When most travelers think about Reims, champagne immediately comes to mind. And rightly so—this French city is the heart of sparkling wine heritage. But if you’re like me, after a day of champagne tastings, cathedral tours, and wandering through cobbled streets, you want a place to retreat to that is comfortable, affordable, and doesn’t empty your wallet.
I’ve spent years as a travel consultant, and I know the struggle of finding that sweet spot between luxury and budget. So, when I planned my last stay in Reims, I made it my mission to focus on mid-range hotels—the ones that strike the balance between quality and affordability. To my surprise, I found several gems that not only delivered comfort but also came with personal touches that made my stay memorable.
I’ll share the one hotel I personally stayed in and four others that I researched extensively and would recommend to friends and clients alike.
My Personal Stay: Hôtel Azur
Why I Chose It
I picked Hôtel Azur because of its consistent reviews that praised its cleanliness, service, and location. At around €95 per night for a double room (prices may fluctuate between €90–110 depending on the season), it was right in my comfort zone. The hotel is family-run, and that appealed to me—I like places where you can still feel the warmth of personal management rather than the coldness of chain operations.
Location
The hotel is located at 9 Rue des Écrevees, just a 10-minute walk from Reims Cathedral (Notre-Dame de Reims) and about 12 minutes from the Palace of Tau. I loved that I didn’t need to rely on trams or taxis to reach the city’s highlights. For foodies, Place Drouet-d’Erlon, lined with restaurants and bars, was also a quick walk away.
My Experience
From the moment I checked in, I felt at home. The reception staff greeted me with genuine warmth, offering a map of Reims and personal tips for dinner. My room was compact but spotless, decorated with light wood furnishings and pastel tones that made it feel cozy rather than cramped.
The bed was surprisingly comfortable—medium firmness with crisp white linens. The bathroom, though small, was modern, with excellent water pressure (a detail that I value far more than I should). After a long day exploring Champagne houses, nothing beats a hot shower that works perfectly.
Breakfast was another highlight. For €12, I had fresh baguettes, croissants, locally sourced cheeses, and freshly squeezed orange juice. I also appreciated the self-serve coffee machine that allowed me to have my second (and third!) cappuccino without judgment.
Pros & Cons
Pros
• Excellent central location
• Friendly, family-style service
• Clean, cozy rooms with comfortable beds
• Affordable breakfast with quality local ingredients
Cons
• No elevator (be prepared to carry luggage upstairs)
• Rooms are compact—good for couples or solo travelers, less so for families with large suitcases
Booking
I booked my stay through Booking.com, which had the best cancellation policy at the time (free cancellation up to 48 hours before). I also noticed that if you book directly through the hotel’s website, sometimes they throw in free breakfast, so it’s worth checking both.
Hôtel Azur surprised me by how much value it offered. It didn’t pretend to be a luxury stay, but it nailed the basics—and sometimes, that’s all you need.
Recommended Hotel #1: Hôtel Cecyl
Location & Price
Situated at 24 Rue Buirette, Hôtel Cecyl is about a 5-minute walk to Place Drouet-d’Erlon and less than 10 minutes from the train station. Rates hover around €85–100 per night, which makes it one of the more affordable mid-range options.
Why It’s Worth It
This hotel is quirky and stylish. Each room is decorated with artistic themes, giving you the sense that you’re staying somewhere unique. The rooms are larger than those at Hôtel Azur, and some have small balconies that overlook the city.
Facilities & Services
• Free Wi-Fi
• Breakfast served in-room (around €10)
• Eco-friendly amenities
• Pet-friendly (extra charge)
Pros & Cons
Pros
• Unique, artsy decor adds personality
• Central location near shops and restaurants
• Larger-than-average rooms
Cons
• Some rooms face the street, so it can be noisy at night
• The breakfast variety is limited compared to other hotels
This hotel is great if you want something slightly more creative than a typical chain hotel but still on a budget.
Recommended Hotel #2: Holiday Inn Reims – City Centre
Location & Price
Located at 46 Rue Buirette, this hotel is right in the middle of everything. The nightly rate is typically around €110–130, slightly higher than the others, but it often comes with package deals.
Why It’s Worth It
As part of the IHG chain, you know what to expect in terms of standards—modern rooms, reliable service, and loyalty points if you’re an IHG member. The rooftop bar with panoramic views of Reims Cathedral is the real gem here. I’ve had clients rave about sipping champagne while watching the city lights flicker on.
