Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde, Rouen

Historic Building in Rouen

Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde
Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Giogo

Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection sits right in Rouen's historic centre on Place de la Pucelle, in a building that began life as a Renaissance mansion and still carries that sense of ceremony the moment you arrive. It's the kind of place where the setting does half the storytelling: stone façades, period details, and a location that drops you straight into the old-town rhythm of cathedral spires, cobbled lanes, and café terraces.

Even if you're not staying overnight, it's a memorable stop for travellers who enjoy historic architecture with a lived-in feel, especially when you're weaving together one of the must-see places in Rouen on a walking tour of Rouen. From here, you're minutes from the Gros-Horloge and the cathedral quarter, so the hotel naturally slots into a day of wandering, pausing, and soaking up Rouen's atmosphere.

History and Significance of the Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection

The building’s story begins in the early 16th century, commissioned by Guillaume II Le Roux, and it still reflects that moment when Rouen’s elite were building for status as much as comfort. Architecturally, it sits in that satisfying overlap between late Gothic and early Renaissance, where decorative ambition meets a more structured, classical sensibility.

One of the hotel's defining features is the Aumale Gallery, known for its bas-reliefs depicting the 1520 meeting of Francis I and Henry VIII at the Field of the Cloth of Gold. That level of detail is a reminder that this was never just a “nice house” but a statement building, designed to impress in an age when façades carried political and cultural meaning.

In modern times, the site has continued to evolve, including a long chapter as a bank before its transformation into a luxury hotel. The significance now is in the adaptive reuse done well: it remains part of Rouen’s living cityscape rather than a sealed-off monument, blending heritage character with the expectations of a contemporary five-star stay.

Things to See and Do in the Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection

Start by looking up and slowing down in the public areas, because this is a property where the building is part of the experience. The historic stonework and carved details are easy to miss if you treat it like a standard hotel check-in, but they're what make the place feel distinctly Rouen rather than interchangeable luxury.

If you have access to the spa, it’s one of the strongest reasons to choose this hotel, especially after a full day on foot. The pool and wellness facilities turn the stay into a proper reset, which is particularly welcome in a city-break rhythm where you’re constantly walking, looking, and moving.

For a lighter visit, the bar or dining spaces can be a pleasant pause between sightseeing stops, giving you a comfortable, central base without needing to commit to a full sit-down meal. It's an easy way to add a small “treat” moment to your Rouen day without derailing your route.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection

  • Entrance fee: Free to view fromoutside.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Official website: https://www.hotelsparouen.com/en/
  • Best time to visit: If you’re dropping in for a drink or a quick look at the atmosphere, late afternoon is ideal when the old town is lively but not at its busiest. For an overnight stay, midweek often feels calmer and more personal.
  • How long to spend: A short visit can be 20-30 minutes for a drink and a sense of the setting, while an overnight stay is best enjoyed with enough downtime to use the spa. If you’re staying, try to leave at least one unplanned hour to actually enjoy the hotel rather than just sleep there.
  • Accessibility: The location is central, but the surrounding old-town streets can be uneven underfoot, so wear stable shoes for coming and going. If step-free access is important, it’s worth confirming the most convenient entrance and room options before arrival.
  • Facilities: Expect a full-service luxury setup, with dining, wellness options, and staff support that can help with reservations and local logistics. The real advantage is being able to switch easily between sightseeing and downtime without needing transport.

Where to Stay Close to the Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection

For a culture-heavy itinerary, the best area to base yourself is central Rouen around the cathedral quarter and Place du Vieux-Marché so you can walk everywhere; if your trip is focused on onward travel and day trips, staying nearer Rouen-Rive-Droite station is often the smoothest choice.

If you want the most atmospheric, high-comfort base right in the historic centre, Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection is hard to beat for location and heritage character. For a charming old-town stay that keeps you close to the cathedral streets, Hôtel de la Cathédrale is a strong pick. If you prefer a central option that feels contemporary and practical while still being walkable to the main sights, Mercure Rouen Centre Cathédrale is a reliable base.

Is the Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection Worth Visiting?

Yes, if you value staying somewhere that feels inseparable from the city around it. The combination of a prime old-town address, genuine Renaissance fabric, and a proper spa experience makes it feel like more than “just a hotel,” especially for a short break where comfort and atmosphere matter.

It's also worth it if you want to balance busy sightseeing with real downtime. Rouen rewards slow travel, and this hotel makes it easy to do the city properly during the day, then retreat somewhere that still feels connected to the story of the place.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (2,307)

Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection sits on 15 Pl. de la Pucelle in Rouen in a 15th-century building offering sleek rooms and suites, dining and an upscale spa; guests praise exceptionally friendly, helpful staff and a central, walkable location, note a striking lobby (with glass flooring above the pool and spa) that makes a good place to sit or work, and report spacious rooms though some found certain junior-suite furnishings and décor dated or overly castle‑themed.

