Hotel de Matelote review, Boulogne sur Mer, Pas de Calais, France

Hotel de Matelote has a prime location directly across from the crashing waves of the English Channel (La Manche) and the famed Nausicaá National Sea Centre in Boulogne-sur-Mer. This four-star boutique gem with its distinct red and gold signature colours is a seaside sanctuary and a culinary institution.

La Matelote is the perfect escape for both cross-Channel getaways and gastronomic coastal retreats.

Who for?

If you love intimate, independently run hotels with a sharp focus on Michelin-starred maritime dining, then La Matelote will capture your heart. Perched right on the Côte d’Opale, this 35-room luxury haven is managed with meticulous care. It is tailor-made for travellers seeking a relaxing weekend of sea-air rejuvenation, effortless French hospitality, and world-class seafood.

Accommodation

There is a thoughtful selection of bright, air-conditioned rooms and suites designed to fit a variety of styles. I stayed in one of the Prestige Rooms, which offers lovely partial views of the sea and harbour, framed by elegant classic drapery and comfortable, contemporary furnishings.

For those travelling with family, the independent Family Apartment features two full bedrooms and a kitchen overlooking the water. For a bit more indulgence, the top-tier Suites boast spacious separate living areas and private balconies opening directly onto the marine panorama.

Every room is well-appointed with flat-screen TVs, complimentary high-speed fibre Wi-Fi, minibar, and premium welcome amenities in the pristine bathrooms.

Food and Drink

While the rooms provide deep comfort, the food is arguably the main event. You could almost think of it as a restaurant with rooms. Breakfast (€18) is a showcase of local produce, featuring artisanal yoghurts from the nearby Ferme du Patis and regional cheeses from the Lait Prairies du Boulonnais.

Tony Lestienne and his son, Stellio

For dinner, the ground-floor restaurant— led by the Lestienne family—is a legendary local fixture that has long held a Michelin star for its mastery of local seafood.

The menu shifts gracefully with the daily catch from the Boulogne fishing fleet (the largest in France). Expect impeccably executed, artfully plated dishes that celebrate line-caught sea bass, local turbot, and local scallops, paired with an extensive, expertly curated wine list.

I settled for Skate with Black Butter (Raie au Beurre Noir) and a glass (or two) of Sancerre. My colleague had the most delicious-looking mussels in a white wine and buttery sauce.

Afterwards, the cosy hotel bar is the perfect, low-lit spot to enjoy a digestive or a local beer served by their welcoming barman.

Facilities

Wellness is a quiet priority here. The hotel features an exclusive, complimentary Espace Détente (relaxation area) strictly reserved for guests. It comes fully equipped with a heated indoor swimming pool, a soothing jacuzzi, a traditional sauna, and a hammam steam room to sweat away the maritime chill.

For drivers, the hotel offers highly coveted secure, covered private parking boxes at the back of the hotel—a massive bonus in a bustling port town.

How Much: Standard rooms at Hotel La Matelote start from €130, Prestige sea-view rooms from €195. Breakfast is €18 per person.

What’s nearby?

The grand Nausicaá National Sea Centre—Europe’s largest aquarium—is practically on your doorstep. The historic Ville Haute (Boulogne’s walled upper town) with its 13th-century ramparts and beautiful basilica is just a short drive up the hill. Beyond the town, the rugged cliffs of Cape Blanc-Nez and Cape Gris-Nez offer stunning coastal walks just 20 minutes away.

Verdict:

La Matelote balances the warmth of a family-run inn with the sharp precision of a high-end gastronomic hotel. It remains one of the finest, most delicious jumping-off points for exploring the natural beauty of the Côte d’Opale.

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