Normandy is a region steeped in history: the Vikings (yes! Rollon, the Viking chief who converted to Christianity in the TV series Vikings, did exist), William the Conqueror, the years of tug-of-war between France and England for control of Normandy, and more.
For us, our stay was an act of remembrance of the Second World War. As part of the celebrations to commemorate the “longest day”, also known as “D-Day” (June 6, 1944), we made a stopover in Ouistreham.
For the occasion, we stayed at the Ibis Styles Ouistreham, a member of the Accor Live Limitless program, ideally located in the center of town. Another attraction of this hotel is that it faces the ferry terminal to England.
Built in 1993, the Ibis Styles Ouistreham is a modern, comfortable hotel at an affordable price in a prime location for discovering the region.
It has 100 rooms spread over 3 floors, accessible by elevator. The aesthetic of the premises is inviting and reminiscent of maritime life, such as its restaurant “Les 3 mâts” (and its terrace), the floors called “decks”, the rooms called “cabins”, or even the porthole window in the bathroom of our room.
Several items can be borrowed from the hotel (subject to availability): such as scooters, baby baths, high chairs and even baby carriages.
Room options
Arrival from 2 pm – Departure until noon
Here is some information about the hotel:
By staying at the Ibis Styles Ouistreham, you can easily explore the historic sites of the D-Day landing beaches and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the region. What’s more, its proximity to the ferry terminal makes it a convenient stopover for those wishing to travel to England.
Moreoever, we really appreciated the fact that we could walk around this seaside resort. In fact, you’re just a stone’s throw from the Fish Market, several small restaurants / terraces and bakeries. In just a few minutes, you’ll reach sandy beaches, the Atlantic Wall Museum and several commemorative monuments, such as the one marking the 70th anniversary of the Ouistreham landings and the Monument Français Libres – Monument Kieffer.
Normandy occupies a special place in world history, especially because of the importance of the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944. D-Day beaches such as Omaha Beach and Juno Beach bear witness to the courage and sacrifice of Allied soldiers. My visit to the Juno Beach Centre a few years ago was a real eye-opener, and we plan to take the boys there this summer for them to see how important peace is. Nearby, the Caen Memorial offers a global perspective on the events of the Second World War.
You can also take advantage of your stay to discover the nearby towns of Cabourg and Houlgate, renowned for their beautiful beaches and seaside atmosphere. These destinations offer relaxation and entertainment, with walks along the beach, water sports activities and picturesque restaurants. If you have time during your stay in Cabourg, I highly recommend a visit to La Villa du temps retrouvéA journey back to the Belle Époque, the era of Marcel Proust, Claude Monet, Claude Debussy, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Auguste Rodin, Edgar Degas and many others.
The town of Bayeux is also a must-see. Located near Ouistreham, it is home to the famous Bayeux Tapestry Museum, which exhibits this magnificent 11th-century tapestry. This exceptional work of art, included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, tells the story of William the Conqueror, who became King of England (1066), giving birth to the Anglo-Norman kingdom. You’ll be immersed in the region’s medieval history and rich culture.
Finally, Normandy is also renowned for its gastronomy. Don’t miss the chance to sample fresh seafood such as oysters, mussels and scallops. Dairy products are also renowned in the region, with cheeses such as Camembert, Livarot and Pont-l’Évêque. For an authentic culinary experience, we recommend venturing into the surrounding villages, where you can sample these specialties in local restaurants and traditional farms.
Located on the 3rd floor, like the hotel, our room’s decor was subtly reminiscent of the sea and the maritime spirit, creating a pleasant atmosphere. The room itself offered a Queen-size bed in a functional space for a short stay.
The bathroom was modest in size, but functional, although we noted low shower pressure and inconsistency in temperature. Storage space was sufficient for our 2-night stay.
The welcome at reception was courteous, but nothing more. But it may be that our feelings are colored by the quality of the welcome we receive in the Marriott group banners, where we mainly stay when we’re out and about.
Members of the ALL – Accor Live Limitless loyalty program enjoy several additional benefits and services, including a 5% discount on their reservation. This is a great incentive to sign up for the program and maximize your experience during your stay at the Ibis Styles Ouistreham. Don’t forget that your stay will also earn you points in Accor’s loyalty program, bringing you closer to other unique experiences within the hotel group. For more information on the benefits of hotel loyalty programs, see our pages on the Accor loyalty program.
Buffet breakfast at the Ibis Styles Ouistreham is served in the bright, friendly Restaurant Les 3 mâts.
You’ll find fresh viennoiseries, various types of bread, jams (and a wonderful homemade salted caramel), cereals, yogurts, fresh fruit and multiple juices (orange and apple). Hot beverages such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate are also available (multifunction machine). Although there have been criticisms online about the buffet composition and the lack of supplies at certain times, our experience was satisfactory for the type of accommodation we were in.
In conclusion, our stay as a couple at the Ibis Styles Ouistreham enabled us to discover the historical treasures of Normandy and savour its culinary delights… from the sea. Although we encountered a few minor inconveniences, such as low shower pressure and extra charges for the second person in the room, the hotel’s strategic location and proximity to historic sites make it an interesting stopover for exploring the region.
Whether you’re interested in the history of the Second World War or simply looking to relax on the beautiful beaches of Normandy, this hotel will ensure that you get the most out of your Normandy getaway.
Savings are here:
