You're going to Reims for the bubbles. Obviously. But here is the thing about the unofficial capital of the Champagne region: if you pick the wrong hotel, you’re going to spend your entire trip trapped in a taxi or walking past gritty 1960s concrete blocks instead of the Art Deco cathedrals you saw on Instagram.
Reims is weird. It was almost entirely flattened during World War I. Because of that, the layout isn't a perfect medieval circle like other French cities. Choosing where to stay in Reims depends entirely on whether you want to wake up to the sound of church bells, stagger home from a wine bar in the city center, or live like a 19th-century aristocrat in a sprawling estate.
The City Center: Not Just for Tourists
Most people think the city center is a trap. It isn't. Not here.
The area around the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims is the heartbeat of the city. Honestly, waking up and seeing those twin towers out your window is worth the extra 40 Euros. This is where you’ll find the La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa. It’s literally across the street from the cathedral. It used to be a fire station. Now, it’s arguably the best place to stay if you want luxury without feeling stuffy.
If you stay here, you're within a five-minute walk of the Palais du Tau and the Opera House. The vibe is lively. It’s loud on Friday nights. You've got students from Sciences Po mingling with tourists and local business people.
Why the Place Drouet-d’Erlon is hit or miss
Look, Drouet-d'Erlon is the main pedestrian strip. It’s packed with terraces. It’s also kinda tacky in places. You’ll find the Best Western Hotel Centre Reims here. It’s convenient. It’s clean. But if you hate the smell of crepe stands and the noise of a thousand footsteps, maybe look two streets over.
The side streets near the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) are much quieter. There’s a little spot called Hôtel Continental. it’s tucked into a 19th-century mansion. It feels like a secret. You get the central location without the "Spring Break in France" energy of the main square.
Cernay and the Champagne Houses: The "Baller" Option
If you are in Reims specifically to visit Veuve Clicquot, Pommery, or Taittinger, the city center is actually a bit of a hike. You want to look toward the Saint-Remi district or even slightly south.
This is where the heavy hitters live.
Domaine les Crayères is the name everyone whispers. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a 17-hectare park with a chateau that looks like it was plucked out of a movie. It’s expensive. Like, "don't look at the bill" expensive. But the service is legendary. Even if you don't stay there, you should go to their bar, Le Jardin, for a drink.
Staying in this area puts you within walking distance of the Basilique Saint-Remi, which is actually older than the main cathedral and, in my opinion, much more hauntingly beautiful.
The Mid-Range Sweet Spot
Don't have 700 Euros a night for a chateau? Fine. Nobody does.
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Check out the Hôtel de la Paix. It’s a bit more "modern business" but it has a pool, which is rare for Reims. It sits right on the edge of the historic center and the greener, quieter residential zones. It’s a safe bet. It’s the kind of place where the breakfast buffet actually has decent cheese.
The Gare District: Practical but Gritty?
The area around the train station (Gare de Reims) is often where the "budget" advice leads you. It’s okay. It’s fine. You’ve got the Appart'City Confort and some IBIS outlets.
But honestly? Unless you have a 6:00 AM train to Paris, I’d skip it. It’s not dangerous—Reims isn't really a "dangerous" city—but it lacks the soul of the rest of the town. You’re staring at tracks and transit hubs.
If you must stay near the station, walk five minutes toward the Boulingrin district instead.
Boulingrin: The Neighborhood You’ll Actually Love
This is the "local" spot. If you want to feel like you actually live in Reims, this is where you stay. The Halles du Boulingrin is a massive, covered Art Deco market. On Saturdays, it is chaos in the best way possible.
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The architecture here is stunning. Lots of post-war reconstruction that actually worked. Think sleek lines and hidden courtyards.
- Eat at: Le Clos. It’s a wine bar with a massive terrace.
- Stay at: Look for Airbnbs in this zip code (51100). There are some incredible loft conversions in old textile factories.
- Vibe: Very "French bobo" (bourgeois-bohemian). Lots of natural wine and expensive sourdough.
Surprising Details About Reims Accommodations
Here is something nobody tells you: Air conditioning is not a given. Even in 4-star hotels in Reims, if the building is historic, the AC might be "weak" by American standards or non-existent. If you’re visiting in July, verify this. The chalk caves (les crayères) stay a cool 10°C year-round, but your hotel room definitely won’t.
Also, parking is a nightmare. If you are driving a rental car from Paris, do not just "figure it out" when you arrive. Most central hotels have tiny, terrifying underground garages built for 1950s Peugeots, not modern SUVs. Ask about the "parking situation" before you book, or prepare to pay 20 Euros a day in a public lot.
Exploring Beyond the City Limits
Some people realize too late that they didn't want to stay in Reims at all. They wanted to stay in the vineyards.
If you have a car, consider Épernay (30 minutes away) or small villages like Ludes or Rilly-la-Montagne. There are "chambres d'hôtes" (B&Bs) run by actual growers. You wake up, look at the vines, and have coffee with the person who pressed the grapes.
Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa in Champillon is the peak of this. It overlooks the entire valley. It’s got a Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s where you go to propose or celebrate a promotion. But you'll be reliant on shuttles or a designated driver.
The Practical Verdict on Where to Stay in Reims
If you are a first-timer, stay in the City Center (Centre-Ville). The convenience of being able to walk to the cathedral, the shops on Rue de Vesle, and the bistro scene is unbeatable.
For the luxury seeker, the Saint-Remi/Cernay area is the only choice. It’s where the history of the Champagne houses feels tangible.
For the budget-conscious traveler, look for the Laon district or North of the station. It’s cheaper, and the tram system in Reims is actually fantastic—it’s shaped like a champagne flute, which is a bit "on the nose," but it works.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the Calendar: If there is a "Fêtes Johanniques" (Joan of Arc festival) happening, hotels will be booked out six months in advance.
- Book Your Cellar Tours First: Don't pick your hotel until you know which Champagne houses you can actually get into. If you land a slot at Taittinger, you might want to stay on that side of town.
- Confirm the AC: If you're traveling between June and August, email the hotel directly to ask if the cooling is central or just a "fan."
- Validate your Train: Make sure you are arriving at Gare de Reims (city center) and not Champagne-Ardenne TGV (which is in the middle of a field 15 minutes away by shuttle).
Stay central, drink the Grand Cru, and don't forget to visit the biscuit shops for some Biscuits Roses de Reims. They’re meant to be dipped in the champagne. It sounds wrong, but the locals swear by it.