Joseph Wyly
a month ago
"The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful. They fulfilled every request and helped in every way possible. The staff deserve every bit ofpraise. The room, however, left something to be desired. Our junior suite was large, but the furnishings felt like something from an airport hotel. And the style of the room leaned too much into the castle motif with the rock tile and dull color. The history of the building offers some explanation, but the given that it was remodeled in 2010 makes me wonder why it still felt so old. The excellent staff, great location, and incredible history of the hotel made for an enjoyable stay. But there is definitely room for improvement...."
Conrad
a week ago
"I came here several times while living in Rouen to have a drink and use the WiFi for some work. The cocktails were fairly average. The espressomartini in particular was not great. However, the interior more than made up for it. The lobby is a beautiful space to sit with a drink and get some work done, especially given the history of the building. A nice touch is that the pool and spa sit beneath the glass flooring in the lobby, which adds to the atmosphere without being distracting. Not a place I would come specifically for cocktails, but an excellent spot to sit, work, and enjoy the setting...."
Adrian Sarwono
2 months ago
"We got a special welcome by Matthew the front office manager, he gave us a lot is pointers and suggestions. The generalnManager: Stevan was there togreet us as well. They were all very welcoming. They gave us an upgrade to a great room. When we feel a bit cold they sent us a portable electric heater that really helped in making the room even more comfortable. The swimming pool and the spa area was a highlight for us as well. It is located at the center of the city of Rouen. Plenty of restaurants and bakeries. We will be back to this hotel...."

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

For families, the biggest advantage is location: you can walk to major sights quickly, return for breaks, and avoid the stress of constant transport. A comfortable base matters more than people expect on a city trip, and the ability to reset between outings can keep the day enjoyable.

That said, it’s a polished, grown-up style of luxury, so it works best for families who plan to spend most of their time out exploring and use the hotel as a calm base. If you’re travelling with very young kids, confirm room layouts and practical details early so your stay feels smooth rather than fussy.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, this is one of those stays that instantly sets a tone: historic setting, central location, and an easy rhythm of wandering out for sights then returning to comfort. It’s particularly good for romantic breaks where you want the trip to feel special without overplanning.

The spa element is a standout for couples who like to build in relaxation alongside culture. It’s easy to create a simple, satisfying routine here: slow morning, long walk through the old town, then an evening reset before dinner.

Budget Travelers

For budget travellers, this won’t be the value play, but it can make sense as a strategic splurge for a single night in the middle of a longer trip. The location can reduce other costs by keeping everything walkable, and the spa element can replace the need for paid “experience” add-ons elsewhere.

If you’re watching spend, the smartest approach is to treat it as a one-night anchor: arrive, enjoy the building and amenities properly, then move to a more affordable base while keeping your itinerary in the same walkable core.

FAQs for Visiting Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection

Getting There

It’s in Rouen’s historic centre on Place de la Pucelle, a highly walkable spot between the cathedral area and Place du Vieux-Marché. You’re essentially staying inside the old-town loop rather than commuting into it.
If you can get yourself to Rue du Gros-Horloge or the cathedral quarter, the hotel is an easy walk through pedestrian-friendly streets. The final approach is simple and scenic, with plenty of landmarks to orient yourself.

Booking and Rooms

Ask for a room away from the square-facing side if you’re sensitive to evening street noise, especially on weekends. A higher-floor room can also help if you like to sleep with the window slightly open.
Yes, if you want your “home base” evenings to feel special after long days out. If you’ll be leaving early and returning late, it’s worth weighing how much you’ll actually use the amenities.

Spa and Dining

If the spa is a priority for you, it’s sensible to reserve treatments early, especially for peak weekends. Even without treatments, planning a dedicated hour or two helps you actually enjoy the facilities rather than squeezing them in.
Yes, it can be a comfortable, central stop when you want a more refined pause than a busy café terrace. It works well as a mid-afternoon break between old-town sights.

Visiting Experience

The difference is the building itself: you’re not just in a nice room, you’re in a historic setting with real architectural character. That sense of place is the “extra” you’re paying for, beyond service and amenities.
It’s an excellent base for a first visit because you can explore on foot without planning logistics. Being central makes it easier to follow your curiosity and still return quickly when you want downtime.

Accessibility and Practicalities

The centre is walkable but can be uneven in places, so rolling luggage may feel bumpy on some streets. A short taxi drop-off closer to the hotel can make arrival easier if you’re carrying heavier bags.
Yes, this part of Rouen is lively and well suited to evening walks, with restaurants and cafés close by. If you prefer quieter nights, plan for a room position that reduces exposure to late-night square activity.

Nearby Attractions to the Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection

  • Rouen Cathedral: A Gothic masterpiece at the heart of the old town, packed with façade detail and interior atmosphere.
  • Gros-Horloge: Rouen's iconic astronomical clock arch and one of the most recognizable photo stops in the city.
  • Place du Vieux-Marché: A lively square layered with history, most famously tied to Joan of Arc's final moments.
  • Palais de Justice de Rouen: A monumental late-medieval civic building with ornate stonework and serious presence.
  • Historial Jeanne d’Arc: An immersive museum experience that brings Joan’s story to life in a historically resonant setting.

The Hôtel de Bourgtheroulde appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Rouen!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free to view fromoutside.

Address: Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection, Place de la Pucelle, Rouen, France
Rouen: 1 km
Official Website

Nearby Attractions

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