Autour du Petit Paradis

The rooms of Autour du Petit Paradis occupy a 17th-century building with exposed brick and stone walls. The interiors were renovated in 2009 with the aim of preserving the period atmosphere, though some of it looks a little too faux-antique; cabinets on each floor are intentionally distressed and almost everything is done in faded light gray tones. Other furniture is cast iron and there are a lot of brass accents on mirrors and railings, especially up through the narrow original staircase. The only common space is a small courtyard patio (two of the rooms open directly to it), where a fountain bubbles softly amid Mediterranean flora and pottery. There's no elevator, and it caters to guests who want to live like a local and shop for their own breakfasts.

Located in the heart of Avignon, Autour du Petit Paradis is difficult to access by car, as the streets are narrow and winding, with little parking. Attractions are within walking distance, though, and there are several restaurants, bars, and shops on the surrounding streets, including the Les Halles market (a three-minute walk). The hotel is a ten-minute walk or less to the 14th-century Palais des Papes, St. Didier Church, and Avignon Cathedral. The Musee du Petit Palais and its Renaissance masterpieces is also a ten-minute walk away. The train station is a 13-minute walk away, and Avignon-Caumont Airport is about a 20-minute drive.   

The 11 air-conditioned studios and apartments have either street views, or overlook the interior courtyard patio. Layouts vary and there are architectural differences, as some have vaulted or wood-beam ceilings. While guest rooms are a bit sparse, their antique look is still elegant, with a faded color palette and wrought iron fixtures and accents. There's a mix of tiled and wood flooring, sometimes both in the same unit. 

Kitchenettes have older appliances but they're well-maintained, and include two-burner stovetops, microwaves, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges, along with cookware and dishware. Standard studios have double or twin beds, white-painted armoires, and small dining tables for two, while upgraded studios add larger living areas with period-appropriate armchairs. One-bedroom apartments have separate living rooms with couches. There are also Duplex Apartments with patio doors that open directly into the little courtyard, and the bedrooms are on second stories at the top of winding wooden staircases. The tiled bathrooms are basic and have walk-in showers with fabric curtains (two of the studios have cramped bathrooms with tiny walk-in showers). Free Wi-Fi comes standard, and all units have flat-screen TVs.

The only feature here is a small outdoor courtyard, decorated with a wall fountain nestled amid plants and clay pottery that has a Mediterranean vibe. There's a stone bench with cushions, a pair of cushioned iron benches, and a wooden bistro table and chairs. Free Wi-Fi throughout is included. Travelers with limited mobility should be aware that the hotel doesn't have an elevator.