Welcome Hotel

Hotel Welcome, which has been run by the same family since the 1940s, is a charming boutique property situated in a six-story building with a peach facade and sea-blue shutters. It's been a hotel since the 18th century, catering to leisure travelers, including many artists and writers. Among the most frequent and famed guest was Jean Cocteau -- a room is named after him and one of his drawings hangs in the wine bar. Decor throughout is tastefully nautical, with wood trim and sea-themed photographs and paraphernalia. The lobby has a small lounge with a floating, circular staircase, and the space connects to a handsome bar, with cobblestone walls and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. But the real highlight here is the sea views, available from every room and from the wine bar's waterside seating. 

This waterfront hotel in Villefranche-sur-Mer gives guests the full French Rivera experience, set in the heart of the charming village. Most of the village's restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars are within walking distance, and the 14th-century Chapelle St-Pierre is located on the same block as the property. It's about a seven-minute walk to the beach, and Rothschild Gardens is a 10-minute drive. The train station, Gare de Villefranche sur Mer, is only an eight-minute walk. From there, guests can get to regional hotspots like Nice, Monaco, Monte Carlo, and Avignon. Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is a 30-minute drive, or more with traffic.

Individually decorated guest rooms are clean and comfortable, although many are dated. While decor varies, there's a gentle nautical motif across the board, with items like a porthole-style mirror, sea-themed mural, or model of an antique diving helmet set on a desk. More thematic rooms mimic ships' cabins, with wood walls and wainscoting. Some are vaguely attractive, but several units have peachy-pastel walls, bright aqua carpeting, and stuffy, striped pillows and drapes. However, all feature excellent sea views. 

Entry-level rooms can be fairly compact, though upgraded units are considerably larger. All have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms add balconies, living rooms with pull-out couches, and even whirlpool tubs. Bathrooms vary as much as room decor, but they're also dated, with tiling in bright, aquatic colors. Shower/tub combos with wall-mounted soap dispensers (of good quality), bidets, and hairdryers are standard.

Like many smaller hotels, extra property features at Welcome Hotel are limited, but one here is particularly exceptional: a hotel sailboat, available to rent by the day or half-day, skipper included. The hotel also has a charming cobblestone wine bar that serves up local wines, cocktails, and snacks at chairs along floor-to-ceiling windows, or at cafe tables outside that face the sea. But the best option? The "wine pier," with faux wicker couches that are set only a few feet from the water.

This wine bar is where the buffet breakfast is served, with a spread including eggs, bacon, and pastries, but it costs extra, as does a lighter, continental breakfast (bread, jams, coffee) which can be ordered to guest rooms. The hotel lacks a full-service restaurant, and there's no fitness center or pool, but there's a small sauna and towels and umbrellas are available for beachgoers. Valet parking costs extra, and dogs are allowed for a surcharge. The front desk is open 24-hours, and guests find staff helpful, friendly, and attentive. Wi-Fi throughout is free.