Facilities & Services
• Rooftop terrace and bar
• Restaurant serving international and French cuisine
• Spacious rooms with minibars
• 24-hour reception
Pros & Cons
Pros
• Rooftop bar is a highlight
• Spacious, comfortable rooms
• Ideal for business travelers or those who like chain reliability
Cons
• Slightly pricier for mid-range
• Lacks the boutique charm of smaller hotels
If you’re someone who likes a guaranteed standard of service with a few extra comforts, this is the perfect balance.
Recommended Hotel #3: Hôtel de la Cathédrale
Location & Price
At 20 Rue Libergier, this hotel is practically next door to the cathedral. Prices run around €90–105 per night, depending on the season.
Why It’s Worth It
You can’t beat the location—it’s literally steps away from Reims’ most famous landmark. The rooms are decorated in classic French style with a mix of modern touches.
Facilities & Services
• Continental breakfast available
• Rooms with cathedral views (book early!)
• Family rooms available
Pros & Cons
Pros
• Incredible location near Notre-Dame de Reims
• Cozy, comfortable decor
• Perfect for sightseeing-focused trips
Cons
• Parking is limited in the area
• Some rooms are a little dated compared to others
This hotel is ideal if your main priority is being close to the heart of Reims’ attractions.
Recommended Hotel #4: Hôtel Touring
Location & Price
Located at 17 Rue de Chativesle, Hôtel Touring is slightly off the main tourist paths but still within walking distance of central Reims. Prices are very reasonable at €70–85 per night.
Why It’s Worth It
It’s a no-frills, straightforward hotel that surprises with its cleanliness and attentive staff. Perfect for travelers who want to spend more of their budget on champagne tours and less on accommodation.
Facilities & Services
• Free Wi-Fi
• Simple but functional rooms
• Affordable breakfast options
Pros & Cons
Pros
• Very budget-friendly while still mid-range
• Quiet location
• Friendly staff
Cons
• Lacks luxury touches
• Limited in-room amenities
This is the hotel I’d recommend to budget-conscious travelers who want comfort without paying for extras they won’t use.
Booking Platforms & Tips
When it comes to Reims, I’ve noticed that Booking.com and Hotels.com often provide the best cancellation flexibility, while Expedia sometimes offers bundle deals with train tickets (useful if you’re coming from Paris). If you prefer supporting smaller businesses, booking directly through the hotel’s website may give you perks like free breakfast or a bottle of champagne on arrival.
Tip: Prices tend to rise during harvest season (September–October) when champagne houses are busiest, so book at least 2–3 months ahead if you’re planning to visit during that time.
As I packed my bags and left Reims, I found myself reflecting not just on the glasses of champagne I had savored or the grandeur of the cathedral I had admired, but also on the places where I rested my head at night. It struck me that hotels, often overlooked as just “somewhere to sleep,” can shape your entire impression of a trip.
For me, Hôtel Azur was more than just four walls and a bed. It was the cheerful “bonjour” at reception, the smell of warm croissants in the morning, and the comfort of knowing I was only a short stroll from the heart of the city. It’s those little things—a chat with the hotel owner about his favorite bakery, the handwritten map they gave me—that turn an ordinary stay into a cherished memory.
And the beauty of Reims is that you don’t need to spend a fortune to feel cared for. Each of the hotels I explored or recommended—whether it was the stylish quirkiness of Hôtel Cecyl, the panoramic rooftop of the Holiday Inn, the unbeatable proximity of Hôtel de la Cathédrale, or the simple affordability of Hôtel Touring—showed me that mid-range doesn’t mean middle quality. In fact, these hotels are proof that value and comfort can go hand in hand.
What surprised me most was the warmth and accessibility of Reims’ hospitality scene. The hotels here don’t try to mimic the luxury of Paris; instead, they focus on authenticity, efficiency, and making sure you have the energy to explore their city’s treasures. And in the end, isn’t that what most of us want? A place that feels safe, comfortable, and welcoming, without the stress of overspending?
If you’re planning your own journey to Reims, my advice is this: don’t just think of your hotel as a place to crash after champagne tastings or sightseeing. Think of it as a partner in your adventure—a small but important character in your travel story. Book wisely, stay open to little surprises, and let the charm of Reims work its quiet magic.
When I left Reims, I promised myself I’d return—not just for the bubbles in my glass, but for the cozy beds, the friendly smiles, and the feeling that even in a mid-range hotel, I had experienced luxury of another kind: comfort without compromise.
