Versailles is a compact town, and almost every hotel is within a fifteen-minute walk of the palace. The question is less where than what kind of stay you want: a splurge beside the gates, a characterful base near the market or a simple, well-priced room. Staying overnight also lets you reach the palace for the first timed slot, which is the best way to avoid crowds.
Saint-Louis and the palace quarter
The streets around the avenue de Paris are the closest to the palace and the most convenient for sightseeing. Le Louis Versailles Château MGallery stands on the avenue de Paris about 200 metres from the gates, with a restaurant, a bar and a wellness area with a sauna and hammam. It is the splurge of the group and suits couples and special occasions. A short walk away, the ibis Versailles Château is the budget choice, about 500 metres from the palace, with an early breakfast and a 24-hour bar, ideal for travellers who want to be at the entrance at opening.
Notre-Dame and the market
The Notre-Dame quarter is the old heart of the town, with the covered market, bakeries, cheese shops and cafes. Hôtel Le Versailles, on rue Sainte-Anne, is about a four-minute walk from the palace and has a terrace and garden, a lovely small-hotel feel and a Green Key certification. The Mercure Versailles Château, on rue Philippe de Dangeau, is about 500 metres from the palace, has 60 rooms and a covered car park, and offers good value for couples and small families. Both put the market within a short walk, so you can buy a picnic for the gardens.
The Le Chesnay edge
On the northern side of town, the Novotel Château de Versailles on boulevard Saint-Antoine is about a fifteen-minute walk from the palace. It has a restaurant, a children's play area and an on-site car park, which makes it a smart choice for families and drivers. The area is less lively in the evening, so choose it for space and convenience rather than atmosphere.
Two quiet bases a short drive away
If you are driving and want free parking, the Best Western The Wish Versailles in Guyancourt and the Best Western The Hotel Versailles in Buc are both a short drive from the palace rather than a walk. They are quieter and generally better value than the palace quarter, with free parking, terraces and gardens, but you should plan on a car or taxi for the first timed slot of the day.
Parking and arrival
Street parking in Versailles is limited, and several hotels charge for their car parks, so ask before you book. Motorway works on the Paris approach are common, so most visitors come by RER C or train. Choose a hotel near the Rive Gauche or Rive Droite stations if you plan to take day trips back to Paris.
How to choose
For a first visit and a romantic stay, pick Le Louis. For a town-centre base with character, pick Hôtel Le Versailles. For the best balance of price, location and parking, pick the Mercure. For families and drivers, pick the Novotel. For the lowest price close to the gates, pick the ibis.
Booking tips
Rates are highest in spring, summer and on weekends with events, and lowest from November to February. Ask whether breakfast is included, because it is charged separately at most of these hotels, and check the cancellation terms. Book a timed palace ticket first, then pick the hotel that fits your slot, since an early morning entry is easier from a bed 500 metres away than from a train.
