We eat at the restaurant and we ordered the homard, the branzino and the saint pierre.. Everything…read morewas undercooked and we had an horrible waiter (who doesn't know how to prepare a fish) Very expensive and the taste was not there.

That's our new discovery of this year. And now I know for sure that we'll be coming back there…read moresometime soon. A splendid grand hotel of Provence, situated at the serene impassive bay of Renecros in Bandol. The hotel is not large, comprises 67 rooms, including 12 suits, which makes it cozy and quiet. We had a ravishing room with balcony facing the everlasting sea, small houses and cabins. This enchanting view makes you calm and tranquil. As for European standards, the room is pretty large (but compared to American - not that spacious). The bathroom is pretty spacey though. Coffee/ tea maker inside, minibar. And a turndown service of course, which is completely essential for five star hotel I think. It's such a pleasure to use fresh towels in the evening before jump into spick and span bed. Breakfast buffet is at their gastronomic restaurant, with an outstanding view of the sea in its small cove. Or room service. We ordered few dinners at room service too, because its selection is absolutely savory and sipid. Not just simple as traditional filet mignon, burger, Cesar salad or grilled salmon, but a lot of lovely appetizing dishes, it's France and a five star luxurious hotel, it can't be any other way. The same gastronomic restaurant is open for dinner and there are customers coming not only from the hotel, but from the neighborhood. And there is a separate beach restaurant open for lunch. Outdoor infinity swimming pool with seawater. Private sweet beach with sunbeds and towels. The sea there is indescribable. You just have to see it. People go swimming at the dawn or at sunset and all day long. Literally. The water is calm, sky blue and just alluring. Fitness center is one thing I didn't like at all. Looks like it's there just as pretense to get 5 stars, cause it's demanded on the premises. But it's a teeny little room, confined space, featuring only two or three cardio machines and that's all. They have to improve it definitely. You just see it and want to run away. Better jog outside, plenty of possibilities, or go on a bike tour. They are proud of their institute of Thalassotherapy and SPA and a lot of guests come especially to enjoy that and relax there. There is an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi. But we were short on time and since I'm very picky in all that massage issues, we didn't go this time. You'll be under the spell of this place and wholesome environment. Ideal place for families with small kids - the little ones you can see playing at the beach all the time. Valet parking. And they offer transfers to the airport of Marseille or Toulon. Advice: book in advance. They often have blackout dates, because it's a favorite hotel for different companies to hold their seminars, team building and coaching.

We spent two wonderful (slightly pricey) nights at the end of May. Our second floor room was…read morequaint, and had a lovely balcony overlooking the small courtyard - which also protected us from the noise of busy Cours Mirabeau and the popular restaurant attached to the hotel. It was well situated: walking distance to the train station, as well as many highlights of Aix. Our first full day we visited the outdoor market and brought back a picnic of fresh bread, cheese, fruits and wine to eat on our private balcony - perfect! We only had breakfast and drinks here - no other meals, but based on the constant activity at the indoor/outdoor dining area: it must be pretty good. The highlight of the room for me was the green and purple titled floor in the bathroom with a gorgeous claw foot tub - (separate shower, in separate room).

Nothing to write home about...it was OK. Don't let the wood fire oven fool you, the pizza that…read morecame out of there wasn't that great.

Really good restaurant. The service was fast, the food was great, but too heavy/too much. I…read morecouldn't finish my dessert (very great ice cream, even though they gave me one wrong flavor). I was however disappointed by the rice for the main dish. It was dry/hard and tasteless.

Very nice Novotel in prime location of Vieux-Port in Marsielle. Co-located with even better Sofitel…read morenext door. Sofitel is roughly twice as expensive though. We stayed for one night only before flying home, but thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Awesome service, actually, was welcome surprise. Not every Novotel is known for great service, but this one exceeded our expectations. Efficient check in process, acknowledging my Platinum Accor status, with complimentary upgrade, free drinks and amenities. Room was very clean, spacious, fairly minimalistic, with nice bathroom, great view, and mini fridge stocked with water and soft drinks. Enjoyed drinks in the bar on lobby level with good service and even better views. So, all in all, zero complaints, and quite pleasant experience.

One of the dirtiest hotels I've stayed at in Europe. We had to switch rooms multiple times due to…read moreair conditioning not working. The room we ended up with still felt incredibly warm the entire stay (mid June). In our second room, water was dripping from the ceiling. No offer to make it right with us other than a free drink (15€ value, based on what they're charging) which was a little frustrating. For the state of the room, I would have expected a drop in price, free breakfast (42$ for two people for ONE day) or something! Location-wise, everything worth going to (fort st. Nicholas was closed) is about a 25 minute walk away, so factor that in. Also was told when asking to be switched away from a room that faced their trash bins, that there are only 10 rooms in the whole hotel that actually get to SEE the port, so you have a very low chance of seeing anything but the hotel next to you or the garbage. I wouldn't waste my time with this hotel again. It is insulting to have such an outdated, old room be charged at the rate they charge. Worth spending more money to get to a nicer hotel or cheaper to stay outside the city in Aix and train in every day than to stay at a place like this.