Hôtel Barrière Le Westminster

Old-fashioned charm is widespread here, thanks to commanding Art Deco facades and mahogany-paneled or bold-hued interiors with high ceilings. Foyer entrances, regal tones, and an antique elevator have a faded glory feel, although most guests enjoy the era-gone-by vibe. Despite red runner carpets, a celebrity-autographed wall of fame, and the Michelin-starred restaurant (watch out for closures here), the atmosphere is relaxed. The fireplace lounge and wood-adorned bar are cozy, and Tamara de Lempicka's Art Deco paintings grace the lobby and main restaurant for an authentic 1930s feel. The forest-side location near Le Touquet's town, beach, convention center, and golf courses draw a mixed crowd here, though they're largely French couples. 

Situated on a main road leading to the town's Saint-Jean shopping street (a four-minute walk away), the hotel occupies a prime spot on the edge of downtown Le Touquet. Walks take a maximum of six minutes for Le Touquet's convention center, casino, and restaurants, and the town's offerings stretch toward its sandy beach for the farthest, 14-minute walk. Aqualud Water Park is located here, while walks of a similar distance in the other direction lead to world-class racing at the Hippodrome. The hotel is opposite La Canche Lighthouse. Le Touquet Golf Club is a five-minute drive, while the town's train station is a 20-minute drive. Le Touquet Opal Coast Airport is seven minutes away by car, with Paris Charles de Gaulle International Airport two hours away.

Classic rooms are outfitted in light decor from white-painted or carved furniture, carpeted floors, and a pastel, dove-gray, peachy, or monochrome palette in fabrics and walls. On the downside, some rooms are showing wear, all lack air-conditioning, and those facing the road or parking lot have less-than-appealing views and occasional noise issues. Others, however, face forests or the lighthouse. The more up-to-date units have smart, contemporary decor, but they lack the homey decor of the more old-fashioned rooms. The 161-square-foot (15-square-meter) Singles are small, but a range of Double Rooms span 269 to 377 square feet (25 to 35 square meters). Larger Suites have living rooms and ritzy gilt decor.

Phones, desks, satellite flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars, newspapers, hairdryers, and free (but unreliable) Wi-Fi come standard. Some units offer tea- and coffee-making facilities, seating areas, and/or Nespresso Machines (Executive and Suite rooms only). Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, bidets, toiletries, slippers, and robes. 

Features aren't extensive here, but the clear standout is the Michelin-starred Le Pavillon restaurant, offering excellent fine-dining in a lovely Art Deco space. Note, however, that it's only open for dinner, is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and will be shut January through March 2018. Les Cimaises brasserie's buffet and a la carte meals are a hit, and it offers kids' menus. All-you-can-eat breakfasts with hot and continental options are served here, although they can reportedly be disorganized. The room's booth seating, ironwork, and earth tones look up-to-date. Le Mahogany Bar oozes old-school glam from arched windows, tufted red leather, and chandeliers, and a fireplace lounge is cozy. A summer terrace overlooks the road, but guests find it pleasant. 

While there's no gym, the Nuxe Spa has sleek, neutral tones with punctuating Art Deco artwork. Treatments and massages here are luxe, but fees apply for the indoor pool, sauna, Turkish hammam, and whirlpool. Concierge and valet parking are available, but parking itself is at a fee (as are pet stays). Ten meeting rooms, a business center, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property round out on-site features.