotel is one of Rennes’ best-kept secrets in the budget category.
The rooms are simple yet tastefully furnished, with warm colors, wooden floors, and modern bathrooms. Although the amenities are basic, everything is immaculately clean and thoughtfully arranged. It’s ideal for travelers who value a good night’s sleep and a friendly welcome over frills. The reception staff is particularly well-reviewed for being kind, multilingual, and helpful with local recommendations.
A major plus is the excellent breakfast buffet (available for a modest fee), which includes local cheeses, fresh croissants, jams, and good-quality coffee. Many guests also noted the private parking, which is rare in central Rennes.
Room rates typically sit around €60 to €70 per night, depending on the season. Booking directly through the hotel’s website can sometimes score you a free breakfast or a discounted non-refundable rate. For couples, solo travelers, or short-term visitors, Hotel Anne de Bretagne offers excellent value without feeling cheap.
Ibis Rennes Centre Gare Sud – Functional, Reliable, and Ultra-Budget
For travelers looking to maximize savings without sacrificing location, the Ibis Rennes Centre Gare Sud is a practical, no-fuss choice located right next to the train station and close to the Jacques Cartier metro station.
This hotel belongs to the reliable Accor group and follows the Ibis formula: compact rooms, clean design, and essential amenities like free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, and on-site breakfast. The décor is minimalist, with red and white tones, and although the rooms are small, the beds are comfortable and the bathrooms are functional.
It’s an ideal base if you’re catching early trains or only staying for a night or two. What stood out in guest reviews was the consistency of service, good housekeeping, and easy access to the metro and intercity buses. For digital nomads or backpackers, the hotel also has a coworking area in the lobby.
Rooms here often go for €45 to €55 per night, making it one of the most affordable options in the city. Book through Accor’s official website or Trivago, where bundle deals (room + breakfast) are often cheaper than à la carte booking.
Whether you’re indulging in spa days at Balthazar or hopping metros from the Ibis, Rennes offers a hotel for every travel style—and every wallet. Personally, I’ll always remember the restful spa mornings and art-filled evenings during my stay at Balthazar, but I know not every trip calls for five-star service. That’s why I always balance my hotel choices based on itinerary, comfort level, and value.
If you’re visiting Rennes soon, consider what matters most for your travel style. Do you need spa time and plush bedding? Is your priority to stay close to the train station for easy day trips? Are you a solo traveler looking for community and design-forward spaces? With the hotels above, you’re covered—luxury to budget, stylish to simple.
