Best Western Plus Hotel La Marina

Next to the yacht-filled marina, this chain property offers reliable comfort and a handful of amenities. The atrium-style lobby is bright and pleasant from mirrored ceilings, indoor plants, and segmented bookcases, but pleather benches and honey-marbled floors feel dated. Marine colors embrace the nautical location though, and harbor-facing restaurant terraces encompass fantastic views under awnings. Lounging around the outdoor pool is popular, and summer snack menus poolside enhance the vacation vibe. Generic-looking rooms are predictable but contemporary and well-maintained. Its location by the conference center draws many business travelers, but those looking to sightsee in the city center will be disappointed by the removed setting.

The 22.3 miles (36 kilometers) of French Riviera coast encompasses five marinas, and the hotel occupies a prime spot fronting the Santa Lucia Harbor. Swish boats and blue waters are tranquil here, where over a dozen bars and restaurants fill the waterfront. However, aside from the Palais des Congres convention center and a supermarket (all within a three-minute walk), there's little of interest nearby. Guests are generally unfazed by the 20-minute walk into Saint-Raphael, and busses or taxis can shorten the journey to about six minutes. The town offers shopping, dining, a railway station, beaches, a casino, and a ferris wheel. Frejus's historic sights and sands are a nine-minute drive. It's about an hour's drive in either direction to Cannes and Saint-Tropez. Nice Cote D'Azur Airport is a roughly hour-long drive.

Renovated in 2016, rooms are outfitted in a contemporary, albeit generic, design that's comfortable. However, rooms are on the small side. The purple palette pervades throughout accent walls, drapes, and bed throws, and contrasts the white linens and basic wood furnishings, leaving a streamlined, but chain-like finish. Purple-accented faux-leather chairs, flower vases, and artwork add cheerful touches. Four categories of rooms offer balconies with either pool, marina, or parking lot views. The entry-level units overlooking the parking lot can experience road noise. Nevertheless, all rooms are well-equipped, with phones, desks, cable flat-screen TVs, minibars, and kettles alongside free tea and coffee.

White bathrooms with terra-cotta floors are compact but clean, offering shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and limited wall-dispensed toiletries. Family Rooms sleep four (although second bedrooms can lack windows), and spacious Suites have living rooms. Wi-Fi is free, but there's a fee for use of safes.

Alongside the marina location, features here have a lot of appeal. The Quai Raphael Restaurant serves three meals in a bright room with floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as on a lovely marina-view outdoor terrace. Buffet breakfasts of eggs, bacon, and a cold continental spread accompany tea, coffee, and juice, although it's a bit pricey. However, cheaper "express" options are available. Lunch and dinner menus are traditionally French, with Provencal influences, and light bites are available poolside in the summer.

The outdoor pool doesn't get the marina view, but it's decent-sized, quiet, and sunny. Surrounding terraces have light-gray mesh loungers and umbrellas. A sauna is available, as is a well-equipped and modern gym. The gym receives a good deal of natural daylight, as do six modular meeting rooms, where equipment and catering are available. The 24-hour business center occupies a mezzanine-level spot in the lobby, and serves a range of beverages all day. Secure, underground parking is at a fee (as are pet stays), while Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.