La Monnaie is a Selected hotel located in La Rochelle, France. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide for its exceptional hospitality and unique experience.

How many Michelin Keys does La Monnaie have?

La Monnaie has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

Where is La Monnaie located?

La Monnaie is located in La Rochelle, France, in the Europe region.

What makes a Selected hotel special?

Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

How do I book La Monnaie?

You can view more details and booking information for La Monnaie through the Michelin Guide website. Each Michelin Keys hotel offers a unique booking experience tailored to their guests.

La Monnaie | Selected in La Rochelle, France

Name: La Monnaie
Address: La Rochelle, Europe, France
Rating: 4.5

Key Highlights

✓Service:** The professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness of the staff are frequently highlighted as exceptional.

Expert Review: La Monnaie

La Monnaie, a Michelin Key Selected property in La Rochelle, France, offers a unique blend of historic charm and ultra-modern design, consistently earning high praise from guests. Housed in a 17th-century mint building in the picturesque Old Port, the hotel is celebrated for its artistic ambiance, dedicated service, and prime location.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for La Monnaie is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a "very special hotel in an enchanting city." It holds a strong guest score of 18.5 out of 20 on the Michelin Guide's verified guest reviews, and an 8.8 "Very Good" rating based on over 500 reviews on other platforms. Reviewers often use terms like "fabulous," "exceptional," and "perfect" to describe their stays.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud La Monnaie for several standout features:

Location: Its central position in the heart of La Rochelle's Old Port provides immediate access to quays, pedestrian streets, and historic attractions.
Design & Art: The hotel's interiors are a vivid contrast to its historic exterior, showcasing vibrant colors, contemporary design furniture, and an impressive art collection. This "artistic universe" is a significant draw for many.
Service: The professionalism, friendliness, and attentiveness of the staff are frequently highlighted as exceptional.
Amenities: The "smallish" yet well-equipped spa, "La Neuvième Lettre," featuring a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and Sothys treatments, is a significant draw for relaxation. The availability of private parking, though at an additional cost, is also a highly valued amenity in a central location.

3. Room Quality

La Monnaie offers 36 air-conditioned rooms and suites, each carefully decorated to combine elegance and comfort with a chic baroque and modern style. Rooms are equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and top-quality bedding. Guests appreciate the "comfort and services of a 4-star hotel." Some rooms provide views of the inner courtyard or the old city fortifications. Room types range from "Cosy" (15m²) and "Comfort" (17-19m²) to more spacious "Exclusive Double" (23m²), "Prestige Double" (25m²), and various suites like "Aliénor d'Aquitaine" (32m² for up to 4 people) and "La Sirène," which boasts panoramic views and a terrace. Welcome products and a courtesy tray are also provided.

4. Dining Experience

While La Monnaie does not feature a full-service restaurant beyond breakfast, it excels in its breakfast offering. Guests consistently praise the breakfast buffet, describing it as "fabulous," "exceptional," "excellent and copious," and featuring delicious local and homemade products. It can be enjoyed in the dedicated living room, the sunny courtyard, or in the privacy of one's room. The hotel bar also serves a light menu both indoors and outdoors. The central location means there are plenty of fine restaurants nearby for other meals.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at La Monnaie receive outstanding reviews for their hospitality, professionalism, and attentiveness. Guests have specifically mentioned "friendly staff" and feeling "at the complete disposal" of the hotel team. Personal touches, such as guidance with the coffee machine at breakfast, further contribute to the positive service experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hôtel La Monnaie boasts an ideal and central location at 3 rue de la Monnaie, 17000 La Rochelle, overlooking the Old Port. This prime spot offers immediate access to the city's main attractions, including the historic towers (Lantern, Chaîne, Saint-Nicolas), pedestrian streets, local restaurants, and markets. La Concurrence beach is also within walking distance.

While the Old Port area is closed to traffic, the hotel provides private, paid parking on reservation, with an electric vehicle charging station available. Detailed directions for car access are provided, including how to lower bollards to reach the hotel. La Rochelle-Île de Ré airport is about 15 minutes away by car, and La Rochelle SNCF train station is a ten-minute drive. The hotel is also accessible to people with reduced mobility, offering functional rooms, elevators, and easy access, aligning with La Rochelle's efforts to be an accessible city.

7. Value & Pricing

La Monnaie is a 4-star hotel, and prices start from approximately €99, though this can vary significantly based on dates and room type. Given its Michelin Key selection, prime location, modern amenities, and high guest satisfaction, the hotel is generally considered to offer good value, with many guests finding it "worth the cost" for a special and comfortable stay.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, a few minor points can be gathered. The spa, though appreciated, is described as "smallish." Additionally, the hotel does not have a full restaurant beyond breakfast, which might be a consideration for guests preferring on-site dining options for all meals. However, the abundance of local restaurants nearby mitigates this. Private parking is available but at an additional charge.