Hotel Madeloc

Built in stages up a hill that extends through the back of the property, Hotel Madeloc is a typical terra-cotta building with a red-tile roof that's so ubiquitous in the Mediterranean. Past the stone steps out front, the hotel's lobby is delightfully quirky, with eclectic furnishings in a jumble of styles, massive urns, and accent walls made of stone or painted bright burnt orange. From the property's rooftop solarium, guests can glimpse the Massif des Alberes in the distance, a group of mountains that forms part of the Pyrenees at the French-Spanish border. Catering toward leisure travelers, the hotel is especially popular with couples -- especially those day-tripping around the surrounding area -- but family rooms make it a fine option for groups of friends and those with kids.

The hotel is a nine-minute walk from the center of Collioure (uphill going home), and it's tempting enough to just stay in town: Collioure has been compared to St. Tropez, but without the glitz and high prices. Climate-wise, the pastel, bilingual village is among the warmest and sunniest spots France has to offer. There's an old castle, lots of great spots to eat at, and enough beaches to keep most occupied for a short visit. If guests are looking for more, the popular white-sand beaches of Argeles-sur-Mer are about a 15-minute drive away, and Portbou, just over the border in Spain, is 20 minutes by train or about 40 by car. 

The hotel is a five-minute walk from the town's train station, and Perpignan-Rivesaltes Airport is about 45 minutes away by taxi. Girona-Costa Brava Airport is about an hour and 15 minutes by car or three and a half hours by train and bus. 

A pop of color -- citron, turquoise, or purple -- disrupts the warm neutrals that fill each of the 25 rooms. Outfitted in different styles, some rooms have rustic-chic distressed wood furniture, attractive artwork of elephants and zebras, and modern lucite decor. The rooms are spacious enough, especially for France, and comfortable. Upgrading to the Privilege Room doesn't necessarily get you much more than a more modern bathroom and a seating area, but given that some bathrooms are small and old-looking, it may be worth it.

Balconies vary in size: Some are quite small with room for two chairs, while others are terraces with enough space for loungers and tables. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos or small shower stalls, and all come stocked with very basic toiletries and hairdryers. Also standard are air-conditioning, in-room safe, a flat-screen TV, and mini-bar. Somewhat surprisingly, none of the rooms face the sea, and some have somewhat uninspiring views across the street.

Guests with mobility difficulties should know that the hotel's rooms are only accessible by stairs, though one room is adapted for this. Four apartments are also available in the center of town with fully equipped kitchens and washing machines, and balconies that look out onto the mountains.

For a three-pearl hotel, the property has a good range of features. A standout is the well-maintained outdoor pool (heated from April to October), that is surrounded by loungers and offers pretty views of the surrounding area. Other wellness amenities include a hot tub, hammam, and solarium on the rooftop with loungers and umbrellas, plus guests can request massages and other treatments as well. 

The buffet breakfast every morning offers plenty of choices, including boiled eggs, cheese, breads, and fresh espresso. It's a bit pricey, but not bad if a spread is what you're after in the mornings, and eating outside on the patio is lovely. 

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, though it's reportedly really slow. Private parking on-site is possible, but it's upon request and at an extra charge.