We were there in September and were surprised by the fun exploring this fortress by the sea. Inspired to visit by our reading of All the Light We Cannot See, we ignored dismissive commentary and glad we did. Now our nephew’s family, with 2 girls ages 8&10, is planning a journey throughout northern France. After 2 nights in Honfleur, they may travel to Mont Saint Michele for a morning excursion and half day visit, then on to St Malo to explore the fortress, enjoy a dinner and breakfast and perhaps jump onboard to see life on one of the ships in the harbor. Welcoming recommendations for overnight lodging. They will have a car.
Posted by
New York, NY
4071 posts
Family friendly? What makes an inn, hotel, guest house, B&B, etc family unfriendly for you? When we were young, my parents chose lodging based on location, price, and simple amenities like a breakfast room.
Posted by
OP
Spokane WA
256 posts
Family friendly criteria: location enhancing access to sites, welcoming, clean, comfortable sleeping accommodations, in room bathroom facilities, breakfast included in breakfast room bringing travelers together, nightly rate around 150 Euro, not over 200€.
While visiting St Malo we easily found parking by an entrance to the fortress. There were 2 docked historic ships for exploring parked next to the lot.
Wondering if there is lodging within the walls of the fortress. I tend to avoid .coms for booking. I am hoping for recommendations based on traveler’s personal experiences.
Posted by
Guernsey
741 posts
There are loads of hotels with in the old town walls, we always stay there when waiting for a ferry home. Always use booking.com, no problems, you just want to search 'intra-muros' rather than in fortress!
Posted by
Guernsey
741 posts
And curious, what 'dismissive commentry'? It is an incredibly popular tourist town, especially eith the French! And quite rightly so😀
Posted by
Chicago
8559 posts
We stayed in an apartment which is not appropriate for one night, but the place is full of hotels and intra muros is tiny and walkable. In warm weather the swimming pool enclosure on the beach means there is swimming even when the tide is out exposing the islands. Almost no French hotels include breakfast in the basic rate although some offer it as an add on. With kids this age, I'd go for two doubles in a modestly priced hotel as quads are difficult to find and rather expensive.
Posted by
OP
Spokane WA
256 posts
The comment two years ago stated “St Malo is not worth the traveler’s time.”
We found it to be delightful. Definitely fun to explore and soak up the sea view. Glad we ignored the discouraging words.