The Sweet Spot in Normandy: Top Mid-Range Hotels in Rouen
Rouen is an incredibly walkable city, steeped in history with its stunning Gothic architecture, half-timbered houses, and, of course, the monumental cathedral. When planning your trip, where you stay can greatly influence your experience. For most visitors, the main decision revolves around staying in the Historic Centre (Rive Droite - Right Bank), which is the heart of the action with all the major sights, shops, and restaurants, or opting for a location slightly outside the most crowded streets. The area around the main train station, Gare de Rouen Rive Droite, offers fantastic transport links and easy access to the old town. Meanwhile, hotels across the river on the Rive Gauche (Left Bank) or slightly out of the core can often provide more modern facilities, better parking options, or a quieter experience, though they might require a slightly longer walk or a short transit ride to the historical center.
The good news is that you don’t have to break the bank for a comfortable and convenient base in this beautiful Norman city. We’ve compiled a list of excellent mid-range hotels—all solid choices for travelers who are looking for that perfect balance of comfort, great amenities, and superb location, all at good value.
Central Comfort & Historical Charm (Rive Droite - Historic Core)
These hotels put you right in the middle of Rouen’s enchanting old town, near the cathedral and main square, making sightseeing a breeze.
Mercure Rouen Centre Cathedrale
Set in a lovely traditional half-timbered building, this hotel offers comfortable, modern rooms just a stone’s throw from the Notre-Dame Cathedral. It has a classic, welcoming feel with quality services expected of the Mercure brand.
- Pros: Incredible, central location for visiting all the main attractions. Rooms are generally reported as spacious and clean. The staff is often praised for being helpful.
- Cons: Can be difficult to access by car due to the pedestrianized streets (be sure to check parking and access codes). Some rooms can be a little dated.
Hôtel Paulette Rouen Centre Cathédrale
A recently refurbished, cozy, and stylish boutique-style hotel tucked away just slightly from the busiest streets, offering a calm retreat while still being near the Cathedral. Guests frequently comment on the chic, contemporary décor and the friendly, personalized service.
- Pros: Excellent, very comfortable bedding and impeccable cleanliness. Fantastic breakfast buffet. Quiet setting despite the central location.
- Cons: Rooms can be small, which is common for older buildings in the historic center.
Aparthotel Adagio Access Rouen Centre Cathédrale
This is an ideal choice for travelers who prefer the flexibility of self-catering. The aparthotel provides comfortable studios and apartments equipped with kitchenettes, perfect for longer stays or family travel. Its location is highly central.
- Pros: Kitchenettes in rooms offer great value and flexibility. Excellent location close to the Cathedral and Le Gros-Horloge. Convenient on-site paid parking is available.
- Cons: Some guests note minor issues with kitchenette cleanliness upon arrival. The deposit requirement is sometimes reported as an inconvenience.
Hôtel Littéraire Gustave Flaubert, BW Signature Collection
A unique, 4-star literary-themed hotel dedicated to Rouen’s most famous writer, Gustave Flaubert. The hotel is centrally located, offering a stylish and intellectual atmosphere with books and art decorating the common areas and rooms.
- Pros: Great location right near the old town square. Unique, charming literary theme. Staff are often described as helpful and professional.
- Cons: Rooms, particularly standard ones, are often cited as being small. On-site parking can be challenging.
Best for Transit & Modern Amenities (Near Train Station & Rive Droite)
These options are perfect for those arriving by train or valuing modern comfort and easy accessibility in a slightly more commercial area.
Best Western Plus Hôtel de Dieppe 1880
Situated right across from the Rouen Rive Droite train station, this historical hotel has been beautifully modernized while retaining its 19th-century charm (including a preserved, historical elevator). It’s an excellent base for immediate rail access and still a short walk from the historic core.
- Pros: Unbeatable location right next to the train station. Highly rated staff and excellent breakfast. Rooms are clean and well-appointed.
- Cons: Some standard rooms can feel a bit small. Being near the station means the immediate surroundings are slightly less picturesque than the deep historic center.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Rouen Centre
A newer, 4-star hotel offering sleek, modern design and high-end amenities, including a fitness center and spa facilities. It is located near the Rive Droite train station and a manageable walk to the Cathedral area.
- Pros: Modern, spacious, and comfortable rooms with excellent facilities. Excellent location rating, with easy access to public transport and the city center.
- Cons: Price point may push slightly higher than other options on this list depending on the season. The overall feel is modern and clean, but less “old-world Rouen” charm.
Novotel Rouen Centre Cathédrale
Housed in a large, elegant former Chamber of Commerce building near the Seine riverbanks, this Novotel provides bright, comfortable rooms and a valuable amenity: an indoor pool, making it a strong family-friendly choice. It’s centrally located near the quays and main attractions.
- Pros: Highly rated pool and fitness center. Very good central location by the river and within easy walking distance of the historic sights. Spacious and clean rooms.
- Cons: The parking garage is reported to be tight and involves an extra fee.
Modern & Quiet Retreats (Rive Gauche and Outskirts)
These hotels often provide more spacious rooms and better parking, appealing to those traveling by car or looking for a contemporary feel, though they are a little further from the core sights.
Hyatt Place Rouen
This hotel occupies a beautifully renovated building overlooking the city from a slight elevation. It offers large, modern, and very comfortable rooms, excellent amenities like a bar/restaurant, a fitness center, and a spa. It’s a short drive or a longer, downhill walk into the historic center.
- Pros: Very large, clean, and modern rooms. Great views over Rouen from its elevated position. Excellent on-site dining and amenities like a spa/pool (availability can vary). Convenient covered parking.
- Cons: Requires a 15-20 minute walk to the historic center, which is uphill on the return.
Novotel Suites Rouen Normandie
Located on the Rive Gauche (Left Bank) by the Seine River, this hotel specializes in large suites that feature kitchenettes, making it an excellent choice for families or longer stays. It offers a quieter environment outside the bustle of the historic core.
- Pros: Spacious suites with kitchenettes. Very helpful staff. Good base for those traveling by car with easy access to motorways and nearby parking.
- Cons: It’s about a 15-20 minute walk to the Cathedral/Historic Centre across the bridge. Breakfast is often reported as expensive.
Holiday Inn Express Rouen Centre - Rive Gauche by IHG
A straightforward, reliable, and clean option located on the Left Bank. It provides the standard Holiday Inn Express offering, including complimentary breakfast. It’s across the river from the old town.
- Pros: Reliable brand standard for cleanliness and comfort. Good value for money, and the complimentary breakfast is a bonus. Excellent and friendly staff.
- Cons: Requires a 20-25 minute walk or a short bus ride to reach the main historic attractions. Parking is available but paid and the entrance can be tricky to find.