Hotel & Spa Baie des Anges by Thalazur

The hotel was renovated in 2013 with contemporary decor that leans heavily on a leafy nature theme. A main building and an annex are connected by a central three-story atrium with a long glass ceiling. Flora-inspired prints cover the carpeted halls, with leaf-shaped sculptures and wall sconces throughout. The bright lobby is all curving organic lines, with meandering sections of stone tile across wood flooring, mimicking lazy waterways. Leaf-shaped cutouts in the ceiling hide recessed lighting, and the reception desk is covered in rounded wood slats that are lit from within. Despite the earthy intentions, the seating area lacks warmth or coziness, and beige and purple upholstered chairs and couches are awkwardly placed. Most guests are couples or families looking for a base near Antibes and the beach.

The hotel is located in a quiet residential area that's a bit isolated from dining and the seafront, but still only about a 10-minute walk from the beach. There aren't any restaurants or bars in the immediate area, but some are within walking distance on the main strip closer to the beach. Downtown Antibes is about a 15-minute drive away, where travelers will find the Picasso Museum, Antibes Cathedral, the Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret, and the star-shaped, 16th-century Fort Carre. Cannes is a 25- to 30-minute drive and Nice is 30 minutes by car or 45 minutes by train. Nice Cote d'Azur International Airport is just under 20 minutes by car, or 50-minutes away by train.  

The hotel's 164 rooms and suites all have furnished balconies and a streamlined, modern look, but some are less attractive than others. There are units with decor that's neutral and a touch bland, while others have a funkier scheme with purple walls, fabrics, and lampshades. Standard Rooms in the annex contain double beds, built-in desks with orange chairs, and seating areas; some add sofa beds. The main building houses Superior Rooms with city or sea views, along with upgraded rooms that have dining tables and kitchenettes equipped with microwaves and electric stovetops. Suites add separate living rooms with sofa beds. All units have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, safes, mini-fridges, and electric kettles, but no coffeemakers. Bathrooms contain shower/tub combos and updated laminate floors, but those in Standard Rooms have dated yellow vanities and tile. Main building bathrooms are much sleeker, with wide white vanities and dark-gray tile. 

Features at Hotel Baie des Anges are well-rounded and upscale. There are three outdoor pools, one of which is heated from April to September, all with plenty of loungers and shade umbrellas on sundecks that offers views of the Alps in the distance. Another highlight is the Wellness area, which consists of a full-service spa with treatment rooms for hydrotherapy, body scrubs, and massages. There are also two heated indoor seawater pools, one with a row of cardio machines along the wall, and another that has massage jets and a hot tub. There's also a solarium, sauna, and steam room, along with a hair salon. The dedicated fitness room is small, but adds a treadmill, cardio bike, cross-trainer, rowing machine, and recumbent bike to what's already in the spa.

For dining, the hotel's Mediterranean restaurant serves breakfast for an extra charge and overlooks Baie des Anges, and Lounge Bar 770 has an outdoor terrace and serves cocktails along with a menu of light snacks. There are also five modern meeting rooms, the largest of which can accommodate up to 120 people. Wi-Fi throughout and parking are free.