Booking Hotel on Mont St Michel

I suggest booking as early as possible to have a choice. I booked about 2 mo ahead for late September and most hotels on the island were full. Definitely stay on the island.

I stayed at Hotel de Mere Poulard and liked it. It's old and quirky, as is all lodging on island from what I hear. I liked the quirkiness. The location is great; it's right inside the gate, so I didn't have to drag my luggage up hill... a huge plus. Nice staff. I had a nice view. It was far more than I usually spend; about $300 for a single if I remember correctly, but lodging on the island is expensive. I'll stay there again.

I booked 5 months ahead (in early May) for an early Oct Sunday night stay. We had a great experience at the Hotel DuGuesclin in a bay view room. We did the 1/2 board option, so the room, 3 course dinner and continental breakfast was 150 Euro for 2 of us (actually a bit more since we got a few menu items that had a supplemental cost - 2Euro for a cheese and meat plate with breakfast - don't bother with 2; 1 is plenty to share for 2 people; and a few extra euro for a flambeed dessert:)

It seemed to be the least expensive of the accomodations on the island (based on Rick's guide), so we were not expecting much, but it was a beautifully done room, with lots of plugs, and it even had two bars of soap - one for the shower and one for the sink - a first on this trip. The bath isn't large, but not the minuscule size of our two previous hotels, and while the shower itself is small, the shutoff valve isn't butt high like the others have been, which can lead a sudden lack of water, followed by a wild temperature swing when turned back on. The room is beautiful and beautifully maintained, with a great view of the bay, the causeway, and the mainland. The hotel is definitely further up the street than the Mere Poulard, not a problem for us since we had back-pack style bags.

I made the dinner reservation for a window table at the time I booked the room. Depending on the time of year, it may not matter depending on when the sun sets the window view won't matter after dark).

There are also many hotels on the mainland and the shuttle busses run until midnight, so that's another option. With those you can get some abbey views, which is probably cool at night.
If you can plan your trip to coincide with a full or new moon you'll get to see the famous tides.

We also stayed at Hotel DuGuesclin in September, booked a few months ahead. Our room also faced the bay and was pretty spacious. After being in Paris, I was a little disappointed with the dinner but the view of the bay was lovely and the cider first rate. I think this hotel got Rick's highest recommendation in hisFrance 2014 book. Walking up to the abbey was quite amazing - bon voyage!

We visited MSM in late September and if you are interested in staying at a lovely B&B, maybe 2 km or less from MSM, highly recommend Les Vieilles Digues as recommended by RS. Danielle & Kim, the owners, both speak English. No views from any of the 4 rooms that are add-ons to their home; large car park (if you are driving), ample and delicious breakfasts taken in the basement of the main house (hopefully, Danielle will make her creme brulee and fruit breads during your stay), and such a short distance from MSM. We walked to MSM, visited within a 1.5 hour time (it would be difficult to spend much more time inside unless you walk down to the mudflats or spend time in the village below), took the shuttle back to the main lot then walked back to the B&B stopping to visit the large cookie/pastry (free samples) outlet on this main and only road to MSM. Our room was very comfortable; very clean; shower only;2 night stay @ 182E. Danielle goes out of her way to make you feel comfortable with numerous restaurant and local sight-seeing information. After raising daughters in Paris, they retired to Danielle's parent's home in MSM. Kim was born in Vietnam but came to France with his family when he was 5 yo. Personally, I see no reason to stay so close to MSM. The walk through MSM
is not all that interesting (to me) as there is very little to see inside - lots of empty spaces. You will enter the guard station to your far left after leaving the mudflat road; the "village" which is now a shopping gauntlet of eateries and souvenir shops. Uphill cobblestone walk so be prepared. If this is your first trip to Europe, wear sensible shoes! Town of Beauvoir, location of Les Vieilles has several restaurants. Remember, distances between things in Europe can be very small. Bon Voyage!

We stayed one night, arriving about 5 p.m. Wandered with few people around. The Next morning started at 9:30 and went thru the abbey before it was real busy. The tide did not go out enough for people to get on the island until around 10:00. The hotels on the island are expensive. The hotels close to the island have better amenities but if the tide is in you can't get on the island. They have buses from hotels and parking lots on the coast.