Lonely Planet Review

Looking as if it would be more at home on a tree-lined Paris boulevard, this handsome 1892-built cream building with wrought iron balconies and flying a trio of enormous French flags fronts a lush garden with a pond, fountain and elevated marble terrace.

Not to be confused with the similarly named Excellior hotel by the beach, at this très elegant place by the train station you'll find 42 very spacious rooms. All were completely renovated in 2005 in pared-down Provencal style with scrubbed furniture and air conditioning, and most have balconies. Apart from the main building, there are also several courtyard rooms grouped around the garden, two of which, rooms 501 and 502, have full kitchenettes. Two wheelchair-equipped rooms, 503 and 504, also open to the garden. Enhancing that Parisian-manor feel, a buffet breakfast is available beneath the chandeliers in a red, round tabled salon, which adjoins a stately reading room. For all its formal appearance, staff are friendly and fun. There are just four free car spaces available out the front.