Les Strelitzias

The small resort town of Juan-les-Pins sits on the Cap d'Antibes peninsula and is a popular vacation and business destination. Well-located near the beach and buzzing town, the hotel's relaxed setting is peacefully removed from the hustle and bustle. Rooms and common areas encircle a large outdoor courtyard, where tall trees tower over well-maintained lawns -- that unfortunately, lack a pool. The lobby's cream marble flooring and tufted front desk are polished and elegant -- a theme that extends to the neutral-tone bar and restaurant. The aptly named Le Patio restaurant is popular for al fresco dining. The adjacent long-term stay apartments are often frequented by senior citizens, but the hotel welcomes guests of all ages, from leisure couples and families, to corporate travelers.

The hotel is on a quiet, narrow street facing a small park with a kids' playground. Guests won't need to walk far to lose the residential feel, as the town center is a 10-minute walk and Juan-les-Pins Beach is five minutes on foot. Packed with bars and restaurants, the town is famous for its nightlife, though there's plenty to do during the day, too. Destinations can be reached on foot, from a bus stop located a two-minute walk away, or via Juan-les-Pins train station, which is a 10-minute walk. Renting a vehicle is also a good option for travelers. Palais des Congres convention center is a 15-minute walk. The Picasso Museum is a 30-minute train ride. It's the same time for the city of Antibes, and its Cours Massena markets are worth a visit for authentic olives and cheeses. Plus, the city has an impressive marina. Cannes is closer at 18 minutes by car or train, with Nice a similar distance. Allow 20 minutes by car from Nice Airport and twice that by train.

The hotel has 69 rooms and 26 apartments, the latter of which are located in a separate block. Rooms are well-appointed and comfortable, outfitted in different decor schemes by category. Many guests find it worth splashing out for larger upgraded rooms, as the furnished balconies in these get the sun. Palettes vary, from striped hot pinks and pistachios, to more demure grays, or bold reds. Amenities include desks, phones, satellite flat-screen TVs, electric kettles alongside tea and coffee, and mini-fridges, plus safes. Larger rooms add on seating areas. Shower/tub combos in these bathrooms replace cubicle showers in lower-category rooms. All bathrooms have hairdryers, toiletries, towels, and nice back-lit mirrors. For long-term stays, 291- to 807-square-foot (27- to 75-square-meter) Studios and Apartments have kitchenettes. All rooms have AC and are for the most part soundproof, although front-facing ones have occasional road noise.

The L'Anis Club bar has over 100 varieties of absinthe and traditional "pastis", and statement stools at its studded-leather bar. Le Patio restaurant serves traditional French dishes, from fresh-caught fish to Provencale "ratatouille".  Its white-clothed tables get some character from crocodile-effect seating, and wall panels here have grass aspects. Guests can dine outdoors on pleasant terraces. The continental buffet breakfast is pricey, and many guests opt for the "express" option of fresh croissants, coffee, and juice. A small gym is on-site, plus there are a library and billiards table. Five meeting rooms with an 80-person capacity cater to corporate guests. All at a fee, the hotel can arrange excursions, dry cleaning, and airport transfers. Secure underground parking is on a paid basis, although street parking is mostly free. Wi-Fi is free throughout.