Hotel La Fiancee du Pirate

Masquerading behind modest bungalow exteriors, this sea-facing property is as quirky as its "Pirate's Fiancee" namesake. Though not right downtown, travelers choose it for its hilltop views, friendly atmosphere, and excellent access to a bus stop outside (hop on and you're in Nice or Monaco within 45 minutes). The hotel's rooms, outdoor pool, whirlpool, and gardens slope downwards, so prepare for steps, and there are no elevators. Inside, it's bright and airy. The lobby and adjacent breakfast room/bar have a leather couch and wicker seating, plus fun decorations like elephant statues and a ship replica. More attractive, however, is the bar's terrace with pretty peninsula views, where visitors often eat breakfast and have drinks are popular here. The 20-minute downhill walk to the seafront is pleasant, but uphill returns generally require busses or taxis. While a fair few stay on-site for breakfast or poolside lounging, guests generally spend their days out. 

Despite being well-connected with a bus outside, the hotel is remote, though its high-perched positioning means spectacular views across Villefrance-sur-Mer. The town's charming streets, ancient citadel, train station, and coarse-sand beach are around a 20-minute downhill walk, although the bus outside eases journeys. This popular resort town is less-crowded than Nice, although drives take 15 minutes to it, and picturesque Eze is even closer. Antibes, Cannes, and Monaco are all within an hour's drive, and the handy bus stop serves all destinations mentioned above. Nice Cote D'azur Airport is a 23-minute drive, or just over an hour with the 14 and 98 bus routes.

Divided between the main hotel and two stand-alone garden Pavillion Bungalows, the pleasant rooms here mostly face the sea. Rooms either have charming, homey decor, or a trendy, more modern design. The former, for instance, may have peach walls, wood-shutter headboards, white wicker seating, and other shabby-chic decor. The latter, meanwhile, have more neutral-tone furnishings consisting of wood floors, metal and wood furniture, stylish tufted headboards and armless chairs, and midcentury modern coffee tables. Rooms span 172 to 234 square feet (16 to 22 square meters), and some offer private, furnished outdoor spaces.

Phones, desks, satellite flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, hairdryers, and AC come standard. Unfortunately, no fridges, hairdryers, or safes are provided, however reception can store valuables. Tiled bathrooms in varying shades are nothing fancy, but they're in good condition, offering walk-in showers or shower/tub combos and toiletries. Note, upper-level rooms are reached by stairs, and there's a fee for cribs. 

Despite lacking a full restaurant and gym, features here are reasonable for the three-pearl rating, and they make the most of the hotel's greatest asset: the view. Served buffet-style and at a fee, breakfasts offer crepes, a good continental spread, tea, coffee, and juice. They're especially popular on the bar's terrace, where dining furniture and umbrellas sit facing the hillsides and sea, although floor-to-ceiling windows give indoor diners the same benefit. This airy space is outfitted with tables and chairs at various heights, ceiling lanterns, and chalkboards. A summer lunch menu offers salads, omelets, and sandwiches, but dinner is never available on-site.

The kidney-shaped outdoor pool isn't the largest, but its setting amid palm trees is tranquil, and views toward the bay are gorgeous here. White-plastic loungers and umbrellas line the pool, plus there are a diving board and whirlpool. Note, both the pool and breakfast area require traversing stairs. The hotel provides free beach and pool towels.  Laundry services and limited private, parking off-site are available for a fee, although nearby street parking can be found for free. Pets are permitted for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.