Hotel Olivier

For those seeking traditional French charm in a nothing-fancy setting, the small Hotel l'Olivier is a great choice. Originally a large Provencal villa, it was taken over by the Schildknecht couple and now a truly family-run affair, with a range of individually styled rooms that enhance the homey vibe. Some rooms offer views of the gorgeous Cannes seafront or the nearby Notre Dame d'Esperance church, but all are peaceful and quiet. The design throughout is colorful and a bit dated, though some guests enjoy the mix of fabric and leather armchairs, knick-knack filled shelves, area rugs, and indoor plants. Outdoor spaces are more toned-down, with modern wicker or black-metal seating and abundant greenery. Its quaint vibe is better geared toward vacationing couples than families.

Tucked away on a residential street, Hotel l'Olivier is just steps from Cannes' oldest quarter of Le Suquet. The quintessentially cobbled yet lively Rue de Suquet -- brimming with top restaurants -- is a short four-minute walk. The sandy beaches of the French Riviera are also close, with Waikiki Beach a five-minute walk, and Plage du Midi and the city's Old Port both at eight minutes. The beautiful Notre Dame d'Esperance Church is a five-minute walk and one-minute farther on foot will take travelers to the medieval tower of the Castre museum. The famous palm tree-lined Croisette promenade, though farther afield, is well worth a visit and a short 10-minute drive away. The Cannes Film Festival's Palais des Festivals convention center is a 12-minute walk. Nice airport isn't far, around 30 minutes by car and Cannes Station is a 13-minute walk from the hotel. Street parking is free, but guests will have to pay to use the hotel's lot.

The 22 rooms have a homey and slightly dated feel, however they're clean, comfortable, and individually decorated. Color themes range from soft yellows against crisp whites to deep navy with orange accents. Though actual furnishings vary, rooms tend to have wood furniture, colorful or papered walls, carpet in shades of blue, and patterned linens. Guests seem particularly fond of the views, which include ocean, courtyard, and the famous Notre Dame d'Esperance church. Note that there's no elevator, so guests with limited mobility should request a ground-floor stay.Singles are tiny, at 10 square meters (108 square feet) and standard doubles aren't much bigger (we recommend garden view for these as they come with a balcony) but most guests find they aren't particularly cramped. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning, alongside phones and safes. More spacious suites add sitting or separate living areas, but rooms across the board lack mini-fridges and tea- and coffee-making facilities. Bathrooms are modern and well-lit with either shower/tub combos or walk-in showers and nicely presented toiletries. There are also hairdryers and large mirrors.

A welcome surprise at the Hotel l'Olivier is the small outdoor pool surrounded by an attractive stone deck with modern wicker chairs and loungers. Overlooking the pool is the breakfast room, where a continental breakfast is served daily for a fee; breakfast consists of juice, fresh breads and pastries, cheese, and meats, and yogurt. Another strong feature is the garden terrace adorned with lush greenery, flowering plants, and metal dining sets sheltered by giant parasols. Free Wi-Fi rounds out the amenities, and there are no full restaurant or gym.