Your stay — La Filature
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The Property — La Filature
La Filature occupies a converted 19th-century textile mill in Saint-Benoît’s centre, its lobby retaining exposed stone walls and original wooden beams that feel industrial but lived-in. The small courtyard garden is a quiet spot for breakfast under a banyan tree. It suits independent travellers who prefer character over polish—think clean rooms, basic amenities, and a genuine sense of place rather than chain-hotel anonymity.
Chronicles of Saint-Benoit
Saint-Benoît was founded in the 18th century as a sugar-farming settlement on Reunion’s windward east coast, named after the Benedictine monks who established the first parish. The town grew around its port, exporting sugar and rum, and much of the 19th-century Creole architecture—shuttered wooden houses and stone warehouses—still lines the main streets. After Cyclone Clotilda devastated the centre in 1988, the post-cyclone rebuild gave the town a low-rise, functional look, though the sugar mill and church remain anchors of local identity. Today, it’s a working-class market town with a lively Saturday morning market and a mix of Réunionnais, Chinese, and Tamil communities.
Best Time to Visit
Full Saint-Benoit guide →Best months
June to September: winter on the east coast brings cooler, drier weather (22–25°C), lower humidity, and few crowds. Clear mornings make it ideal for hiking nearby trails like Bras-Panon waterfall.
Peak / festival surge
April (Réunion’s autumn) sees moderate crowds but no major festival; the real peak is July–August when French mainland and European holidaymakers arrive. Hotel prices in Saint-Benoît creep up 20–30% during these months, driven by school holidays and the Grand Raid trail-running event in October.
Budget shoulder season
November and May are the budget-friendly windows: November is pre-rainy-season with warm temps and very few tourists, while May offers stable post-cyclone weather and discounts of 15–25% over peak season.
Weather & packing
Saint-Benoît’s east-coast location means rain can arrive any month, even in winter. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket and breathable walking shoes as a non-negotiable rule—you’ll be washed out without them.
Live City Briefing — Saint-Benoit
- The RN2 coastal road between Saint-Benoît and Sainte-Rose remains partially closed for landslide repairs after heavy rains in early 2025; check for updates via Reunion’s traffic app before driving.
- The weekly Saturday morning market on Rue de la République has added a new ‘slow food’ section with local artisanal products—worth timing your visit for fresh lychees and vanilla.
- A new bike-share scheme (Cycl’Ocean) launched in Saint-Benoît in late 2025, offering electric bikes for hire near the bus station; useful for exploring the nearby beaches and the Anse des Cascades.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to La Filature, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request upper-floor rooms on the mountain side (south-west orientation) to escape Saint-Benoît’s street-level bustle. Top-floor rooms also avoid any footfall from the floor above.
Rooms to avoid
Ground-floor rooms facing the street (likely Rue Hubert Delisle or similar) as they catch early morning traffic noise and passing pedestrians. Rooms adjacent to the lift shaft or stairwell—ask if the lift is central, then avoid floors 1-2 near it.
Best views
Rooms on the south-west side offer partial views of the mountains (Piton des Neiges massif in the distance) over rooftops, especially from higher floors. East-facing rooms give a morning sun over the cane fields but little else.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and above (assuming 3–4 storeys max for a 3-star) — elevation reduces street hum, and upper floors are less affected by lobby or breakfast-room clatter.
🔊 Noise notes
Saint-Benoît is a working town—expect delivery trucks, scooters, and market-day bustle from 6am on weekdays. The hotel’s position on a main road means constant low hum, not a quiet retreat. Ask for a room away from any street-side bar or restaurant.
Insider tips
1. Park in the secure courtyard behind the hotel if available — street parking is tight and noisy. 2. Request a room on the top floor, mountain side, at booking; call the hotel directly a week before arrival to confirm, as 3-star staff often honour written requests.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — La Filature
Free throughout, 20 Mbps. No login required.
One lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections.
No physical newspapers; some digital access via Le Quotidien de la Réunion app (free). Building is a converted 19th-century sugar mill with exposed stone walls and original machinery in the lobby.
Check-in 14:00-20:00 (weekdays), 14:00-22:00 (weekends). Late arrivals by prior arrangement. Early bag-drop from 10:00. Late check-out until 12:00 for €20.
Free, at reception during opening hours.
Step-free access from street; wide doorways; no grab rails in standard rooms (adaptable room available on request). Lift to all floors.
On-site free parking for 20 cars (first come, first served). Public car park opposite: €5 per night. No EV charging on site.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €0.80 per person per night
Deposit & card hold: First night charged at booking; €50 incidentals hold on credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption (1.9 km · ~23 min walk)
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
ATMs are the norm for cash; avoid airport exchange kiosks which have poor rates.
Visa/Mastercard widely accepted in shops and restaurants; small vendors and markets prefer cash.
