La Mirande Hotel

La Mirande Hotel occupies a grand mansion built in 1308, and feels as luxurious even all of these centuries later. It was originally a cardinal's mansion, but for the past few centuries it has been operating as a hotel. The current owners spent three years renovating the property, filling it with their own personal collection of art and antiques. Entering feels like going back in time, with traditional 18th-century Parisian decor throughout. Glittering chandeliers and antique wall tapestries deck the halls, while handsome furnishings -- some of which were acquired from the Musee d’Orsay in Paris -- provide cozy seating areas for relaxing. Some quirky modern artwork is displayed in public spaces, bringing a fresh, contemporary edge to the overall package. All public spaces are opulent, yet comfortable, with a formal and sophisticated atmosphere. The elegant bar, with its cozy fireplace, is a lovely space to unwind in the evenings, while the glass-roofed patio is ready-made for afternoon tea. The hotel's central location attracts tourists, especially couples on a romantic getaway. 

This historic hotel is located in the heart of Avignon, just opposite Palais des Papes. The property is surrounded by charming cobblestone streets that are narrow and curved, making it quite tricky to find the hotel if arriving by car. However. it's within walking distance to many attractions, and it will take 10 minutes or less to reach the Cathedrale Notre-Dame des Doms, Place de l'Horlage, Pont d'Avignon, and the Musee du petit Palais on foot. There's plenty of activity in the immediate area, with numerous shops and restaurants within walking distance. For those heading farther afield, Avignon makes a wonderful base for seeing nearby sights like the Pont du Gard, and towns like Les Baux, Nimes, and Arles. The nearest train station is a 15-minute drive from the hotel, while Marseille Provence Airport is around an hour's drive. 

All 27 guest rooms are individually designed and traditionally decorated, with elegant 18th-century Parisian decor. Rustic oak hardwood flooring complements colorful patterned wallpaper, while silk-lined curtains frame antique windows. Some guest rooms offer additional terraces with wonderful views of Palais des Papes. Vintage furniture makes everything feel both cozy and classic, while modern amenities bring guest rooms up to date. All include flat-screen TVs that are cleverly disguised in the mirrors, plus mini-fridges, phones, safes, air-conditioning, ironing facilities, umbrellas, and free Wi-Fi. Free robes, slippers, and welcome snacks are a thoughtful touch. Bathrooms are traditional and vary in style, with marble countertops, rainfall showers, hairdryers, and free luxury Guerlain toiletries. Rooms with deep-soaking bath tubs are also available. Some guests complain the rooms are too small, but they're average by European standards. 

The La Mirande Hotel is a great choice for foodies. The fine-dining restaurant offers traditional Provencal cuisine served in an elegant setting, and the chef hosts a celebrated La Table Haute in the cozy basement kitchen on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings for a dozen diners, serving gourmet dishes with carefully selected wines from the cellar. A high-quality afternoon tea is offered daily in the bright, glass-roofed patio, consisting of traditional madeleines, fresh pastries, and organic poppyseed cakes -- but this costs extra. Breakfast is also available for a fee, with a choice of American or continental plates. Guests can take breakfast in their room if preferred. Other facilities include a cozy bar and tea salon with a fireplace, plus a gift shop selling the chef's homemade jam and biscuits. The hotel also offers on-site cooking classes, and there's a small meeting room in the basement. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, room service, laundry, dry cleaning, and valet parking for a fee. Pets can stay at the hotel, but this costs extra. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.