Where to stay on Ile de Ré if you want comfort without the ‘luxury’ price tag? Try Clos des Marais. It’s got all the charm of a countryside retreat but with none of the “this-is-slightly-too-expensive-for-my-taste” moments. A great place to chill without breaking the bank.
Ile de Ré isn’t just some quaint little island off the French coast—it’s where you go when you’re tired of places that pretend to be nice and want the real deal.
The tricky part? Finding somewhere decent to stay.
I’ve sorted that bit out for you, so you can focus on the important stuff, like which beach to lounge on, or whether the croissants are as good as they say (spoiler: they are).
So forget about endless online searches and review boards. I’ve rounded up three places that actually deliver what they promise—no surprises, no gimmicks, just a great place to park your suitcase.
Clos des Marais
Clos des Marais isn’t what you’d expect—no overpriced ‘villas’ pretending to be fancy. This is a no-nonsense, adults-only retreat where you can actually relax. With a pool that looks like it belongs in a slick magazine and rooms that scream “I’ve made it,” it’s the kind of place that’ll make you wish you’d brought a bigger suitcase just to fit the luxury.
The place is ideal for unwinding, not for hosting a rave, which is exactly why I like it. You’ve got bike hire on-site, so you’re never more than a few minutes away from the beach or the nearest café. No shouting kids, no annoying noises—just you, your sunglasses, and a proper getaway. Click to view the images >>
Le Clos du Galion
Le Clos du Galion is in the heart of Saint-Martin, which is like saying you’ve parked right next to the centre of the action without the chaos. The place is small, intimate, and, importantly, really good at what it does.
The rooms are cozy, but not “I wish I had more space” cozy—think more “I could stay here all day” cozy. A sea view? Well, you’ll find it here. Breakfast is served either in your room or out on the terrace, which, let’s be honest, sounds like the kind of decision that makes you feel like a movie star. What’s not to love? Click to view the images >>
HR Hôtel-Restaurant & Spa Marin
If you can tear yourself away from the beach and your bed at HR Hôtel-Restaurant & Spa Marin, then good for you. The location is just perfect—beachfront, of course, with a view that you can stare at while sipping something strong enough to make you forget about your daily life.
The Thalgo Marine Spa is the sort of place where you go in feeling like a human and come out feeling like a new person. Meanwhile, the seafood at the brasserie is so good, I’m convinced the chef is hiding his secret supply of oysters somewhere, and no one wants to know where. Click to view the images >>
Final Words
Let’s be clear: these places aren’t cheap. They’re not the sort of places where you can stay for a song and a half-eaten baguette. But that’s because they get it right.
You get a bed that doesn’t creak, food that’s actually worth eating, and views that make you want to take Instagram selfies without feeling like a tourist. Stay here, and you’ll have stories to tell. Stay elsewhere, and you’ll end up regretting it. Simple as that.