Hotel de Toiras

A partner of renowned luxury chain Relais & Chateau, Hotel de Toiras sits right on Saint-Martin's bustling harbor, occupying a 17th-century former shipman's home. The simple white-stone exterior has a charming watchtower, while classically elegant French interiors exude more personality with antique furnishings, abundant gilded Renaissance art, and a blue-and-white color scheme in tasseled sofas and ceramic lamps. An original stone fireplace makes the lobby a cozy spot for a cocktail. A veritable oasis of calm is found in the garden, where lush greenery and metal furniture make al fresco dining popular in the summer months. The atmosphere is upmarket though not pretentious, attracting a crowd primarily of older couples who generally rave about the stellar service. 

The hotel has a prime location overlooking a pedestrianized harbor-front promenade in Ile-de-Re's UNESCO World Heritage Site capital. Views of quaint fishing boats are available from the street, and swanky boutiques and upscale eateries dot surrounding streets. The 15th-century Ernest Cognacq Museum is a one-minute walk and the silk prints of Atelier Du Pied D Alouette are just as close. Open daily in the summer, a market is a two-minute walk, while the larger Bois-de-Plage-En-Re market is a five-minute drive. The closest beach is La Cible, set 10 minutes away on foot. Day trips to beautiful nearby villages are popular, including La Flotte at a 10-minute drive. The half-timbered houses and Renaissance architecture of La Rochelle are a 20-minute drive (as is its train station) and Minimes Marina is twice that. La Rochelle Airport is twenty minutes by car, and the hotel offers airport transfers at a fee.

The 29 rooms and suites are individually decorated and decorated in a similarly classic and elegant style as the common areas. Expect period furnishings, floral or patterned wallpaper and linens -- often in pastel tones -- and wood floors topped with antique rugs. Framed portraits and artwork, antique furniture such as large armoires, intricate lamps, or exposed wood beams add charming and homey touches. Standard amenities are solid, consisting of desks, seating areas, flat-screen TVs with CD and DVD players, minibars, safes, and air-conditioning, though there are no kettles. Suites have full living areas, stately fireplaces, and furnished terraces or balconies. Small steps to a tower window in the Evangeline Premier offer a unique take on the mostly harbor views, however, while some others face the garden, there are some facing a wall. Bathrooms have quaint accents such as patterned tiles, framed artwork, or brick floors, and either come with shower/tub combos or deep tubs and separate shower stalls. All have posh toiletries and quality hairdryers.

The standout here is the fine-dining La Table D'Olivia French restaurant, which is outfitted in floral wallpapers and matching rose china, which may be too frilly for some diners, though food is well-reviewed. Locally sourced seafood platters and artisan cheeses are popular, and since space is limited, reservations are advised. Guests are supplied with baskets if they want to purchase market produce, meat, and fish to be used for their meals. A la carte American-style and continental breakfasts offer cooked-to-order items, and secluded garden dining is popular in warmer months. 

There are no full spa or wellness facilities on-site, though staff can arrange in-room massages and guests receive free access to an outdoor pool at sister hotel, La Villa Clarisse, a five-minute walk away. Free valet service is a great perk, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Bikes can be rented for a fee.