Eden Rose Grand Hotel, BW Premier Collection

The setting made a great base for visiting the Côte d'Azur and Provence, and we especially loved relaxing at the infinity pool and bar and in the rejuvenating spa. My wife and I spent our most memorable week ever at this family-run hotel. The proprietors welcomed us personally, and the staff gave us warm, attentive service that felt very personal. Meals were delicious and generous, available all day. Our room and the hotel were tastefully furnished with modern comforts while keeping the charm of the historic building. And the panoramic view over the Mediterranean and its islands was breathtaking.

The staff really made an impression on us. They were pleasant and accommodating without hovering, and you can tell they take pride in their work. The food was delicious every time, and the rooms were comfortable with great views. There are only around 40 rooms, so it never felt packed. My new wife and I spent five nights here as part of a longer honeymoon in Europe, and we found it extremely pleasant. I'd recommend it without hesitation.

The building and interior are beautiful, and the location is fantastic. Our room was spacious and well appointed, with lovely views from the second floor, as did the terrace and pool. Some of the staff were lovely. But the area below our window, possibly a staff area, was untidy, with scruffy furniture, which took away from the luxury feel. Check-in set a bad tone. The welcome was rude, unfriendly, and mean-spirited, with not one smile. My partner has worked in hospitality in France for over a decade, so language wasn't the issue. We wondered if it was because we're a male couple. It's 2024, and I haven't felt that uncomfortable since 1990. When we asked about parking, the man was no help at all, so we paid for it. It was quite expensive, though there are good facilities for disabled parking and electric cars. We weren't given pool towel tickets, and only found out that mattered when we tried to get towels. The hotel also takes £435 from your bank account as a pending charge instead of taking card details as security. Does the hotel realize that reduces your available balance? There was a Nespresso machine in the room but no pods. Two staff members had to get us coffee from the restaurant the next morning, which was embarrassing and unnecessary. The pods were missing again on another day, so we had to ask twice. The teas were all herbal, with no breakfast tea. We didn't want to be a bother again, but this was basic inattention. The two poolside snacks we tried were terrible: overpriced salads with no seasoning or taste, one of which another guest returned barely touched, and burnt filled bagels that were just as tasteless. The side salad was iceberg lettuce and a cherry tomato. With those service issues, we chose not to eat dinner at the hotel on any of our four nights.

Right by the entrance to one of Provence's most beautiful villages, Bormes-les-Mimosas, this hotel feels like a hidden gem on the Côte d'Azur. We got the warmest welcome and excellent service, with smiling staff always ready to help with whatever we asked. A special mention to Arthur. We absolutely recommend the hotel and look forward to coming back!