Historic Hotels in Dijon Near the Ducal Palace

Chapeau Rouge occupies a former private house in central Dijon, close to the historic centre, museums and shopping streets, so families can explore without a car. Rooms are smart and functional with en suite bathrooms. The spa, with hammam and sauna, is included for guests, a treat for parents. The hotel's two-Michelin-starred restaurant is a highlight for adults, though young children may find a long gastronomic dinner challenging. I would book it for a city break with older kids.

Hôtel des Ducs is 50 metres from the Palace of the Dukes in Dijon's historic centre, and for a family that wants to see the old town on foot I would find it hard to beat. The hotel welcomes families and pets, and the terrace and bar give parents a place to pause. Rooms are spread over a main building and two annexes, and only some have air conditioning, worth checking for a summer stay. An 8.7 score over nearly 3,000 reviews is reassuring.

Families get a central base here: the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne is a short walk away, so the old town can be explored on foot without a car. Rooms are air-conditioned and look over the city, an interior garden or a Gothic courtyard, which helps light sleepers. Pets are welcome. Note that La Closerie is a gourmet restaurant, better suited to an evening with older children than a quick meal.

Hôtel des Halles sits in Dijon's historic centre, 50 metres from the pedestrian streets and 300 metres from the Halles centrales covered market. For families that means short walks everywhere, and a tram stop 30 metres from the door covers longer trips. Rooms are air-conditioned, with private bathrooms and free WiFi, and a buffet breakfast is served every morning. It is a practical three-star rather than a characterful one, but more than 3,500 reviews give it 8.6.

Located in the Toison d'Or Technological Park, just outside Dijon's historic centre, this Holiday Inn is a calm base for families exploring the city. The spa is a real asset for parents, with a sauna, a hammam and a fitness centre. Rooms are air-conditioned with free Wi-Fi, and the hotel welcomes both families and pets. With more than 5,100 reviews averaging 8.3, guests consistently find it comfortable and well run.

Hotel Victor Hugo is a family-friendly two-star in Dijon with its own garden, and I like that children have somewhere calm to rest after sightseeing. Rooms have a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom, and some look over the garden. A continental breakfast is served in a dining room with wooden furniture or in your room. The historic centre, Place Darcy and the cathedral are all within walking distance, as is the train station. WiFi is free.

Hôtel République occupies an 18th-century coaching inn on a quiet street in Dijon's historic centre, and for a family that wants calm nights within walking distance of the sights I would consider it a good fit. It welcomes families and pets, offers free WiFi and a terrace, and public transport is close by. It is a two-star, so expect comfortable rooms rather than extras. An 8.2 score over more than 2,600 reviews is reassuring.

ibis Styles Dijon Central sits in a pedestrian street of Dijon's historic centre, 1 km from the train station, and for a family visiting the old town on foot I would find it well placed. Rooms are air-conditioned and soundproofed, which helps children sleep in the centre, and two on-site restaurants, one of them gastronomic, keep dinner simple. The 24-hour reception handles late arrivals. An 8.2 score over nearly 3,000 reviews is reassuring.