Le Champlain

Despite its association with the Best Western brand, Hotel Champlain France Angleterre offers the charm and intimate feeling of a boutique property. Indeed, the oldest part of the building was once a convent, and the historic facade bears the marks of both age and classic style, though it's flanked by more modern wings that feel plain by comparison. Decor inside is classic and elegant: Antique furnishings, chandelier lighting, wood wainscoting, ornate gold frames, and parquet floors are common decorative features. Charming sitting rooms, a small bar, and a spacious, beautifully manicured garden make this ideal for leisure travelers who want to both explore La Rochelle and relax on the grounds, and the hotel particularly attracts couples. However, the patterned carpeting and heavy drapes can sometimes feel more outdated than Old World, especially in some of the guest rooms, but on the whole the property is well-maintained and attractive.

This hotel is located on a charming street right at the edge of the historic district, with trendy shops and a movie theater right at the end of the block. From there, guests can take an 11-minute stroll down the shopping street Rue Chaudrier to reach Le Vieux Port, the old harbor, a tourist hotspot lined with restaurants. The Espace Encan event center, the Gare de La Rochelle, and La Rochelle Airport can all be reached in 10 minutes or less by car. Parking is available on site for a reasonable fee, but it's limited and should be booked in advance. 

The hotel's guest rooms vary significantly in decor from more modern, updated rooms with neutral color palettes and antique accents (elegant wood wardrobes, chandelier lighting) to beachy rooms with country accents to more traditional rooms, sometimes with dated details like patterned wall-to-wall carpeting and heavy drapes. Bathrooms tend to be simple but contemporary with showers or combination showers and tubs. Despite the range in room decor, guests tend to find the rooms clean, comfortable, and spacious on the whole. 

Most rooms are for two, but the hotel also has suites that can accommodate three to six guests. Rooms are air-conditioned and include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and free Wi-Fi, plus electronic safes, electric kettles for coffee/tea service, and lightly stocked minibars. Bathrooms have hairdryers and a combination of individual toiletries and toiletry dispensers. 

Features at this Best Western are a bit mixed. While it lacks wellness facilities, the hotel does offer plenty of indoor and outdoor lounge spaces, including elegant salon-style sitting rooms and a spacious outdoor garden with tables, chairs, and loungers. There's also a small bar and a breakfast room. A decent continental breakfast is served daily, with cooked-to-order egg dishes, but some guests find it a little pricey for what's served. Drinks or breakfast can be taken on the patio in nice weather, and breakfast room service is available. There's no full-service restaurant on site, though the restaurant Le Savoir-Vivre is adjacent to the hotel (a one-minute walk away) and serves lunch and dinner. 

The hotel has two meeting rooms and a business nook with a computer for guest use. Wi-Fi throughout the property is free. The front desk is open 24 hours and staff can help make reservations and recommendations. High chairs and cribs are available for guests traveling with children, and pets are allowed for an extra fee. Limited parking is available on site for an extra fee and should be booked in advance.