Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel

Designed to resemble an art gallery, the six-story Renaissance Aix en Provence Hotel is housed in a sophisticated sandstone and glass building with large potted plants and a courtyard with fountains out front. The spacious lobby is bright and hip -- it's also far more artsy than most chain hotels, with a swirling marble stairway with metal rails leading skyward, contemporary sculptural seating, and artwork throughout. The layout resembles the living-working lifestyle spaces in modern-day start-up offices, and despite it's sharp and sleek look, there's a charming casual ambience to the style. All in all, it's a well-designed contemplative space that's perfect for hanging out, and the property is yet another upmarket addition to the Renaissance brand. The hotel attracts mainly couples, but families and business travelers find their way here too.

This hotel is located in the Quartier des Arts, about a five-minute walk to the Grand Theatre de Provence and a 10- to 15-minute walk to the Caumont Centre d'Art and Old Town. The celebrated Cours Mirabeau, a broad, open pedestrian boulevard known for its cafes, shops, plane trees, and fountains, is also about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Le Musee Granet, which showcases works by Provencal painter Francois Granet, Cezanne, Picasso, Matisse, Monet, and Van Gogh, is a 20-minute walk, or a 10-minute drive, from the hotel. Gare Routiere bus station is a 10-minute walk away, and there are regularly scheduled trips to Marseilles and Avignon. The Gare Aix-en-Provence train station is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, but be aware that the TGVs -- high-speed trains to major French and international cities -- leave from a separate station that's 15 kilometers (nine miles) outside the city. Marseille Provence Airport is a 25- to 30-minute drive from the hotel.

The 133 rooms at the Renaissance Aix en Provence Hotel, which include Suites and Family Rooms, are bright and modern, with chic color schemes of cream, white, and tan highlighted by bold pops of yellow. Some have furnished balconies with nice views of the city or garden. Small black-and-white contemporary art hangs on the doors, and oversize light fixtures bring plenty of brightness to the rooms. Large, sculptural white headboards take up much of the wall space behind the beds -- they have a subtle leaf pattern that's picked up in the patterned carpets, while yellow graphic panels are tucked into the walls. Seating has an almost vintage look, from boxy armchairs to tan retro desk and dining chairs. Amenities include 42-inch, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, safes, minibars, and tea- and coffee-making facilities. While windows can be opened, guests have complained that doing so lets in traffic noise. Suites add living and dining areas, and Family Rooms come with two double beds. Bathrooms are sleek, with contemporary fixtures, globe-shaped lighting, and rainfall showerheads. Some rooms have walk-in showers while others have shower/tub combos, and all have a nice amount of gleaming white counter space. The attention to detail is impressive, down to beautiful mother-of-pearl mosaic boxes for toiletries in some rooms. Hairdryers and robes are provided. 

Despite it's location close to the center of Aix en Provence, this hotel has a nice amount of features. On-site dining includes the Le Comptoir du Clos international bistro, as well as two bars and a Starbucks. The spaces are modern and elegant, and while a breakfast buffet is offered, it's not included in room rates. Options include continental buffets and more diverse hot-and-cold buffets. Open seasonally, Le Jardin Ephem'R serves Mediterranean fare in a garden tent. Aside from food, the hotel has decent wellness features as well. The full-service Renaissance Spa by Ymalia is a fresh, modern space with treatment rooms, a heated indoor pool, and a steam room (hammam). A small fitness center has a handful of cardio machines and free weights, and a mounted flat-screen TV. Water and towels are provided. Two Apple computers and a printer are available for guests' use in the lobby. Nine event spaces can accommodate a range of gatherings, both business and social, and the space is modern and bright, like the rest of the hotel. The largest room can hold up to 300 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. There is a fee for on-site parking and the hotel is pet friendly.