37 Boulevard Paul Doumer, 51100 Reims

Four Points by Sheraton Reims Cathédrale

Name: Four Points by Sheraton Reims Cathédrale
Address: 37 Boulevard Paul Doumer, Reims, 51100, FR
Price range: 75 EUR
Rating: 4.4

Hotel-restaurant 3-star in Reims

Presentation

We arrive at the Four Points by Sheraton Reims Cathédrale via the quays, where the Aisne to Marne canal draws its calm line between the old warehouses of Port Colbert and the still-standing cranes of the former industrial port. The neighborhood is changing its face. Construction fencing, vacant lots, a few trees planted in anticipation of what is to come. You can sense that something is being prepared here, without yet quite knowing what.

The hotel, for its part, has already found its footing. Its contemporary façade stands in contrast to the neighboring warehouses. The outdoor terrace catches the eye first: facing due south, sheltered from the wind by a system of wooden screens, it looks directly onto the water. In the morning, two or three guests sit there in silence with a coffee, laptop open. Late in the afternoon, the tables are more likely to be filled with neighborhood regulars than passing travelers.

On the ground floor, the Best Brew bar takes up a good part of the space. Local craft beers on tap, low banquettes, light that gradually dims in the evening. Nothing ostentatious. It is an easy place to settle in, alone with a file in the afternoon, or with several people over a drink in the evening.

Going up to the upper floors, head for the rooms on the odd-numbered side of the fourth level. From the window, Notre-Dame Cathedral of Reims appears above the rooftops, its towers rising beyond a block of newer buildings. Not the postcard view one imagines from the forecourt, but rather a partial, almost discreet appearance, discovered by drawing back the curtain on waking.

The rooms themselves go for understated comfort: firm bedding, blackout curtains that plunge the room into complete darkness even in midsummer, and soundproofing that cuts off the noise from the nearby construction site. On the desk, a kettle and two coffee capsules are waiting. The bathroom, with its rain shower and separate toilet, remains compact but well designed.

As for breakfast, the buffet comes at an extra charge. Something to know before booking, especially compared with other places in the city that include it automatically. The selection, between pastries and a few more local products, partly makes up for the bill for those who like to take their time in the morning, tray in hand, with a view of the canal.

In the basement, the heated indoor pool stays open year-round, next to a fitness room accessible 24 hours a day. A no-frills setting, designed for use rather than for photos. Which is rather handy after a day of walking between the cathedral and Drouet-d'Erlon Square.

Back to the canal, finally. It is what structures the whole project. The promised developments, floating bar, restaurant on the water, widened bike lanes, are not there yet. For now, you enjoy a calm that may not last, a sort of preview of a neighborhood that has not finished taking shape.

One last note for those arriving at the end of the day: ask for a room facing the cathedral, and leave the curtain open for a few minutes before going to bed. The towers are lit up around 10 p.m., and from the fourth floor at that hour, they are the only thing you can see.

Summary of a few positive reviews read online

The welcome was unhurried from the moment of arrival. The young receptionist suggested several places around the canal, without us even asking.
Soundproofed room, you can’t hear either the hallway or the street. Firm bedding, kettle on the desk, blackout curtains that work well even in summer.
Generous buffet, good pastries, products that are a little different from the usual chain-hotel fare. Given the extra charge, the quality remains decent.
About a ten-minute walk from the cathedral, very close to the Christmas market in December. Paid underground parking, convenient for a late arrival.
Rain shower that does its job. Toilet separate from the bathroom, useful for two people in the morning.
Dog accepted without any particular issue, small extra charge to be paid at reception. The staff even brought him a water bowl.