Hôtel du Forum

A few weeks ago, my wife and I spent three nights at this great historic and charming hotel. It was no doubt, the best of our 20 day journey through southern France. A great benefit this hotel offers to visitors, is its privileged location, within walking distance to the information office and to most historic attractions of Arles. A great surprise was to finally stay at a large room fitted with all the amenities of modern life (Safe, Flat Screen TV, Ample Closet, Heating/AC). The bathroom, also of good size, was charmingly furnished. The hotel staff could not have been more helpful and friendly. They answered all our questions and helped booking other services. If all of the above was not enough, we were informed that Picasso had stayed in the same room during his stays at Arles. BTW, it was room number 2. It comes with a nice window facing "Caffe La Nuit" of van Gogh's fame. No card entry to the room, instead an old and very traditional key/lock. Because of weather conditions (cold and windy), we did not enjoy the garden and pool. But we sat at times at the bar/pool table area. It was nice and nostalgic to find it decorated with large photographs of famous French movie stars. All the common areas are very beautifully decorated with antiques, posters, photos, vases, etc. The only deficiency we encountered was the breakfast food. The hotel offers two types of "formulas". One is the full buffet one, the other, more like the continental version, a glass of juice, a Croissant, and a Cup of Coffee. Since the buffet ingredients were not exactly of our taste, we opted for the continental breakfast more often than not. However, in all, we enjoyed our stay at this "Gem", and we will gladly recommend it to anyone heading to Arles.

We loved staying here a pleasure from arrival to departure. The staff couldn't have been more friendly and helpful. Our large high-ceilinged room looked out over the Place du Forum with its busy street and cafe activity, it was a cool air-conditioned haven when the temperature was in the high 30s outside. We'd paid extra for a 'de luxe' room and were glad we did - stylish decor, lovely bathroom and plenty of space. Enormous comfortable bed. Good breakfasts with excellent coffee. Small but very welcome pool in an enclosed garden. The location was perfect - right in the heart of historic Arles but close to some very good restaurants and ice cream shops as well as the historic sights. This was really a most enjoyable place to stay - would whole-heartedly recommend it.