This hotel is like a guest house in the heart of La Rochelle

It's a success story just the way we like them. After conquering the decorating world with its exotic and inspired furniture, Maisons du Monde has chosen to offer its creations real settings by entering the world of hospitality. To this end, the company - born in Nantes and 100% French - has joined forces with the Vicartem hotel group in 2019, and has already inaugurated two urban addresses (in Marseille and Nantes), infusing the same art of living. The spirit of these places? Hotels designed as friends' homes; simple and elegant, made for exchange and sharing.

Once again, the challenge has been met with this third opus, housed in the former Saint-Jean d'Acre hotel, in the heart of La Rochelle and just a stone's throw from the harbour. As soon as you arrive, the tone is set. Here, there's no lobby, no digitalization... You're welcomed into an elegant black-and-white lounge, complete with fireplace, library and large sofas, where you can enjoy a drink before heading to your room. Imagined as an invitation to travel and furnished 100% Maisons du Monde, the 63 rooms and suites (perfect for families) feature five universes celebrating the brand's collections. Depending on your mood, you'll opt for the classically modernist "Vienna" room with dark wood furnishings, the arty "Florence" room with incredible painted ceilings, the "Madras" room with ethnic inspirations and shimmering fabrics, or "Memphis" (our favorites), which combine graphic motifs, a powerful color palette and asymmetrical shapes. The only thing these shelters have in common? Queen-size bedding, sleek bathrooms and a few technological tools (high-speed wifi, digital city-guide...).

A living space in its own right, the hotel boasts a bar and a large room that can be used for impromptu meetings and after-work get-togethers. The restaurant remains true to its "family" spirit, with an open kitchen and dining room where you can enjoy delicious breakfasts (artisanal jams from the Île de Ré Les Papas Confituriers, homemade granola...) and, throughout the day, a platter of oysters from Chez Nono or bistronomic cuisine served in jars, all accompanied by a fine selection of wines and beers (a special mention for Beun'aize from La Rochelle). The final asset of this place (which is not lacking in them) is its very reasonable prices, which clearly illustrate the human and friendly spirit of this brand new collection.

Three questions for Nicolas Schmoll, Marketing Manager at younight hospitality, the hotel's manager.

How did Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites come into being?

Nicolas Schmoll: The collection is the combination of two areas of expertise: that of the independent, family-run hotel group Vicartem, and that of the furniture company Maisons du Monde. The two brands decided to join forces to create these 4-star refuges with a motto: " home but better ". These living spaces are located in the heart of towns and live in harmony with them. We work with local merchants and share our network with our customers. They're the best addresses in town!

Who are your guests?

N.S.: We welcome travellers from all over Europe - many of them families who love our suites, but also business travellers attracted by the warm atmosphere of the place, far from the classic business spirit. The hotel has also become the HQ of the Rochelais, who come to work in our coworking spaces during the week, and enjoy our brunch on Sunday mornings.

What are your plans for the future?

N.S.: We opened the hotel in 2021. It's still quite young, and we're working to make it a lasting part of the Rochelais landscape. In particular, we are a partner of the La Coursive theater. We welcome its artists and their teams, as well as spectators who come for an evening. It's a way of anchoring us in the town's cultural dynamic.