This cheery hotel in Arles is quite a jolly place, full of bright colours, quaint pieces of furniture, more than a bit of personality and an excellent price/quality ratio.
It's cute, rather than luxurious, and its position, adjacent to the "amphitheatre" and the ancient theatre in the heart of the traffic-free old quarter make it a top choice for strolling around or simply returning to your favourite cafe for an aperitif before dinner.
The building dates back to the 1600s and features lots of period details whilst the rooms themselves are up-to-date without being ruined by dubious “modernist interpretations”. The rooms vary in size and most have high wooden ceilings adding character and charm, each is different and full of personality – this is a three star hotel but Denis and Philippe have added lots of colour and warmth making it homely and welcoming. At over 300 years old the building is a bit of a historical landmark in itself, the lobby and lounge especially create a sense of old Provençal style with a great stone staircase (in place of an elevator!) leading up from the hall.
If the first thing you do when you arrive in your hotel room is rush to the bathroom to examine the complimentary shampoos, shower gels and lemon scented foot powder then this may not be the place for you. It’s honest, quaint and really rather cute so if it’s more important to be in the heart of the old quarter, be comfortable and surrounded by tons of personality then L’Hôtel de L’Amphithéâtre is definitely it.