A holiday in Réunion with the kids? Head for Saint-Gilles les Bains, the pearl of the west coast, where turquoise beaches, a relaxed way of life and well-designed family accommodation are sure to please young and old alike. But when it comes to choosing a family hotel in Saint-Gilles Réunion, how do you find your way around the many options on offer? We’ll help you choose, with sincerity, local roots and a good dose of Réunionese common sense.
1. Saint-Gilles les Bains: the obvious choice for a family holiday
A seaside resort designed with families in mind
On the west coast of Réunion, the sun is more than a guest: it’s a permanent resident. And at Saint-Gilles les Bains, it shines down on a gentle, lively atmosphere, between the translucent waters of the Hermitage lagoon and the lively terraces of Saint-Gilles town centre.
Ideal for a leisure break on Réunion Island, the region is packed with activities accessible to all ages:
- Snorkelling in the calm waters of the lagoon,
- Visit the Garden of Eden for an immersion in tropical flora,
- Boat trip to observe dolphins and whales (in season),
- Kayak or paddle trips for the more adventurous.
And don’t worry about swimming: beaches like l’Hermitage, protected by the reef, or the boucan canot beach, supervised by lifeguards, are perfect for children.
Accessibility, convenience and a wide range of accommodation
In Saint-Gilles, everything has been designed to help you relax, without any headaches. You’ll find :
- Hotels conveniently located in Saint-Gilles, a stone’s throw from beaches, restaurants and shops,
- Establishments with free wifi, private parking and family rooms in Saint-Gilles,
- A truly diverse range of accommodation, from budget hotels in Saint-Gilles to more upmarket options, all offering good value for money.
It’s a destination that lends itself equally well to a weekend break in Saint-Gilles or a longer stay, thanks in particular to the abundance of good hotel deals in Réunion.
How do you choose a family hotel in Saint-Gilles?
Essential criteria for families
When you’re travelling with children, you’re not just looking for a room: you’re looking for peace of mind. Here are the criteria not to be overlooked when choosing the right family hotel in Saint-Gilles Réunion:
> Rooms adapted to tribes
Opt for a family room in Saint-Gilles with enough space, enough beds and, if possible, a little separation so that everyone has their own corner. An air-conditioned hotel in Saint-Gilles is also a real plus, especially in the hot season.
> A strategic location
A hotel close to the Hermitage or to Saint-Gilles town centre means you can do everything on foot: the beach, the market, the restaurant, the ice cream parlour, without the need for a car or the cries of tired children. The ideal choice? A hotel close to the beach in Réunion, just a few steps from the lagoon.
> Services that make life easier
Buffet breakfast, free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, refreshing swimming pool, baby cot on request, friendly staff… Simple touches that make all the difference.
> A restaurant on site or nearby
There’s nothing more reassuring than being able to eat on site when the children are knocked out. Hotels with or close to a restaurant in Réunion are a strategic choice.
> An ethical and responsible approach
Eco-responsible hotels in Réunion are attracting more and more families: waste sorting, local products, water saving… Responsible travel starts here too.
Our favourites: Exsel Ermitage & Exsel Alamanda
Exsel Ermitage
In the heart of a tropical garden and just a two-minute walk from the beach, the Exsel Ermitage is a must for families in Saint-Gilles.
Accommodation designed with families in mind
- Suite, family flat, bright and air-conditioned,
- Breakfast included, with fresh fruit, pastries and local specialities,
- Free Wi-Fi, hotel car park in Saint-Gilles, and even green spaces where the marmays can let off steam.
An unbeatable location
The hotel is located in L’Hermitage, in a quiet but lively area, a stone’s throw from the lagoon, restaurants, Sunday market and water sports. Ideal for an uncomplicated stay.
Local accommodation, rooted in our culture
With its responsible approach and friendly team, the Exsel Ermitage represents what you’d expect from local accommodation in Réunion: a real welcome, simple, human and sincere.
Located just a stone’s throw from Hermitage beach, the Exsel Alamanda is a friendly hotel in Saint-Gilles with a charming ambience and lush green surroundings.
Warm accommodation for all the family
- Communicating rooms, decorated in a tropical style,
- Outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace and garden for relaxing,
- Free Wi-Fi, attentive staff and Le Grain de Sable restaurant on site.
An ideal location in Saint-Gilles
Between the beaches, shops, ice-cream parlours and water sports activities, everything is within easy reach for a stress-free, car-free family holiday in Réunion Island.
A local and accessible spirit
The Exsel Alamanda combines simplicity, a warm welcome and good value for money, perfect for families looking for a hotel close to the lagoon.
And to book your hotels in Réunion online, head to exsel.re: efficient, smooth and fast.
Plan your family holiday in Saint-Gilles
Book in advance (and leave with a clear head)
To avoid unpleasant surprises, it’s best to book your hotel in Réunion online as soon as possible, especially during the school holidays. Accessible hotels in Réunion, particularly in Saint-Gilles, are often fully booked weeks in advance.
You should also take the time to check out the good deals on hotels in Réunion offered by the establishments: family offers, stays with meals included, discounts for long stays, etc.
Adopt a Creole rhythm
The advantage of a stay in Saint-Gilles is that you can get away from it all. There’s no need to plan everything: between two swims, let yourself be carried away by the gentle local way of life. Take a walk on the beach, enjoy a fish curry in front of the ocean, nap under the filaos… There’s no need to overdo it to create memories.
The ideal hotel exists for your family holidays in Saint-Gilles!
A family hotel in Saint-Gilles Réunion is more than just a place to put down your suitcases. It’s a base for days punctuated by laughter, sunshine, games in the sand and shared discoveries.
Among the accommodation in Saint-Gilles, the Exsel Ermitage stands out for its charm and intimate setting, and the Exsel Alamanda for its best value for money, perfect location and attentive welcome. These are lively, sincere places, designed so that parents and children alike can make the most of their family holidays in Réunion.
Nartrouv’ soon under the filaos of the Hermitage.
