Family-Friendly Hotels in Niort, by the Marais Poitevin

France Hôtel is a two-star inside Niort's pedestrian centre, in a quiet area, so families can walk to restaurants, shops and the cinema without traffic. I would book it for parents with older children who want to explore the town on foot and sleep well: the bright rooms overlook an inner courtyard rather than the street. Its 9.4 rating from more than 350 reviews is outstanding for its category.

Hôtel La Grange is a three-star boutique hotel four kilometres from central Niort with an outdoor swimming pool and a terrace with lounge beds, so I would book it for families who want a pool afternoon after a day in town. Rooms are air-conditioned, with a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom and free WiFi, and some rooms have a mezzanine, which suits families. A buffet breakfast is served daily. Its 8.9 rating is excellent.

Kyriad Niort-Espace MendesFrance is a three-star five kilometres from central Niort, and I would book it for families on a car trip who care about breakfast: the homemade buffet includes jam, pancakes and fruit salad. Rooms have a flat-screen TV with Canal Plus, hot-drink facilities and free WiFi. The 24-hour front desk helps with late arrivals, and the bar and terrace are there for a quiet evening. Its 8.8 rating is very good.

Appartements d'hôtes Santa Giulia are self-catering apartments in an old house in Niort, a kilometre from the train station, and I would book them for families who like character and a garden. Units are individually decorated, some with a kitchenette, each with a private bathroom, cable TV and free WiFi. The shared garden and lounge give children room beyond the apartment, and the Niort Golf Club is four kilometres away.

Ibis Niort Est Mendes France has an indoor swimming pool with a view, which is the reason I would book it for families visiting Niort in any season, rain included. Family rooms are air-conditioned with private bathrooms and free WiFi. One parent can use the fitness centre while the other watches the children swim, and the bar, lounge and coffee shop give everyone somewhere to sit. Private parking on site is free.

City Lodge Appart Hôtel Niort sits next to the Parc des Expositions on the Marais Poitevin side, four kilometres from the centre, and I would book it for families who want to cycle or drive into the marshes. The apartments are bright and fully equipped, with balconies, so meals are easy. Laundry facilities help on longer stays, bicycles can be stored, parking is free and secure, and parents can use the fitness room.

Contact Hotel Atoll is a three-star at the gateway to the Poitevin Marshes in Niort, and I would book it for families planning a boat trip in the Marais with the car parked for free on site. Bathrooms have a walk-in shower, rooms have flat-screen TVs with satellite channels and free WiFi, and a buffet breakfast is served daily. Meals are available from Monday to Thursday, so I would plan weekend dinners in town.

Mercure Niort Marais Poitevin is a four-star in central Niort, close to Place de la Brèche and the historic quarter, so a family can walk to the Donjon and the market halls. I would book it for families who want a comfortable, central base with dinner on site: the BoiZe restaurant serves lunch and dinner. Rooms are air-conditioned and non-smoking, with private bathrooms and flat-screen satellite TVs, and accessible rooms are available.

Smartappart Niort is a self-catering aparthotel three minutes from Niort's TGV station, which is why I would book it for families arriving by train. Family rooms are air-conditioned, with a kitchenette, a private bathroom and a sofa bed, so children have their own sleeping space. Outdoor seating, a shared garden and a sun terrace give room to play, and a daily breakfast buffet saves cooking on busy mornings.

Hôtel du Moulin is a three-star 250 metres from the Donjon de Niort, a short walk from the town centre, and it has free parking on site, which I would value for families with a car. Children can see the keep after dinner, and the Marais Poitevin is an easy drive for a day out. Rooms are air-conditioned and served by a lift, handy with a pushchair, with a TV, a private bathroom and free WiFi.

Appart'City Confort Niort Centre is fifty metres from Place de la Brèche, so families can walk to the market halls and the Donjon from the door. I would book it for longer family stays: each apartment has a fully equipped kitchenette, and the residence has a washing machine and tumble dryer, which means packing less. A daily buffet breakfast includes gluten-free bread, useful for children with dietary needs, and rooms have LCD TVs.

B&B HOTEL Niort Marais Poitevin Est is a two-star on the eastern side of Niort, five kilometres from the centre, and I would book it for families driving in who plan a day in the Marais Poitevin. The air-conditioned family rooms keep everyone together, with private bathrooms and parquet floors. Parking on site is free, and the continental buffet breakfast includes warm dishes, a good start before a full day outdoors.

Best Western Hotel de la Brèche is a four-star right on Place de la Brèche in Niort's historic centre, which is why I would book it for families who want to step out straight onto the square and walk to the Donjon. Rooms are air-conditioned, with a private bathroom, satellite TV and a tea and coffee maker. The lounge bar gives parents a spot for the evening, and the 24-hour reception helps with late arrivals.

Contact Hôtel Solana is a three-star in the Mendes-France district of Niort with air-conditioned family rooms, and I would book it for families on a car trip who want space and quiet. Rooms are soundproofed, with private bathrooms, a work desk and free WiFi. The garden and sun terrace give children room outside, while the bar, lounge and coffee shop give parents somewhere to sit. Private parking on site is free.

Brit Hotel du Parc is a three-star 500 metres from Niort city centre with free, secure private parking, and I would book it for families arriving by car who still want to walk into town. Every room has a private bathroom with a shower, a flat-screen TV and free WiFi. The daily buffet breakfast uses fresh products, and the bar and terrace give parents a place to sit once the children are settled.

Grand Hôtel Niort Centre is a three-star a hundred metres from Place de la Brèche, and a five-minute walk from the train station, so I would book it for families arriving by train who want the centre on foot. The Donjon de Niort keep is about a kilometre away, a good walk with children. Rooms are en suite with satellite TV and free WiFi, the lift helps with luggage, and a bar and lounge are on site.

Colette Hôtel is a family-run hotel in Niort with air-conditioned family rooms, and I would book it for families who want dinner without leaving: the modern restaurant serves French and Asian cuisine at lunch and dinner. Rooms are soundproofed, with a private bathroom, a TV and a work desk, and the continental breakfast includes pastries and fruit. Its 7.1 rating is modest, so expect a simple stay.