Hôtel Jardins Secrets

I must have taken hundreds of photos here, the details are mesmerizing. The place feels full of soul, with charm, elegance, and character in every corner. Thoughtfully chosen antiques and refined taste give it a real sense of story. It captures the French spirit in an authentic, atmospheric way. A magical experience, highly recommend.

Victoria is the main force behind things and makes sure guests have what they need at all times. The staff are polite and accommodating, but also natural and casual. This unique boutique hotel brings history into a modern, comfortable setting, with large rooms and common areas that feel like works of art. There are so many items around that it can be tricky with kids. It absolutely deserves its five stars, with a personal approach and huge attention to detail.

I came away feeling ripped off instead of looked after, especially at €500 a night. Everything cost extra, including the spa facilities, which I’ve never encountered at a five-star hotel, boutique or otherwise. When I asked the man who served us on the first night for New Year’s Eve suggestions, he told me to try Google or Facebook. I’d just come from a work trip and hadn’t managed to make plans beforehand, so the lack of local knowledge really blew my mind. The building is beautiful, and I imagine it’s lovely in summer, but in winter it felt like a drafty old house. We booked a junior suite, yet it was barely larger than a regular hotel room. Heating was off in half the hotel, making that part unusable, and with only two rooms occupied when we arrived, there was also a hot water problem. Using the lovely bath became a chore of going back and forth to reception. I booked Jardin Secrets through Mr and Mrs Smith as a special New Year’s Eve treat for me and my boyfriend, expecting the level of service the site is usually reliable for. It was a very disappointing experience.

The friendly service comes with a smile. The indoor lighting is sparse, which can make it hard to see in the colder months. This is more a place to enjoy the French vintage feel than the amenities, and it’s reasonably placed for the main area and other tourist spots in Nimes. I’d visit and stay here in warmer weather, or when there’s more sun.