Ateliers de l’Image is the sort of hotel that the French do so well. Converted in 1998, with an old cinema at its core, the place is packed with originality. The first surprise, given the town centre location, is the 2½ acre landscaped garden. Wander down a path bordered by contemporary sculptures and white roses to find the pool; its black mosaic and teak deck are not necessarily to everyone’s taste but, hey, it’s cool.
Photography is the passion of the owner and the cinema space is now used for exhibitions, large scale presentations or whatever arty event is flavour of the day. On the cocktail terrace, corporate clients mingle happily with hotel guests on up-market cycling tours - everyone finds their own equilibrium.
The rooms are getting a bit tired. The cheapest (which may overlook the internal courtyard) are in the Espace Atelier whereas those on thee highest floors in the Espace Provence have the best views towards the Alpilles. The hotel stands on the busy one-way circus that envelopes the old town but there are no accommodations that open onto the road. Suit 28 is the bees’ knees - it has a terrace and a walkway to a wooden cabin hidden in a plane tree.
The innovative, trendy cuisine is in the capable hands of Anthony Maubert and there is a snack bar to add variety. Staff are kitted out top-to-bottom in black and are uniformly friendly and efficient.