La Réserve

La Reserve is a sophisticated vacation oasis with modern decor and a relaxing, romantic vibe. Located on a cliff, the hotel has expansive manicured grounds where guests can lounge, and offers views of the sea from rooms and a sleek patio. With its garden and quiet, private, romantic vibe, the hotel draws mainly couples, although families check in here too. The lobby has terra-cotta tile floors, peppy striped or orange armchairs and couches, sepia or black-and-white photos, and travel trunks used as coffee tables. The dining areas add a heavy dose of red to the color palette in accent walls and modern chairs paired with white tablecloths. Large, bay windows offer panoramic views of the grounds and sea, and fresh cut flowers enhance the romantic atmosphere.

La Reserve is located in Basque country in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, about a 10-minute drive to the town center and a 25-minute drive to the Spanish border. Saint-Jean-de-Luz, part of the Atlantic Pyrenees, is a lively Basque town with an old port, distinctive architecture, and its own beach, while shops and restaurants pack its pedestrian-only streets. There's also a casino at Casino JOA. The hotel itself is on a cliff in a residential area, with little in the way of restaurants or shops nearby. The nearest beach is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, while the more popular beach is about a 15-minute walk away. It’s a 17-minute drive to Biarritz Airport.

La Reserve has 47 rooms -- including six suites -- that are attractive and modern. All rooms have coffee- or raisin-hued carpeting, white bedding topped with beach-inspired prints like palm leafs, black-and-white canvas prints, and dark wooden campaign desks. In general it's an attractive look, but some rooms attempt to add beachy pastel colors in curtains and headboards that clash sharply with the browns, reds, and purples used elsewhere. Some rooms have furnished balconies with great views of the sea. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and safes, while some upgraded rooms and suites have kettles, separate living rooms, and multiple bathrooms. Bathrooms are modern and come with shower/tub combos, hairdryers, Ann Semonn toiletries, and bathrobes. 

La Reserve's features are focused on relaxation. Its pool was damaged in a landslide, and repair work will be completed by the summer of 2017. The hotel's green, manicured grounds have a tennis court, ping-pong table, and loungers from where guests can take in great views of the sea. The hotel has a beauty treatment room, though no full-service spa or gym. The breakfast buffet is varied, and it's included in some room packages. There's an intimate bar, and the Ilura Restaurant serves Basque-influenced meals for lunch and dinner. Half-board options are available, as is limited room service. A light menu is available on the Ilura Garden and patio, with views of the sea. There's one meeting room, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.