You’re standing in the middle of a city that feels like a liquid gold fever dream. Reims is basically the headquarters of luxury, but finding a place to sleep that doesn’t feel like a stuffy museum or a sterile chain can be surprisingly tricky. Honestly, if you’ve spent any time looking at maps of the Champagne region, you’ve probably seen the Best Western Premier Hotel de la Paix Reims pop up. It’s right there. Smack in the center. But let’s get real—does a "Best Western" tag actually belong in the same sentence as vintage Krug or Pommery?
It’s a fair question.
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Reims is a city where history is literally layered under your feet in Gallo-Roman chalk cellars. The Hotel de la Paix Reims sits on a site that has seen centuries of transformation. Most people don't realize that while it carries a major brand name, it’s actually an architectural chameleon. It’s got this sleek, contemporary vibe that clashes—in a good way—with the medieval bones of the city nearby. You’ve got the 13th-century Reims Cathedral just a short walk away, yet you’re staying in a place with a glass-heavy courtyard and a distinctively modern pulse.
What Actually Happens When You Walk In
First off, the location is a bit of a flex. You’re on the Rue Alphonse Gosset. If you step out the front door and walk for about three minutes, you’re at the Place Drouet-d'Erlon. That’s the pedestrian heartbeat of the city. It’s packed with brasseries, neon lights, and people-watching opportunities that range from "chic Parisian on a weekend break" to "lost tourist looking for a corkscrew."
The lobby isn't your typical cramped European entryway. It’s airy. It feels like someone actually thought about the acoustics. You’ll notice a lot of stone and glass. The staff generally speaks excellent English, which is a relief if your French is limited to "Bonjour" and "Another glass, please."
But here is the thing: the layout is a bit of a maze. Because the hotel has expanded over time, there are different wings. Some rooms overlook the street, others face the interior garden. If you’re a light sleeper, you absolutely want the garden side. The street side isn't "New York City loud," but Reims has a way of echoing late-night revelry off its limestone walls.
The Room Situation (And Why Size Matters)
European hotels are notorious for rooms the size of a shoebox. You’ve been there—trying to open a suitcase while standing on the bed. The Hotel de la Paix Reims is better than most, but it varies wildly.
Their "Standard" rooms are fine. Just fine. They’re functional. But if you’re here for a "once-in-a-lifetime Champagne pilgrimage," you’ll probably find them a bit underwhelming. They feel a bit like a high-end corporate office. Clean? Yes. Inspiring? Not really.
Now, the "Privilege" rooms or the Suites? That’s where the hotel actually starts to earn its reputation. You get more breathing room. You get the Nespresso machine (essential for the post-tasting hangover). You get a bathroom that doesn't require yoga to use the shower.
- Standard Rooms: 18-20 square meters. Tight, but okay for a night.
- Privilege Rooms: Around 25 square meters. This is the sweet spot for most travelers.
- Junior Suites: If you’re staying more than three days, just do it. Your sanity is worth the extra Euros.
The decor is very "modern French." Think muted tones, dark wood, and pops of color that don't scream at you. It’s designed to be a palate cleanser after a day of staring at ornate Gothic cathedrals and gold-leafed champagne labels.
Let's Talk About That Pool
Reims isn't exactly a tropical resort. The weather in Northern France is... let’s call it "moody." It rains. A lot. This is why the indoor pool at Hotel de la Paix Reims is such a massive selling point.
Most hotels in the city center don't have a pool. Space is too expensive. The fact that you can spend a Tuesday afternoon swimming laps while it drizzles outside is a luxury that shouldn't be overlooked. It’s not an Olympic-sized pool, but it’s heated and well-maintained.
There’s also a small fitness center. Look, nobody goes to Reims to hit the treadmill. You’re there to walk between Champagne houses. But if you’re feeling guilty about all that brioche and demi-sec, it’s there. It’s basic. A few cardio machines, some weights. It gets the job done.
Eating and Drinking (Without Leaving the Building)
You’re in the capital of Champagne. You shouldn't be eating in your hotel every night. That would be a crime. However, the Hotel de la Paix Reims has a restaurant called Café de la Paix.
