Hôtel du Château is a hotel in the centre of Caen, the city that William the Conqueror made his capital and where he is buried in the Abbaye aux Hommes. The name points to the great castle on the hill, one of the largest fortified enclosures in Europe, which now holds two museums and gardens with views across the city. Caen was heavily damaged in the fighting of the Normandy campaign and rebuilt in pale stone, but the abbeys, the castle and many old churches survived, and the Memorial de Caen, a museum of peace and the Second World War, is on the northern edge of the city. A central hotel is a practical choice for visitors who want to combine history, restaurants and nightlife with day trips to the coast, because Caen has good train and road links, a wide choice of places to eat and a livelier evening scene than the smaller towns of the coast. It sits in the mid-price band, which makes it good value for a city stay.
Location and getting around
The centre of Caen is flat and walkable, and the castle, the two abbeys and the main shopping streets are all within a short distance. The railway station is on the south side of the city, a bus or tram ride from the centre, with trains to Paris, Rouen, Bayeux and Cherbourg.
Bayeux is around twenty minutes by train, which makes it easy to visit the tapestry without a car. For the landing beaches, Pegasus Bridge and the Merville Battery are close to the city, while Omaha Beach and Utah Beach are further west and best reached by car or tour.
The rooms and the feel
A mid-range city hotel normally offers compact, practical rooms with a private bathroom, Wi-Fi and a television, and a breakfast room, although the details, including air conditioning and a lift, should be confirmed when you reserve. Breakfast is often available at an extra charge, and there are many cafes and bakeries nearby. Parking in the centre is limited and paid, so ask the hotel about its own spaces or the nearest public car park.
Who it suits
History lovers, couples on a city break, families who want to visit the Memorial and travellers who prefer a livelier base than Bayeux. It is a good fit for those who want to arrive by train and use organised tours for the beaches. It is less suited to guests who want a rural manor, a spa or a seaside setting, in which case look at the Cabourg, Honfleur and chateau hotels in this guide.
Booking tips
Caen is busy during commemorations around the anniversary of D-Day in early June, so book months ahead for that period, and rates rise in July and August. Spring and autumn offer better value and fewer crowds. Check the opening days of the Memorial and the castle museums before you plan your itinerary, because some close on certain weekdays. Reserve a flexible rate if you plan day trips that depend on the weather, and ask about luggage storage if you arrive early.
Why stay here
- ✓Caen city-centre location
- ✓Near the castle and abbeys
- ✓Practical mid-range rooms
- ✓Breakfast available (extra charge)
- ✓Parking nearby (ask when booking)
- ✓Close to restaurants and cafes
- ✓Train links to Bayeux and Paris
- ✓Free Wi-Fi (check when you book)
Good questions
Is it close to Caen Castle?+
Yes, it is in the city centre, and the castle and the abbeys are within a short walk. Check the exact distance when you book.
Is it a good base for D-Day?+
It suits the eastern sites, the Memorial and Pegasus Bridge. For Omaha and Utah, Bayeux is closer, although Caen has good train links.
Can I visit Bayeux from here?+
Yes, Bayeux is around twenty minutes by train, so the tapestry is an easy day trip without a car.
