Hôtel Mercure Kourou Ariatel is the principal four-star hotel in Kourou, French Guiana, and the accommodation of choice for professionals working at or visiting the Guiana Space Centre (Centre Spatial Guyanais), located a few kilometres from the hotel on the Chemin du Larivot. Managed under AccorHotels' Mercure brand, the property combines a tropical resort atmosphere with the practical infrastructure required by an international scientific and engineering clientele. The outdoor pool is the centrepiece of the leisure facilities, flanked by a bar that draws both hotel guests and local professionals in the evenings. A full-service restaurant serves French, Creole, and international cuisine, and the breakfast buffet is considered among the best in Kourou. A fitness centre with cardio and strength equipment serves long-stay guests. Room categories span Standard Double, Superior Twin, and Junior Suite, all with satellite television, air conditioning, and high-speed Wi-Fi; superior and suite categories offer enhanced garden or pool views. On-site parking accommodates the numerous rental-car users who make up a significant portion of the clientele. Concierge services can assist with access to space launch viewing areas subject to CNES scheduling, boat trips on the Kourou River, and excursions to the Salvation Islands (Îles du Salut), including the historic Île Royale. For leisure travellers, the Salvation Islands ferry departs from the Kourou waterfront, roughly 7–10 km from the hotel. Kourou's compact town centre, restaurants, and waterfront are all accessible by taxi or rental car. The hotel is the most reliably comfortable base in French Guiana for visitors whose itinerary centres on Kourou and the space centre.
Room types
- Standard Double
- Superior Twin
- Junior Suite
Amenities
- outdoor pool
- restaurant
- bar
- free WiFi
- air conditioning
- parking
- fitness center
Location
Chemin du Larivot, 97310 Kourou, French Guiana
5.1534, -52.6421 View on map
Highlights
- Outdoor pool and bar in French Guiana's principal launch-site hotel in Kourou
- Concierge assistance for Salvation Islands ferry bookings and space launch viewing logistics
- On-site French-Creole restaurant with highly rated breakfast buffet
- Fitness centre and Junior Suite category for longer-stay professionals
- Preferred accommodation for Guiana Space Centre visitors, contractors, and researchers
Tips for visiting
- Book well in advance for Ariane 6 or Vega rocket launch dates; the hotel regularly sells out during CNES launch windows
- The concierge desk can advise on the current launch schedule and which areas near the space centre are accessible to the public
- Ferry tickets to the Salvation Islands should be purchased at the Kourou waterfront; the concierge can assist with directions and current ferry schedules
- Rates are highest during the European Space Agency's launch season, typically April–September; off-season rates offer better value
- A rental car is more practical than taxis in Kourou, where distances between hotel, space centre, and waterfront are significant
Accessibility
The hotel is a modern Accor property with lift access to all floors and documented accessible room configurations. The pool deck and restaurant are at ground level and accessible without steps. Guests with specific mobility or accessibility requirements should request appropriate room types at the time of booking.
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Frequently asked questions
How far is the hotel from the Guiana Space Centre?
The hotel is on Chemin du Larivot in Kourou, a few kilometres from the Guiana Space Centre. Taxis or a rental car are the most practical means of transport between the two.
Can the hotel help arrange access to a rocket launch viewing area?
The concierge desk can advise on current CNES viewing access policies and assist with logistics. Public launch viewing access is subject to CNES scheduling and is not guaranteed.
How do guests reach the Salvation Islands?
The ferry to the Salvation Islands departs from the Kourou waterfront, approximately 7–10 km from the hotel. The concierge can advise on current ferry schedules and where to purchase tickets.
Is breakfast included?
Breakfast availability depends on the rate selected at booking. The buffet breakfast is available to all guests and is considered among the best in Kourou; it may or may not be included depending on the rate.
Does the hotel have a fitness centre?
Yes, the hotel has a fitness centre with cardio and strength training equipment, available to all guests throughout the stay.