Hotel d’Europe

Hotel d’Europe, built as a mansion in 1580, has operated as a hotel since 1799 and hosted a roster of famous guests that include General Bonaparte, Victor Hugo, Charles Dickens, Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Jacqueline Kennedy. The hotel appeared in the first Michelin Guide in 1900 and has maintained its place ever since. The weathered stone facade is a bit deceiving as to what lies inside -- stepping through the gate into the courtyard, guests are in for a surprise. The plane tree shaded courtyard is filled with an overflow of plants and flowers that complements the iron tables and chairs with striped cushions and umbrellas for shading. In the lobby, past the sleek white front desk, is an atrium-style room with a mix of antique rugs, tapestries, and wooden furniture. Lime-green couches and colorful stag-head designs creeping up the walls give it a more modern touch. All public spaces exude elegance, whether it be from the hallway chandeliers or the gray high-backed chairs, gold mirrors, and French doors in the restaurant. While the hotel draws travelers from across the spectrum -- including families, solo travelers, and groups of friends -- the romantic vibe tends to tilt the balance toward couples. 

Tucked away on the edge of Place Crillon square in the historic center, Hotel d'Europe is within walking distance of the major sights, and it is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and shopping. The Rhone River and the historic remains of the 12th-century Pont Saint-Benezet Bridge are about a seven-minute walk. The Palais des Papes, the Avignon Cathedral, and the Petit Palais Musee are a six-minute walk away. Avignon-Caumont Airport is a 20-minute drive away. 

Hotel d'Europe's 39 rooms and five suites, with a cream-and-tan-colored palette, convey coziness. Vintage furniture complements printed carpeting and cream-colored beds. While rooms are elegantly traditional, chairs and couches are contemporary and chic. Many rooms have designer lamps or elegant art pieces hanging on the walls. While higher-priced rooms are spacious, Classic Rooms can be small. All rooms feature air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and free Wi-Fi, while some add espresso makers. Some rooms and suites have furnished balconies or large rooftop terraces with artificial grass and loungers. Others have views of Palais des Papes. Bathrooms are sleek, though vary in design -- some have white or cream marble, and others, tiny tan tiles. Shower/tub combos or separate showers are available. Toiletries (Hermes brand in suites) and hairdryers, are provided.

For a small property, Hotel d’Europe manages to pack in several features, especially those that center on dining. Guests can eat and drink on the courtyard patio, in the elegant dining room or tea room, or in their own rooms with room service. A lavish breakfast is served for a fee each morning, and La Vielle Fontaine, the restaurant, serves lunch and dinner. There's also afternoon tea with homemade pastries and a range of teas, while the bar stays open throughout the day and evening. There is no fitness center -- the hotel offers meditation and yoga classes -- pool, or spa, but the hotel can arrange for in-room massages. There are three meeting rooms for small gatherings on the ground floor -- along with a business center with three computers and a printer -- and there's a dedicated conference center for larger events across the street. Computers can also be brought to rooms upon request. Valet parking is available for a fee, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.