Oceania Hôtel de France Nantes

Hotel room smelled of sewage for the entire stay. Clean towels and water bottles forgotten by housekeeping. Bedsheets not changed at all. Pillows the worst I’ve had at a hotel - huge flat squares that are clearly very old. Breakfast selection very limited (cold scrambled eggs, raw eggs you need to boil yourself, hash browns and cold bacon/sausages are the only “hot” food) and no variety each day at all. Coffee is from a machine, not made fresh. Car park is free, however, the entrance to it is extremely narrow - you will not be able to drive a larger car into it. We hired a DS7 and it only just fit through with a lot of coaxing. You have to call the hotel 5 minutes before you arrive at the car park to check there is space - this feels a bit pot luck for a 4* hotel. If you don’t get parking you’re stuck in a local public multi story which is expensive. Worst of all - we were locked out of our room because of a faulty electronic locking device on our door (which led to both our bedrooms) on Thursday evening. We ran up and down from the third floor to reception to try numerous keys at the request of the watchman. The manager was not in the hotel so he eventually called her. We had to wait for the manager (Edith) to arrive for nearly an hour (after 30 minutes of trying keys), and then again for another 30-45 minutes while she reprogrammed the lock. It was 11.30pm before we got into our room, and we have young children who were extremely tired. We were told numerous times by the watchman “don’t stress” and to “take another room”. The manager hardly looked in our direction - even though she may have been embarrassed that is not how hospitality should be. This was completely unsympathetic to our situation - our belongings were in the room we were staying in, and telling us not to stress when we were just being told to wait with no end in sight was not professional. We felt our inconvenience was not acknowledged at all properly. We had plans to go to Puy de Fou the next morning very early and this issue with the lock meant we were unable to enjoy it due to extreme tiredness. We waited 24 hours after the ordeal to see if they would offer any compensation, which was the bare minimum they could have done for us. Eventually we ended up requesting some compensation at breakfast one morning - the manager did not welcome the discussion but eventually we were told quite bluntly that one night, for one room was the “maximum refund” she could offer. Once city taxes were deducted at check-out, this amounted to an €86 refund. Given we had paid €280 per night we did not feel this adequately compensates us for an entire evening lost, the stress of the situation (which is entirely avoidable if the hotel maintenance had been done properly), and our big day out the next day being ruined (our children cried the entire day and refused to walk around). Given this treatment we didn’t even bother complaining about the sewage smell or breakfast. We just figured there was no point and to focus on other positive aspects of our holiday away from the hotel stay. I do not recommend this hotel. There are many others in the immediate area.

We’ve just checked in at Oceania, and honestly — what a fantastic choice for our short trip to France! The location couldn’t be more perfect or central and the staff have been nothing short of brilliant. A special mention goes to Anthony (apologies if I’ve spelled your name wrong) — he not only made our check-in smooth and welcoming, but also pointed out the best local attractions. Later, he served us at the bar with an impressive knowledge of wine, making the experience even better. I couldn’t recommend this hotel more for anyone visiting Nantes!

Everything perfect, wonderful historical building, located in the center, free parking available, rooms and bathroom special, kindness at reception

Great hotel with great service

Good hotel, helpful and friendly staff, clean and comfortable beds. Breakfasts were plentiful with lots of food choices. My main complaints are that the website makes no mention that the room has tea/ coffee making facilities. Only paper cups for these hot liquids can be hazardous. If you are an English tea lover, it’s advisable to bring your own teabags as they ran out during my stay.

Hidden Gem. Lovely stay. Reception staff lovely and very helpful. Husband loved the breakfast. Room had a view onto the square with a Juliet balcony. Comfy bed. Great location. One very small criticism would be our tea/coffee were not replenished but the night porter sorted it out for us. Would definitely stay here again and would recommend.

Hôtel perfectamente ubicado

We stayed here just for 1 night, but I wish we had been able to stay longer! We had trouble getting into the city centre, but finally found the hotel. (Sat nav fault!!) Simon on the reception was so kind. He was very helpful with everything. The room was lovely and clean. Air-con perfect. The breakfast was good, with plenty of choice. Again, the staff were very friendly. I would totally recommend this beautiful hotel.

Very nice room 107 designed by the artist Justin Weiler. Stylish entrance hall. Staff has been very friendly and professional. Breakfeast very good. Hotel parking lot at no extra fee has been much appreciated. Hotel is nicely situated in the center at the Place Graslin.

I stayed here with my husband one Sunday in June before we flew home. The hotel is centrally located in what felt like a very safe area on a shopping street. A short walk to the trams for travelling further afield. We had no issue with noise even though our window faced the street. You can hear a bit of the city hustle and bustle during the day but mostly pedestrian and it was practically silent at night. Staff were very friendly and polite and we had a speedy check in, with staff offering to switch to speaking English although this wasn’t needed for us. Later we were quickly brought more pillows when asked. Our room was small (expected because that’s what we booked), spotless and nicely furnished. The only thing which struck me as a bit odd was the shower and sink cubicle not being fully enclosed (open at the top) and the walls being made of lightly frosted glass. I assume not all rooms are the same….A little tricky if you need privacy from your room buddy, but was totally fine for us as a couple. Didn’t have breakfast so can’t comment on that. Perfect for a short city stay would definitely stay again if visiting Nantes.