Hotel de la Plage

Those in search of quaint French charm won't find it here. Hotel de la Plage is housed in a modern (and from the exterior, somewhat unsightly) building, with water stains visible on the stucco exterior. Hanging plants add a bit of charm, though, and an attractive wooden terrace fronts the building, which has big floor-to-ceiling glass windows along the first floor to let in the light and glimpses of the water (though a parking lot blocks the outlook). 

The interiors make a much better impression. The decor is sleek, modern, and streamlined throughout, and punches of bright color (pink, yellow, teal) can be found accenting various common areas. The breakfast room is bright and airy with large windows overlooking lush gardens. A small bar is by the lobby, but while guests can enjoy a drink in the chairs by the decorative fireplace, there's no real bar scene; this area looks more like a spot guests pass through on their way someplace else. 

The ocean is very close -- just across the parking lot -- and some rooms have views. But if you're looking for soft white-sand beaches, don't look here, as the nearby shore is pebbled, with sitting areas, outhouses, and crepes stands a short walk from the shoreline. The water is calm and turquoise. 

Dieppe's quayside with shopping and restaurants is a 10-minute walk away. The Epsom bar is right near the hotel for those in search of a nightcap. Though you must walk around a large parking lot to get to the ocean, it's still close. So close that there are reports of seagulls loudly squawking all night outside the windows. It's also a short walk to the Ferry Terminal, and the hotel is close to the Saint Jacques Church, the pebble beach (the scene of World War II's Dieppe Raid), and Chateau de Dieppe. It's a 10-minute drive or 20-minute walk to Chappelle Notre Dame de Bonsecours. Dieppe restaurants are within walking distance -- try the Le New Haven seafood restaurant in the center or if you don't mind driving 10 minutes, try L´Huitriere seafood restaurant in Pourville-sur-mer. Just note that many other popular Normandy attractions are quite a drive -- it's around two-and-a-half hours to Omaha Beach and the Normany American Cemetery and Memorial. 

Though all rooms are modern, decor varies; some rooms we saw had bold color accents such as reds and oranges, while others had more understated coastal hues (blues, browns, and whites). All have hardwood floors. Some have walk-in showers (no tubs) and others have tubs with handheld showers, so be sure to specify your preference when booking. The front rooms overlook a street, so are a bit noisier, but generally the area is quiet. All rooms have closets, safes, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, work desks, and small mini-fridges; they're bright with plenty of windows. Beds are comfortable and have contemporary white bedding (with runners and pillows adding color). 

The hotel has two main view categories: Ivory (facing the sea) and Spice (overlooking the sea), both drawing their names from Dieppe's maritime merchant history. In reality, most overlook a parking lot, though the water can easily be seen beyond that from some. Standard Rooms are the smallest, with a double bed and small stall shower (no tub). Balneo Rooms contain a king-sized bed and a bathroom with a jetted tub and handheld shower. There's a fairly large terrace with three chairs, but unfortunately overlooks a parking lot (the ocean can be seen far in the distance). Comfort Plus Rooms are smaller than Balneo Rooms, each with a queen-sized bed. If you don't want to bathe in the bedroom, avoid these rooms, as the bathtub is practically next to the bed. Toilets are still private, as is the small shower, but they are in separate areas. 

Comfort Rooms with Sea View are fairly large, and while you can see the ocean from the room, you have to squint your eyes over the parking lot first and large green lawn first. The Family Room has a king-sized bed (made up of two beds pushed together), and can be configured with up to four single beds (including cots). The view overlooks some pretty buildings across the street. 

Mornings at Hotel de la Plage begin with a large buffet breakfast with eggs, fruit, cold cuts, cheese, cereal and pastries, for a (reasonable) fee. There is free parking on-site, but sometimes spots are not available; guests can reserve parking in a garage for a daily fee. This small hotel lacks features such as a fitness center and full restaurant, though there is a little bar by the lobby.