Organise your holiday in Saint-Gilles: where to stay?
Dreaming of warm sand, crystal-clear waters and steaming curries by the sea? Welcome to Saint-Gilles les Bains. To organise your holiday in Saint-Gilles les Bains properly, you need to know where to sleep. A family hotel, a hotel with a swimming pool, a room with a view, a budget hotel or eco-responsible accommodation: the choice is wide, but we’ll help you choose the right one.
1. Why choose Saint-Gilles for your holidays in Réunion?
A leisure break in Réunion, between beach and culture
Saint-Gilles is the beating heart of seaside holidays in Réunion. Located on the west coast, in the commune of Saint-Paul, it is one of the sunniest areas on the island. People come here for the Hermitage lagoon, Boucan Canot beach, craft markets and the friendly atmosphere of Saint-Gilles town centre.
It’s also the perfect starting point for a leisure break on Réunion Island: diving, kayaking, paddle-boarding, sunset cruises, visits to the basins and hiking in the western heights. In short, anything but boredom.
A renowned seaside resort
Saint-Gilles les Bains is one of Réunion’s best-known and most reputed seaside resorts, according to the Office de Tourisme de l’Ouest. This is where coastal life is concentrated: a lively local market, shops, supermarkets, restaurants, ice-cream parlours, bakeries, etc.
People come here for the summer atmosphere and the convenience of finding everything within walking distance.
A perfect destination for a weekend or holiday
Whether you’re going for a long break or just a weekend in Saint-Gilles, the area ticks all the boxes:
- Dry, mild climate all year round;
- Numerous restaurants in Réunion within easy reach of your flip-flops;
- A relaxed, not stuffy, atmosphere;
- And above all, a range of accommodation in Saint-Gilles that’s as varied as it is delicious.
2. Where to stay in Saint-Gilles? Our advice on making the right choice
The essential criteria for successful accommodation
When it comes to putting down your bags, it’s best to do so in a place where you feel at home straight away, in other words the best hotel in saint-gilles les bains. Here are the criteria that make all the difference:
> A well thought-out location
Choose a hotel with a good location in Saint-Gilles, if possible one close to the beach in Réunion, so that you can take a dip at any time. There’s nothing like stepping out of your room and smelling the iodine in the air.
> No-frills comfort
A family room in Saint-Gilles if you’re travelling with the kids, an air-conditioned hotel in Saint-Gilles for hot days, free Wi-Fi so you can share your sunsets: the little touches make all the difference.
> Services that make life easier
Breakfast included, parking at the hotel in Saint-Gilles, on-site restaurant, accessible hotels in Réunion for people with reduced mobility… Comfort also means practical details.
> A responsible approach
Choosing an eco-responsible hotel in Réunion means choosing accommodation that is local, committed and respectful of the environment and the community. Without preaching to you, it’s a good thing.
> Good value for money
We’re not necessarily looking for the cheapest, but we are looking for the best value for money. And that’s possible in Saint-Gilles, especially with some of the best hotel deals available in Réunion.
Zoom on the Exsel Ermitage: the right choice, quite simply
Located just a stone’s throw from the Hermitage, the Exsel Ermitage manages to be everything you’d expect… without overdoing it.
A warm and friendly family hotel
- Comfortable family rooms, with everything you need but nothing too much;
- A full breakfast, with fresh fruit, pastries and a samosa corner for a local touch at the Calypso bar;
- A refreshing swimming pool for young and old to relax in.
An ideal location, with your feet almost in the water
The hotel is close to the Hermitage, in a quiet but lively area. Saint-Gilles town centre is close by, as are the many activities available around the hotel: kayaking, paddle-boarding, hiking and shopping.
A pleasant family retreat
- Colourful, air-conditioned interconnecting family rooms in Saint-Gilles, ideal for families.
- Breakfast served with fresh fruit, pastries and pancakes to enjoy in the peace and quiet. And the on-site restaurant Le Grain de Sable offers a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
- An outdoor swimming pool in the garden.
A convenient location
- A stone’s throw from Saint-Gilles town centre, just far enough to avoid the noise, but close enough to get there on foot.
- Close to supermarkets and activities around the hotel: kayaking, walks, sea outings, etc.
Committed local accommodation
L’Alamanda favours local produce, sorts its waste, offers filtered water fountains and serves a responsible, local breakfast. Good value for money, without the slightest pretension.
3. Plan your stay in Saint-Gilles with peace of mind
Anticipate to make the most of your stay
Whether you’re looking for a weekend in Saint-Gilles or a longer holiday in Saint-Gilles les Bains, it’s best to book in advance, especially during the school holidays. Good hotel deals in Réunion go quickly.
For example, arrive early in the morning at the Hermitage beach: you’ll find a parking space easily and will be able to choose the best stretch of sand, without stress, before the crowds arrive.
And above all… live the Creole way
Don’t try to tick off everything on your to-do list. In Saint-Gilles, sometimes the best programme is the one you improvise: a curry eaten on the beach, an unexpected swim at sunset, a drink raised under the stars.
Take your time. Breathe in the salty air. Let the children run in the sand, be surprised by a recipe, a smile, a bird singing in the filaos. This is the real Réunion Island experience.
Don’t miss lunch at the restaurant La Marmite Saint-Gilles, a Creole institution famous for its buffet of 14 curries cooked over a wood fire. Situated opposite Hermitage beach, it’s the ideal place to sample Pei cuisine in a warm, relaxed atmosphere.
In Saint-Gilles, there’s always a good bed waiting for you
Organising your holiday in Saint-Gilles les Bains isn’t (just) a question of packing and planning. It’s about choosing a place where you can sleep well, eat well and live life to the full.
By choosing accommodation in Saint-Gilles that’s right for you – family-friendly, close to the beach, eco-responsible or at the best price – you set the tone for your stay.
And if you’re looking for somewhere simple, well-located, warm and rooted in our island, Exsel Hotels have just what you need.
Nartrouv’ Saint-Gilles ?
An ethical and sustainable commitment
Sorting waste, saving water, promoting local producers… The Exsel Ermitage is an eco-responsible hotel in La Réunion that takes simple action, with no publicity stunts.
And to book this hotel in Réunion online? Easy: go to exsel.re. No need for a thousand clicks or fine print.
Zoom on Exsel Alamanda: serenity and a tropical climate
Located just a few minutes from the town centre, Exsel Alamanda nestles in a lush garden, perfect for families and lovers of tranquillity.
