We stayed at the Richelieu as a stop-over during a road trip, and it was exactly as expected--a no frills hotel that has a good price and location. It's walking distance to a number of decent restaurants, and there's a boulangerie next door (where you can find breakfast for less than what the hotel charges). On the other hand, the rooms are nothing special. The bathroom was small by European standards and the walls are quite thin. Overall, though, I've no regrets.

After exchanging emails from home we called Isabelle from the Le Havre train station upon arrival from CDG on 27March09. Rooms were still available so we taxi'd over (8 euros). She showed the 4 rooms that were available and we selected the 50 euro/nite (w/o breakfast) room on the 1st floor (the ground flr is zero) with balcony overlooking the Rue de Paris. There was none of the normal sign in and give me your credit card and passport stuff - you just pay when you leave. She gave the key and we carried our bags upstairs (no lift). The room was small and the bathroom tiny but all was very clean and the bed firm and comfortable. For 2 nites before boarding a river cruise it was just what we wanted - a great value in a nice location for exploring the city on foot. The hotel is owned and operated by Isabelle (who speaks English) and her husband (who doesn't) and they live on-site. The brasserie near the City Hall (Hotel de Ville) that Isabelle recommended was exceptional - oysters on the 1/2 shell were wonderful, the whole dover sole (29 euros) was one of the most delicious fish dishes I've ever had, and the apple sorbet covered with Calvados was a new (for me) and delicious dessert. And for about 3 euros you can get a cafe au lait and delicious apricot tart at the pastry shop next door to the hotel.