6 Place du Quebec, Bayeux, France | (888) 551-4925
Intimate boutique hotel located next to the Bayeux Cathedral in a picturesque village
Stylish rooms with cathedral views
Delicious daily breakfast with homemade jams (for a fee)
Cozy bar for cocktails
On-site fitness center is a rarity among boutique hotels in the area
Free Wi-Fi and parking
No on-site restaurant
Villa Lara Hotel is a charming and intimate four-pearl boutique hotel with 28 rooms located in the historical center of Bayeux. The property is popular with tourists visiting World War II sites in the area. Though the building is small, there are some great features including an on-site gift shop selling locally made gifts and textiles, a fitness center, and a breakfast room with a bar in the library-style lounge. Spacious rooms are individually decorated and spotlessly clean. Each is air-conditioned and has varying views of the cathedral. Wi-Fi and parking are free, but breakfast and laundry services cost extra. The neighborhood is walkable and loaded with restaurants, shops, and cultural sights.
Scene
Friendly four-story boutique hotel
Though children are welcome at Villa Lara Hotel, most of the guests stay here for fast access to nearby World War II sites and are couples. The building was designed with respect to local architecture traditions by Michel Homsy. There's a small garden with herbs and lavender in front of the entrance, where guests sit in black woven chairs placed on a graveled area. The cozy lobby includes a fireplace, bookshelves, and curios displayed behind glass.
Location
Next to Bayeux Cathedral
Villa Lara Hotel has a prime and picturesque location in the historic center of Bayeux, directly next to the famous 11th-century cathedral and abbey in the square. There's a small river with a traditional stone bridge crossing it. Bayeux Tapestry is just a two-minute walk from the hotel. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and cultural sights. Those looking to place flowers at the veteran's memorial cemetery will appreciate two small florists near the hotel. Omaha Beach is six miles away. Conveniently, a walking tour of Normandy begins just across the street from the hotel.
Rooms
Spacious and comfortable with marble bathrooms and varying views of the 11th-century cathedral
There are 28 rooms and suites at Hotel Villa Lara and each is decorated a little bit differently. Some rooms have understated neutral tones and black and white bed coverlets while others are much brighter with fuchsia sofas and purple floral carpet. Louis XVI reproduction furniture and ornate gold frames around flat-screen TVs are found in each room, as is air-conditioning. Most marble bathrooms have full bathtubs. Plush bathrobes and soft slippers are a nice touch. All rooms overlook the cathedral though some have better views than others. Ice machines can be found on each floor. There is a dependable elevator from the lobby.
Features
Artistic gift shop, daily breakfast, and free Wi-Fi and parking
One of the best features at Hotel Villa Lara is the on-site gift shop which sells locally produced tapestries, jewelry, and art. For a fee, the daily breakfast includes made-to-order eggs, fresh pastries, and homemade jam. Three cardio machines are lined up in a small but bright room with hardwood floors. Bottled water is presented in a mini-fridge. There's a nice size bar where guests can purchase French wine and cocktails before dining in a nearby restaurant -- lunch and dinner aren't served at the hotel. Wi-Fi and parking are free. Laundry services are provided for an added cost.