The Royal Hotel is a budget-minded stay in the town of Versailles, and its main virtue is the same as that of any central address here: you can sleep in the town and be at the palace gates when they open. Versailles rewards an early start, because the courtyard queues build by mid-morning and the Hall of Mirrors is far more atmospheric before the tour groups arrive. A simple hotel in the centre makes that easy, and it frees money for the things that matter on a visit: a palace passport, a bike hire in the gardens, a long lunch in the Notre-Dame market and a ticket for the Musical Fountains Show. Hotels in the town are generally smaller and more modest than the grand names on the edge of the park, and this one fits the budget end of the range, so expect clean, straightforward rooms and a friendly welcome rather than a spa or a restaurant. It suits travellers who see a hotel as a place to sleep.
Location and getting around
The centre of Versailles is compact. The palace, the Royal Stables, the market and the two stations lie within about a mile of each other, and most of the walking is on flat pavements. The Rive Gauche station connects to Paris by the RER C, and the Rive Droite station offers trains to Paris Saint-Lazare, so a Paris day is easy to add.
Taxis are available at both stations if you arrive with heavy luggage. Ask the hotel about the best route on foot and the time it takes in the morning.
What to expect
Rooms in this class are usually compact, with a private bathroom, a television and Wi-Fi, but air conditioning, a lift and soundproofing vary, so ask before you reserve if any of them matter to you. A light breakfast is often available for an extra charge, and there are many bakeries and cafes nearby for those who prefer to eat out. Parking is not guaranteed, and street spaces are limited and paid, so arriving by train is easier. Check the reception hours if you plan a late arrival.
Who it suits
Backpackers, solo travellers, students, cyclists and families who need a simple, low-cost room, and anyone doing Versailles as part of a longer France trip. It is less suited to couples looking for a romantic stay or to guests who want hotel services such as a bar, a spa or a restaurant. For comfort, the Mercure and Novotel are better equipped, and for a special occasion the MGallery near the gates or the Trianon Palace are the options to compare.
Booking tips
Book a timed palace ticket first and choose your hotel dates around it. Rates are lowest from November to February and highest in spring and on weekends with major events, and low-cost rooms sell out first in those periods. The palace is closed on Mondays, and the gardens and the Trianon estate have their own opening days, so check before you build an itinerary.
If you arrive on an early train from Paris, ask about leaving your bags at reception until the room is ready, which lets you reach the gates at opening time.
Why stay here
- ✓Central Versailles location
- ✓Budget-friendly rooms
- ✓Near the palace and stations
- ✓Private bathrooms
- ✓Free Wi-Fi (check when you book)
- ✓Breakfast available (extra charge)
- ✓Luggage storage (ask when booking)
- ✓Bakeries and cafes nearby
Good questions
Is the Royal Hotel a budget option?+
Yes, it sits at the lower end of Versailles prices, which suits travellers who plan to spend more on tickets and meals.
Can I reach Paris easily?+
Yes, the town stations have trains to Paris, and the RER C from Rive Gauche is the simplest route to the Eiffel Tower area.
Does it have parking?+
Parking is not guaranteed, so ask when you book. Street parking in Versailles is limited and paid, and arriving by train is easier.
