The 19-room Ivan Vautier Hotel is a luxury boutique built around its renowned restaurant. Set on a somewhat drab, residential street away from central Caen, location certainly isn't its selling point -- though rooms are smart and appropriately high-end with excellent bathrooms and amenities. The spa area is good enough for the caliber of hotel (with steam bath, sauna, and hot tub) but the restaurant is, of course, the highlight and the food certainly won't disappoint. Overall, the hotel is swanky without quite hitting seriously upscale, but reasonable rates do tend to reflect this. 

The Adagio Caen Centre is an upper-middle-range, 120-apartment hotel set in the modern, and not particularly attractive, center of Caen. The picturesque historical center is just within walking distance, however, and it's easy access to and from the nearby train station. Apartments are smart and modern with excellent kitchens and bathrooms, though beds are a letdown. Overall, if you want self-catering close to the station at very reasonable rates, this place is a strong option -- just don't expect too much in the way of charm.