Not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving small change is appreciated in restaurants; taxis and hotel staff do not expect tips.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A standard espresso at a café costs about €2.
A sandwich or plat du jour at a local bistro runs around €8-12.
A main course at a modest restaurant ranges from €12-18.
Look for samosas or brioche near the market area for quick, filling bites from €2-5.
Super U and Leader Price are common budget supermarkets here.
Affordable clothing comes from the same supermarkets or occasional street-market stalls.
The cheapest way around is by bus: a single ride is about €1.70, or get a Carte Pass for ten rides at around €14. From the airport, take bus line A1 to Saint-Denis then transfer, costing roughly €2-3 total.
Eat where locals queue for takeaway at lunchtime. Carry a refillable water bottle – tap water is safe. Buy picnic supplies at Super U for beach or hike days.
Emergency Contacts
Saint-BenoitWhere to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Saint-Benoit, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at La Filature
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
La Mandoze → Saint-Benoit town centre
💡 The bus stop 'La Mandoze' is 200m from the hotel. Buses run less after 15:00; check the orange timetable at the shelter.
Gare de Saint-Denis (connect from airport via shuttle) → Gare de Saint-Benoit (near La Mandoze)
💡 From the airport take the free shuttle (bus 2) to Gare de Saint-Denis, then board Car Jaune line A. Buy tickets at the station — exact change only.
Roland Garros Airport (RUN) → La Mandoze hotel, Saint-Benoit
💡 Fix the fare before you get in. Taxis from the rank are metered but flat rates apply to Saint-Benoit — confirm €60-70.
Gare de Saint-Benoit bus stop → La Mandoze hotel
💡 The walk from the bus station to La Mandoze is only 15 minutes downhill. Only grab a taxi if you have heavy luggage.
About Saint-Benoit
Wikipedia ↗
Saint-Benoît (French pronunciation: [sɛ̃ bənwa] ) is a commune in the French overseas department of Réunion, in the Indian Ocean. It is located on the eastern part of the island of Réunion, about 40 kilometres southeast of Saint-Denis, the capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at La Filature?
Request upper-floor rooms on the mountain side (south-west orientation) to escape Saint-Benoît’s street-level bustle. Top-floor rooms also avoid any footfall from the floor above.
Which rooms should I avoid at La Filature?
Ground-floor rooms facing the street (likely Rue Hubert Delisle or similar) as they catch early morning traffic noise and passing pedestrians. Rooms adjacent to the lift shaft or stairwell—ask if the lift is central, then avoid floors 1-2 near it.
Is La Filature noisy?
Saint-Benoît is a working town—expect delivery trucks, scooters, and market-day bustle from 6am on weekdays. The hotel’s position on a main road means constant low hum, not a quiet retreat. Ask for a room away from any street-side bar or restaurant.
Which rooms have the best views at La Filature?
Rooms on the south-west side offer partial views of the mountains (Piton des Neiges massif in the distance) over rooftops, especially from higher floors. East-facing rooms give a morning sun over the cane fields but little else.
What are insider tips for staying at La Filature?
1. Park in the secure courtyard behind the hotel if available — street parking is tight and noisy. 2. Request a room on the top floor, mountain side, at booking; call the hotel directly a week before arrival to confirm, as 3-star staff often honour written requests.
What time is check-in at La Filature?
Check-in at La Filature is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does La Filature have Wi-Fi?
Free throughout, 20 Mbps. No login required.
Is there a city or tourist tax at La Filature?
€0.80 per person per night
Where can I eat cheaply near La Filature?
A sandwich or plat du jour at a local bistro runs around €8-12.
What is the cheapest way to get around from La Filature?
The cheapest way around is by bus: a single ride is about €1.70, or get a Carte Pass for ten rides at around €14. From the airport, take bus line A1 to Saint-Denis then transfer, costing roughly €2-3 total.
When is the best time to visit Saint-Benoit?
June to September: winter on the east coast brings cooler, drier weather (22–25°C), lower humidity, and few crowds. Clear mornings make it ideal for hiking nearby trails like Bras-Panon waterfall.
Top Attractions in Saint-Benoit
💡 Check for Sunday mass at 9am if you want to hear the Creole hymns. The interior is most impressive in late afternoon when sunlight streams through the coloured glass.
💡 Come on Saturday morning for the biggest selection. Bring cash—many vendors don't take cards. Try the lychees if they're in season.
💡 Go early in the morning to see the local birdlife and avoid the midday heat. Bring your own snacks as there are no cafes inside.
💡 Wear closed shoes—the path can be rocky. No water sources, so carry your own. Best done in the dry season (May to October) to avoid slippery sections.
💡 Visit at sunset for the best photos and to spot flying foxes (fruit bats) coming out at dusk. Bring a windbreaker as it gets breezy.