Superb days with an excellent host (an art collector) in a very nice, cosy, small hotel. Felt more like living in an own flat with friends than anonymous in a hotel room. Art-decorated and stylish room with good AC, free water and a nice bathroom. Perfect location for Aix. Everything top!
Unique experience with a caveat This is a great place to stay for those who are tired of generic hotel chains. From outside, there are no signs and it looks like a typical French residence. Inside, there is a lobby and dining area on the first floor and the rooms can be accessed via spiral stairs. The room was large compared to the ones we experienced in hotel chains in France and beautifully decorated. The property is located on a pedestrian road and our room faced the courtyard so it was very quiet. The AC was quiet and the amenities in the bathroom were really nice. The staff who greeted us was also very friendly and gave us a list of recommended restaurants. We also had breakfast at the property and the prices were reasonable for the quality. The selection was somewhat small (coffee, hot chocolate, toast, two or three types of pastries, and yogurt topped with fruits) but the quality of the ingredients were excellent.
That being said, we did notice some drawbacks. First, there were no elevators and the rooms were located starting from the “first floor (i.e., second floor for US standards)” so stairs are unavoidable. This was not a big issue for us but if you have mobility issues or have large luggages this may be a problem. Also, there were no refrigerators or safety deposit boxes in the room. Finally, the “front desk” was not staffed 24 hours so this may be problematic in the case of an emergency at night.
Overall, we had a positive experience at this property and would recommend.
Lovely hidden gem As I was planning a very last minute trip to Aix for a friend’s wedding, I came across Maison du Collectionneur in my hotel search and thought that it had to be too good to be true for the location and last minute availability. Luckily it surpassed my expectations! The location was perfect- an easy walk from the train station, on a very quiet street right near the cute Rue d’Italie and close to the Cours Mirabeau. I was on the 3rd floor with a view of a pretty church. The room was lovely and the hotel in general was filled with a great art collection. Breakfast was outside in an adorable little courtyard. The service definitely made the stay though. Lucille was super helpful in answering questions and to give suggestions for Aix and for my next destination. I was arriving during late check in hours and so they were helpful in helping to coordinate that as well.
I plan to recommend this place to any friends heading to Aix in the future. I’d say that you should probably choose a room on a lower floor rather than the 3rd floor if steps aren’t your thing. And it’s especially good for somebody who likes a bit of independence in their travel and doesn’t feel the need for 24 hour front desk, while still wanting great service. In a way it had the best elements of a luxury hotel, an Airbnb and a bed and breakfast all together in one place!
This is the place to stay in the historic section of Aix Small hotel that is so pretty, comfortable and fun. The owner and employees are super accommodating and made our stay there so enjoyable. Location is great and the hospitality is first rate. The room was good sized, had all the amenities we could want, modern large bathroom, comfortable bed, lovely view ... perfect!
Excellent hotel in a wonderful place The rooms are decorated incredibly beautifully, the location is great - lots of shops and restaurants nearby, however it’s still very peaceful. The staff was very helpful and accommodating, and the breakfast we had in the restaurant was really delicious and good value. This place outgrew every expectation we had and provided a very pleasant experience.
Lovely gem in the city! 6 room Small hotel but delightful. Beautifully decorated and comfortable. Feel like you're in total luxury. Great location. No elevator so beware if you're on the 3rd floor.... Bags will get heavy! We also had a glass of wine with the owner when we arrived.... Very nice touch
No name of any kind to mark the hotel! There is no sign or landmark to identify this place. We were traveling by TGV train so got a taxi to take us to hotel, The driver dropped us off in the middle of the street. We thought he had made a mistake and asked where the hotel was. He pointed to a red painted door and drove off. The door was locked and we saw a lock pad with a number near the door so we tried it several times but the door wouldn't open. My partner had to pound the door before someone came to open it. We learned that the number above the lock pad is the hotel's phone number that you are supposed to somehow know to CALL THEM UPON YOUR ARRIVAL so someone can come over and open the door for you. You then get two sets of easy codes, one for the front door and one for your room.
Our room on the second floor was nice and comfortable. There is no elevator. The breakfast room is tiny with tiny tables and the breakfast served is good but was the same every day. There are cafes several feet away and a small bakery around the corner where the hotel gets their baked goods..
The staff were nice but we are used to staying at 4 and 5 star hotels and this just wasn't for us. More
Great Hotel, Great Location First of all, the location is just great. Right around the corner from the Musee Granet, only about 4 short blocks over from the Cours Mirabeau and oldest part of the city, less than 10 minutes (on foot) to the Fontaine de la Rotonde, and not far from the Hotel de Caumont museum. The street is very quiet, and has no cars - except taxis that can lower the access control posts. Just a block from the Rue d'Italie, with lots of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
The hotel has no sign outside other than the street number - very discreet. Inside is a reception area, breakfast room and patio, and a very limited number of rooms - 4 or 5, which either face the street or the green yards/private gardens behind. Our room was beautifully decorated - there is quite a lot of art in the hotel. Bathroom very modern, except for the traditional tub with classic English faucet and "telephone" sprayer. Taking a stand-up shower without getting water everywhere was a bit difficult.
Staff was very friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our stay very much!
