Chose a stay in La Rochelle randomly, for a few civilised days by the sea (after being landlocked in the Charente with group of friends). A local friend warned us about the town being car hostile, and (especially during rugby tournament) extremely lively at night. We found Central Park just off the city centre, with a local parking (fairly essential if you are driving), and separated from the town by a beautifully maintained park area. Hotel clean, quiet, comfortable, and unostentatious, with a team of professional staff. Excellent breakfast if you want, and informal room service/bar all day. Hammam/spa which we did not use. La Rochelle port/town an easy and pleasant ten minutes paved walk away. Extremely easy place to stay - would unquestionably return another time. Thanks