Mercure Dieppe la Presidence

A modernist counterpoint to its neighbor -- the 15th-century Chateau de Dieppe -- this property has a bland glass-chrome-and-concrete facade. But once inside, the hotel's interiors are cheery and bright, with white walls and white-lacquered surfaces offset with purple swivel chairs, pink velvet benches, and striped hallway carpets the color of Neapolitan ice cream. An outdoor terrace with planters and flower boxes, cafe tables and chairs, is a pleasant spot to spot the Chateau, though it also has some parking lot views. The hotel attracts mostly businesspeople with its two large meeting rooms, but it does draw a smattering of tourists who want to experience Dieppe's beach and historical sites.

The Mercure Dieppe la Presidence sits directly below the walls of the 15th-century Chateau de Dieppe castle -- built in 1188 -- which guests can see from some hotel room windows. The castle is famous for having survived the 1694 Anglo-Dutch naval bombardment that destroyed most of the town. As the name suggests, Pebble Beach, across the road from the hotel, isn't for those who prefer soft white sands, but it's loaded with history, too. It's the scene of the Dieppe Raid, a WWII Allied attack on the German-occupied town. It's a two-minute walk to the Grand Hotel Du Casino de Dieppe. The popular and public Les Baines De Dieppe -- with a park, spa area, and swimming pool -- is a three-minute walk from the hotel. Golfers can stroll seven minutes to the Pourville Golf Course.

The hotel's elegant rooms have a white, gray, and pale lavender palette. White-paneled walls and lavender toile de Jouy bedspreads and cushions, vase-shaped lamps, glass-doored wardrobes, and cherrywood floors give upscale flourishes. Coffeemakers and safes come standard. Toilets are in separate rooms from the sink and showers, and sink vanities are outfitted with wall-mounted hairdryers, toiletries, and magnifying mirrors. Most bathrooms have showers only. 

None of the rooms are huge, and the Standard Rooms are particularly small, with double beds and large windows with street or ocean views. There's a multi-lane street with a roundabout right below the windows, and traffic noise can be an issue; guests wanting a little extra peace might want to splurge for an ocean view. The Italian Rooms have queen-size beds and pink settees. Windows overlook the charming old homes of Dieppe, but again, the street is just below. The Privilege Rooms are designed for business travelers and have little extra perks, such as Nespresso machines.

The Mercure features a small but elegant bar and restaurant, and breakfast is available for a fee. The restaurant, La Presidence, serves French cuisine using fresh local produce, but it's closed on Sundays. It's large and sunny, though the food is reportedly average. The Bar Le Verrazane is elegant and small, with punchy purple chairs, but it doesn't invite lingering, and feels like the kind of place to grab a quick drink and go. Although rooms don't have individual balconies, there's a large and pretty common terrace. There are also two large meeting rooms, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Across the street, the beach is corse and pebbly. Only the hardiest sunbathers lay out here. But beachside bars and cafes still make the most of the setting, with tables that face the waterfront.