Hôtel La Garbine

The hotel is surrounded by vineyards and countryside, set on its own seven acres of sprawling gardens and manicured lawns. The two-story building has a classic Mediterranean style, with rows of wide arches under terra-cotta tiled rooftops. While the grounds give the property an upscale vibe, the interiors feel more like a casual family home. Vintage wood furnishings and a variety of mismatched chairs form living room-like lounge areas in the lobby. There's a small reception desk with a brass service bell across from a cozy lobby bar, and the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed throughout. Most guests are younger couples looking to spend downtime in a casual environment, between activities at the beach or dining in town. 

Hotel Restaurant La Garbine is located on a narrow country road, surrounded by vineyards between Saint-Tropez and the sea. There isn't much to see or do in the immediate area, though walks or bicycle rides in the countryside are lovely. Tropezina Beach is a three-minute drive south, and the center of Saint-Tropez is about six minutes to the north by car. Attractions in town include the legendary La Maison des Papillons butterfly museum and Place des Lices, an artisanal central square with sidewalk cafes and a bi-weekly farmer’s market. The Saint-Raphael train station is just over an hour away by car, while the Nice Cote d'Azur International Airport is a 90-minute drive.  

The hotel has 25 guest rooms with a blend of classic and contemporary decor. Terra-cotta floor tiles are paired with neutral walls and gray window curtains. Standard rooms have double beds with teak headboards and bedside tables with small reading lamps. All units have small wooden desks with modern chairs covered in gray fabric, but seating areas are nothing more than an extra chair. However, many rooms have large outdoor patios or balconies, furnished with either wicker, or classic bistro chairs and round tables. There are also some Triple rooms with extra twin beds. Free Wi-Fi comes standard, along with flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges, but there are no coffeemakers. The bathrooms vary; there's a mix of mustard-yellow or blue tiles and walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, and newer bathrooms with large rainfall showers. 

Hotel Restaurant La Garbine certainly has its perks, but its main drawback is that it lacks a spa and fitness center. The best feature here is the gardens, centered around a wide lawn with an outdoor pool and sundeck. There are plenty of comfortable loungers, plus a few scattered tables with shade umbrellas. For dining and drinks, the lobby bar serves up cocktails along with espresso in a space with communal seating, and the restaurant has a pleasant, covered outdoor terrace and offers traditional French cuisine. A simple French breakfast of pastries, jam, and seasonal fruit is available for a fee, with cheese, cold cuts, and eggs cooked to order for additional fees. There's also an outdoor tennis court and bicycle rentals are available on-site. Parking and Wi-Fi throughout are free.