It’s actually quite popular with locals, which is always a good sign. In France, if the locals eat at a hotel restaurant, the kitchen is doing something right. It’s a seafood-heavy menu, very much in the "brasserie-chic" style. The oysters are fresh. The service is fast. It’s the kind of place where you can have a full three-course meal or just a quick plate of escargot before heading out.
The bar is where the hotel really shines at night. They have a massive selection of Champagne (obviously). What’s cool is that they often feature smaller growers, not just the big names like Moët or Veuve Clicquot. Sitting in the interior courtyard with a glass of something bubbly while the sun goes down is basically the peak Reims experience. It’s quiet, it’s tucked away from the street noise, and it feels private.
The "Champagne Logistics" Problem
If you’re staying at the Hotel de la Paix Reims, you’re likely there for the wine. Here is a reality check: the big houses (Taitinger, Vranken-Pommery, Ruinart) aren't right next door. They are in the "Butte Saint-Nicaise" area or spread out across the city.
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You can walk to some of them in 20–25 minutes. If it’s raining, you’ll want a Bolt or a local taxi. The hotel concierge is actually useful here. They can help book tours, though I’d recommend booking the big houses (especially Ruinart) months in advance. They fill up faster than you’d think.
One thing people get wrong: they think they can just "pop in" for a tasting. Nope. It’s all scheduled. Use the hotel’s high-speed Wi-Fi to double-check your bookings because the cell signal inside some of those deep chalk cellars (crayères) is non-existent.
Is It Worth the Price?
Honestly, it depends on what you value. If you want a quirky, boutique B&B with creaky floorboards and "charm," this isn't it. This is a professional, well-oiled machine. It’s reliable.
Compared to the Caserne Chanzy (which is directly opposite the Cathedral and significantly more expensive), the Hotel de la Paix Reims is a bargain. Compared to the budget Ibis hotels near the station, it’s a palace.
It hits that middle-upper ground perfectly. You get the amenities of a big brand with the soul of a local landmark.
Why you might hate it:
- The breakfast can get crowded. Like, "elbow-to-elbow with a tour group" crowded.
- The parking is tight. If you’re driving a massive SUV through those tiny French streets, getting into the hotel’s private garage will test your marriage.
- It’s a bit "corporate" for some tastes.
Why you’ll probably love it:
- You can stumble home from the bars on Place d'Erlon in two minutes.
- The air conditioning actually works (a miracle in older French buildings).
- The courtyard is a genuine sanctuary.
A Few Real-World Tips for Your Stay
Don't just take the first room they give you if it smells like faint cigarette smoke or feels dark. Ask if there’s a room with more natural light. Since the building is a mix of styles, some rooms have much better windows than others.
Skip the hotel breakfast at least once. Walk five minutes to a local boulangerie, grab a croissant for two Euros, and sit on a bench in front of the Cathedral. It’s a better view and about 20 Euros cheaper.
If you’re arriving by train, the Reims Centre station is an easy 10-minute walk. Don’t bother with a taxi unless you have 400 pounds of luggage. The walk is flat and takes you right through the main park (Square Colbert).
The Verdict on Hotel de la Paix Reims
It’s the safe bet that actually pays off. It isn't the most "romantic" hotel in France, but it’s arguably the most convenient high-end stay in Reims. You’re paying for the ability to walk everywhere, a pool to soak your feet in after a long day of touring cellars, and a bed that won't kill your back.
In a city that can sometimes feel a bit pretentious, this place feels accessible. It’s professional. It’s clean. It’s exactly what you need it to be so you can focus on the important stuff—like figuring out the difference between a Blanc de Blancs and a Blanc de Noirs.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Book Your Cellar Tours Now: If you are staying at Hotel de la Paix, you are close to the bus lines and walking routes. Book Ruinart or Taittinger at least 2-3 months out.
- Request the Garden Wing: When you book your room at Hotel de la Paix Reims, add a note requesting a quiet room facing the inner courtyard to avoid street noise.
- Check the Train Schedule: If you are coming from Paris, take the TGV from Gare de l'Est. It takes 45 minutes. Do not accidentally book the train to "Champagne-Ardenne TGV" unless you want to take a shuttle into the city—make sure your ticket says "Reims Centre."
- Download the "Citymapper" App: It works surprisingly well in Reims for tracking the local tram system, which stops just a few blocks from the hotel.