Historic Hotels in Rouen's Old Town

I would choose the Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde for a refined stay in Rouen, steps from the Gros Horloge. The boutique hotel occupies a historic building and has an indoor pool, a fitness centre and a spa with sauna, hammam and treatments. Rooms are air-conditioned, with free Wi-Fi and private bathrooms. The restaurant serves traditional regional cuisine, so a full evening is possible without leaving the building.

Hôtel Littéraire Gustave Flaubert is a distinctive stay for families who enjoy a theme: the hotel honours the writer born in Rouen, which can spark a conversation with older children about books and history. It sits in the historic centre, with restaurants and sights just across the street. Rooms are elegant, with a private bathroom and satellite TV, breakfast can be served in the room on slow mornings, and pets are welcome.

Notre-Dame Cathedral is a short walk from the Urban Style hotel de l'Europe, and so is the train station, which makes a car-free family visit to Rouen simple. Family rooms are available, each room is individually decorated with a private bathroom and satellite TV, and room service can bring snacks after a long day. Parents can try the bar's whiskies and calvados in the evening. I would suggest it to families who want to see the old centre on foot.

Mercure Rouen Centre Champ de Mars is a short walk from the historic centre and Notre-Dame cathedral, so the old town of Rouen is easy to explore with children on foot. Rooms are air-conditioned, with satellite TV, en suite bathrooms and free WiFi. Private parking on site, with an electric car charging station, helps families arriving by car, and the restaurant À L'Épicerie serves gourmet cuisine.

Notre-Dame Cathedral is only steps from the Hôtel Cardinal, so families can see Rouen's old town without long walks for small legs. Family rooms are available, with private bathrooms, air conditioning, soundproofing and city views. The continental buffet breakfast includes gluten-free options, helpful for children with coeliac disease. A lift makes pushchairs and luggage easier, and the terrace is a calm spot to sit. Free WiFi is included throughout the hotel.

A renovated 17th-century coaching inn in the historic centre of Rouen, Hotel Morand gives families a stay with character, and I like the lounge with its fireplace and exposed beams for a quiet evening. Rouen Cathedral is a two-minute walk away and the SNCF station 400 metres, so arriving by train with children is easy. Rooms have tea and coffee facilities, Wi-Fi is free, and pets are welcome.

For a family visiting Rouen by train, I rate the location first: the station is close and the cathedral is a short walk away, so a stroller and small legs cope well. The restaurant focuses on regional Norman cooking, an easy way to introduce children to local food without leaving the hotel. Pets are accepted, and the listing mentions spa facilities for a quieter hour once the children are asleep. Expect a classic four-star rather than a resort.