Two charming Belle Époque villas make up this lively, laid-back hotel. Each villa has eight rooms so some overlook St Malo’s promenade and long sandy beach while others look onto a fairly quiet residential street. The area is well-heeled and, inside, owner Fabrice has been working hard to bring the place up-to-date. You’ll find local art on the walls to buy, live music nights, bistro-style dishes flying out of the kitchen and small, individual, nautically themed bedrooms. The dining room is enticing with panoramic views out to sea; you eat here or on the terrace when the weather’s fine. Breakfast is a generous continental spread of pastries, crepes, fruit, ham and cheese while dinner is mainly fresh-as-can-be seafood (it’s open to the public too). Hire bikes to explore St Malo, hit the waves, get the ferry (or walk – it takes about four hours) to refined Dinard for lunch and a mooch around. This ticks all the boxes for a fantastic, affordable base with heaps to do nearby, and it’s easy peasy for the Portsmouth ferry.
Great location and very comfortable. Excellent food and wine. Very welcoming and friendly staff. Electric bikes are available for hire and these were an lovely way of exploring in and around Saint Malo.