“Rooms were clean and breakfast was plentiful. The location is excellent, though guests should be prepared to walk luggage from outside the town walls.”
Hotel · St. Malo, France
Hotel de l'Univers
Hotel De L'univers
A3.41 / 4.00
78 evaluations from our group leaders & tour directors (2009–2026)
Group leaders: A (29 recent)Tour directors: A (14 recent)
What our travelers say
Hotel de l'Univers earns consistent praise from group leaders and tour directors across multiple programs, and it's not hard to see why. The property sits right inside the walled city of Saint-Malo, facing the castle and the main square, which means the town's ramparts, beaches, and a solid mix of restaurants and shops are all within easy reach on foot. Group leaders repeatedly point to the location as a genuine advantage — it keeps groups moving without the need for additional transport. Check-in runs smoothly here, with staff arriving well-prepared for group arrivals, room keys and paperwork at the ready, and a layout spread across fewer floors that makes getting everyone settled a straightforward process. The breakfast draws particular enthusiasm: multiple groups describe it as plentiful, expansive, and well-served, with attentive waiting staff. One thing worth knowing is that the setup leans traditional French — expect a boiled-egg station rather than a scrambled-egg buffet, which can catch some travelers off guard, but it's very much in keeping with the local character of the place.
A few practical expectations are worth setting before arrival. Rooms are comfortable and well-kept — group leaders consistently note they are clean and charming — but they do run on the smaller side, and room sizes aren't uniform across the property, so some students will have more space than others. There is no air conditioning, which is rarely an issue in Brittany's cooler months, though groups traveling in warmer weather will find that opening windows handles most evenings just fine. One logistical note: the hotel sits within the walled city, so luggage has to be walked in from outside the ramparts rather than dropped at the door — a minor consideration worth flagging to groups in advance.
This hotel is a strong fit for student groups visiting Saint-Malo, particularly those on tighter schedules who benefit from a central base that puts the town's main sights at arm's length. Its manageable size, efficient check-in, and consistently well-regarded breakfast make it a reliable choice for school programs. Groups looking for large interconnected rooms or resort-style amenities will want to calibrate expectations, but for a characterful stay inside one of France's most distinctive walled cities, this property delivers well above its three-star category.
What group leaders & tour directors say
About this property
Hotel De L'Univers is located in the walled city of Saint Malo in Brittany, and is walking distance from the ferry port and train station. It offers free Wi-Fi. Rooms are comfortable and equipped with TV, telephone and private bathroom. Hotel De L'univers is located right in front of the castle, close to the sea, with a view of the main square.
- Address: 16, Place Chateaubriand, 35400
- Phone: +33 2 99 40 89 52
- Rating: 3 stars
- Rooms: 64
Where is it?
16, Place Chateaubriand, 35400
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