This is the smartest of our selected hotels in Arles. The Hotel Particulier is hidden behind huge black gates in amongst a maze of narrow streets. Hence all new arrivals manage to get hopelessly lost. If you are driving, park nearby, walk to the hotel and get them to tell you what to do next.
Once installed, however, you soon begin to appreciate the shady internal courtyard, complete with rectangular pool. It’s all delightfully tranquil, despite the central location. On one side you have the elegant 19th century town house which would not be out of place beside a boulevard in Paris. In contrast, on the far side of the dining terrace, is a discreetly-sited modern annexe where the predominant colour is white. But the ambience is far from icy, thanks to the friendly staff, the charming owner, the intimate size and the privacy that the hotel affords to guests. Even the (dinner only) restaurant is exclusively for residents.
Choose between the contemporary style of the new extension or the more traditional décor in the original mansion. Prices vary according to room size but all accommodations are impeccably furnished and many have high ceilings plus four-posters with oh-so firm matresses. The latest addition is a basement sauna and hammam. Just make sure that you check the price of this, and any other extras, before you commit – valet parking, for instance, doesn’t come cheap.