Room was a good size, bathroom clean and well set out, and hotel had a lovely lobby. Free parking nearby was suggested, which was ideal. Parking outside was available to unload luggage. Staff were friendly and helpful. Would stay again if in La Rochelle. Room (no 42) was next to elevator which was a bit noisy at times (esp at 4.20am in the morning).

Stayed two nights. Lovely French style with some character missing in others we have stayed in. Emailed to reserve parking which was convenient and covered. Friendly reception a small cosy bar and classy public rooms. Large well furnished bedroom and a modern clean bathroom. We love La Rochelle and will return here when we next visit.

I'm hard to please at 100e or more per night especially when i have to pay extra for breakfast and parking but we left here feeeling very happy.
Fairly forgettable from outside with strange parking set-up.Inside however a period building with beautiful features.
Staff missing from reception on arrival but we were 2 hours early and they appeared promptly and showed me where to park and we could check-in.
Room was nice,a couple of small problems quickly sorted out which is very unusualy for France.
Lovely bar and reception area and didn't get ripped off for drinks- like everywhere else in La rochelle.
If it was slightly closer to the harbour we'd stay here every visit but i can recommend it to anyone.
We didn't eat breakfast.

We spent 2 nights here in early September 2011 during a 3 week tour of France. I am very familiar with La Rochelle (it's an excellent short break destination) but had not stayed in Hotel Champlain before.

We had a second floor room but had no issues with street noise; we had the large casement windows open early each morning to let in the warm fresh air. Our room was large and clean with antiques and a well equipped en suite bathroom, with comfy soft bathrobes too. The comfort of the bed was excellent, with good quality mattress and bedding and plenty of pillows / bolsters.

Secure parking was very important to us as we were touring in a soft top MX5, so the private indoor parking in the building next door to the hotel was most welcome and worth the 7 euros a day.

Without exception, every member of staff we had dealings with, however minor, was cheerful, polite, helpful and professional. This is the most critical factor in our view, because no matter how luxurious or well located your hotel might be (and the Champlain is both of these), if you can't wow the guests you are dead in the water - so top marks to the staff here!

Don't know if it's been mentioned but the hotel is also adjacent to Parc Charruyer, a beautiful park which runs almost the whole length of the city. Simply walk out of the front door, turn right, cross the road and you will see it. Bear left on entering the park and you have over half a mile of traffic free gardens and trees to wander through on your way down to the beach.

Incidentally, if you want to fly to La Rochelle for a short break, it couldn't be easier. We fly from Stansted (1 hour 10 mins) to La Rochelle, turn right out of the airport main entrance, 150 yards to the bus stop, no 7 bus (it's about 1.3 euros each) takes you straight into Place Verdun in the centre of La Rochelle. Hotel Champlain (and plenty of other hotels, for that matter) is about 250 / 300 yards away - ask at the police 'station' on Place Verdun if you need directions.

So; if you are going to La Rochelle, and you want a classy, welcoming hotel, spend the money and try the Hotel Champlain. Excellent.