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“This chic, intimate hotel exudes old-school charm. The peachy façade, blue shutters and sea view rooms are utterly picturesque. Elegant bedrooms have a traditional feel, yet are fresh and unfussy. Perfectly located in the heart of the postcard-pretty town this is a convenient and stylish stay.”

Hotel review

This charming hotel is located in the port of Villefranche-sur-Mer, a beautiful town on France's Côte d'Azur known for its extraordinary colour and light. Having existed for more than 100 years, the hotel has been attracting English holiday-goers since the Victorian Era. During the 20th-century, French artists flocked to the hotel in search of seaside inspiration. In particular, mementoes of famous writer Jean Cocteau can be seen dotted around the hotel, an artist who had stayed here for many months. Today, the port exudes historic glamour, with a hillside of coloured houses, and circling yachts below. The rooms all come with balconies and views and are equipped with elegant, classical decor, plush beds and softly coloured hues. Breakfast is simple but good. There is no restaurant but the hotel's seaside wine bar is where guests spot dolphins and sunsets with an evening drink. An array of chic restaurants line the port. No pool either, but a pebbled beach is just a five-minute walk away, whilst sandier, more private beaches are a very short drive. Local exploration options are endless, ranging from visiting the Old Town's historic fortress walls and streets to seeing avant-garde art and sculpture in one of the town's four impressive museums. Water sports can also be arranged, and a diving board lies right in front of the hotel. All-in-all, this hotel is a 'must-stay' for those seeking value and an unbeatable position.

Hotel Guru Staff Contributor
Hotel Guru Staff Contributor Review published: 04/06/2018

Recommended for

  • Beach Life

    • Beautiful Plage de Marinières is a five minute walk away and a free shuttle will take you to the private beach Plage de Passable
  • Writing a novel

    • Significantly, acclaimed 20th-century poet Jean Cocteau was so inspired by Villefranche-sur-Mer, that he settled in this hotel
  • Value chic

    • Beautiful historic façade, stylish rooms and breathtaking views of the French Riviera creates the feel of a movie set!
  • Active Holiday

    • Located right on the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer, paddleboarding, kayaking and more is just on your doorstep
  • Local exploring

    • Well located with numerous historical sites within walking distance
  • Museums

    • The town's fortress walls house four fantastic museums. Notably, The Musée Volti Foundation exhibts dozens of sculpted women
  • Hotel boats for hire

    • Motorboats, yachts and catamarans can all be rented without a license
  • Other Activities

    • Less than a twenty-minute drive will take you to Monaco or Nice
  • Diving

    • A diving board on the bay stands right in front of the hotel
  • Watersports

    • Watersports can be arranged by the hotel on request
  • Families

  • Child friendly

    • Hotel provides excellent baby service which includes babysitting, games, bottles, beds, chairs and more
  • No restaurant

    • Breakfast buffet served and there's an on-site café
  • Family Suites

  • On the beach

  • Wedding license

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Owner managed

  • Outstanding location

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Lively area

  • Traditional

  • Historic

  • Chic

  • Antiques

  • Sea Views

  • Retro/Vintage

  • Beach nearby

  • Disabled access

  • Charming

  • Intimate

  • Romantic

  • Views

  • Conference facilities

  • Boutique

Facilities

  • Child friendly

    Hotel provides excellent baby service which includes babysitting, games, bottles, beds, chairs and more
  • Bar

    Boasting a superb wine bar located on the pier just a short walk away
  • No restaurant

    Breakfast buffet served and there's an on-site café
  • Massage

  • Wedding license

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Airport transfer

  • In room DVD

  • Walking distance restaurants

  • Internet

  • Sauna/Steam

  • Meeting Room

  • Cots available

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • 24 Hour room service

  • Disabled access

  • Suites

  • Concierge

  • Family Suites

  • Wifi

  • Views

  • Air conditioning

  • Conference facilities

  • Bath robes

  • Parking

Activities

  • Museums

    • The town's fortress walls house four fantastic museums. Notably, The Musée Volti Foundation exhibts dozens of sculpted women
  • Hotel boats for hire

    • Motorboats, yachts and catamarans can all be rented without a license
  • Other Activities

    • Less than a twenty-minute drive will take you to Monaco or Nice
  • Diving

    • A diving board on the bay stands right in front of the hotel
  • Watersports

    • Watersports can be arranged by the hotel on request

Map & Location

Other reviews

Welcome Hotel

Welcome to stylish, old-school charm on the seafront. Poet and painter Jean Cocteau loved the hotel so much he moved in, enchanted by the light, the Italianate façade and the fishermen repairing their nets on the quayside. It’s still the same – in a port that could have been dreamt up by Hollywood.

Originally published by The Telegraph

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