Hotel Le Nouveau Monde

For almost three centuries, Saint-Malo was known as the "cite corsair," since it was fertile territory for raffish, pirate-types. Today, tourism is the main industry. The Hotel Le Nouveau Monde faces the dramatic harbor of Saint-Malo, and takes its decorating style from both great explorers like Jacques Cartier and local history written by Chateaubriand. In its industrial-chic lobby, a ship's bell on a rope pull is used to call a porter. The lobby is set with massive red leather armchairs, big, comfortable sofas, and enormous old trunks under large chrome pendant lights. The 7 Seas Restaurant, helmed by chef Stephane Haissant, faces the Bay of Saint-Malo and has blond wood walls and rustic flooring. For drinks, guests can gather at Bar Le Comptoir, an airy spot also facing the bay, with distressed leather armchairs, old trunks as end tables, and back-lit liquor offerings. The pool, enclosed under glass on the top floor of the hotel, has a lane for exercise and a nearby koi pond. There is an intricately tiled solarium hammam with a sundeck. The design of the hotel provides enough space for social mingling and solitude. 

The Hotel Le Noveau Monde, on the Bay of Saint-Malo offers quick access to cultural, historic, and natural attractions in Brittany. The old town, that is the part of Saint-Malo inside the wall, is a 15-minute walk along the sea from the hotel. For up close views of sea creatures, the Grand Aquarium of Saint-Malo is a nine-minute drive. It's a 13-minute walk to the thermal waters of Thalasso Spa, where hotel guests can take advantage of packages and discounts. Guests can reach the Palais du Grand Large, the city conference center, in a nine-minute walk from the hotel. It's a six-minute drive or a 14-minute walk to the Saint-Malo Ferry Port. Fort National, built in 1689, is an 11-minute walk or a six-minute drive. The 16th century Solidor Tower is a nine-minute drive. The museum of Jacques Cartier is an 11-minute drive. The sculpted rocks of Routheneuf are a 12-minute drive away. Several other picturesque towns are under an hour's drive from the hotel. Dinan, a market town also on the Cote d'Emeraude, is a nine-minute drive. Dinard, with its collection of homes built by shipping merchants, is 19 minutes. Cancale, a tiny town that is the "oyster capital of Brittany," is 20 minutes away by car. The majestic Mont Saint-Michel is a 48-minute drive. For those longing for more urban attractions, Paris is a four-hour drive or three-hour train ride away.

Many of the rooms at the Hotel Le Nouvel Monde have balconies and windows that face the sea; others face the south side of the town with views of the historic city. Doors and trim in the hotel's 83 rooms are dark wood and walls tend to be pastel-colored or white. Behind enormous, nailhead headboards are delicate murals that include pictures like a palm tree-ringed island with approaching tall ships. Simple wooden desks have built-in electrical outlets and chairs and leather armchairs are set around distressed wood tables. Wi-Fi is free, and each room has a minibar, safe, flat-screen TV, radio, and alarm clock. 

The bigger rooms have Nespresso machines, larger seating areas with perhaps a table, and double sinks in the bathrooms, walled in subtle beige tile. One nice feature is the separation by rooms of the toilet from the sink and shower, which has rainfall showerheads. Some rooms have bath/shower combinations, so guests should ask if they want a tub. There are hairdryers and robes. Toiletries, the hotel's own brand, reflect its comprehensive spa. Note that some rooms pick up interior and exterior noise. 

Features here reflect the hotel's upscale status. Breakfast is offered for a fee in either the 7 Seas restaurant or in guest rooms, as the hotel has 24-hour room service. The 7 Seas also serves lunch and dinner, specializing in international cuisine, in a dining room that faces the sea. The adjacent room belongs to the airy and sea-facing Bar Le Comptoir. The hotel has a fitness center and an indoor pool. The pool is on the hotel's top floor with a glass ceiling and a terrace with loungers overlooking the harbor. There is also a comprehensive spa and sauna.

Parking is provided under the hotel for a fee. The hotel can provide laundry services, a crib, and other child-related equipment, or an extra bed. The five meeting rooms, modern spaces with windows and carpeting, have black out curtains, scanners, desks, projector screens, and an array of audiovisual equipment. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. For a fee, the hotel will arrange jaunts in and around Saint-Malo for guests, especially groups. Pets are allowed on a case by case basis, for a fee.