Where is it? The Palm Beach is the only hotel in France's balmy second city allowed to be built up to the boulder-strewn edge of the natural port on the Mediterranean Sea. Although not the French Riviera, the craggy Provence coastline, with its azure waters, bears some resemblance.
What's so special about it? The resort lets its unique location do the talking, with modern, simple lines in rooms and common areas never detracting from the rocks and ocean viewed through huge picture windows. Such sleek minimalism is achieved with the help of European designer furniture and original contemporary artwork, including photographs by local big name Christian Ramade. Whitewashed and unassuming, the Palm Beach sits on a natural spring, which gurgles at the entrance and feeds the infinity pool. The hotel is about 3km south of the Old Port, on the Corniche J.F. Kennedy coastal road. Relative seclusion is one of its assets.
What's the ambience like? The Palm Beach is less family destination and more chill-out hotel peopled by couples, even during peak season. There are tiny sandy bays nearby but - despite its name - the hotel is far from the archetypal beach resort, not even fronting one. The three-storey structure may house 160 rooms but, spread over two rambling wings, it feels smaller.
Tell us more about the rooms: all have balconies, albeit mostly tiny ones, which take in the sea view, some seemingly aiming at the aquatic horizon through wind-weathered boulders. The decoration
is bright, with blue tones reflecting the maritime theme. Beds, linen and bathroom amenities are all of premium quality. And if you can't switch yourself off from work, all are equipped with Wi-fi, as is the resort as a whole.
What's on the menu? Restaurant Le Soleil serves high-quality French contemporary dishes, with the emphasis on fresh seafood catches, herbs and spices. Choose from tables inside or those that spill out onto the terrace. La Reserve, closer to the swimming pool and sea, is more casual, spanning wider Mediterranean cuisine and offering outdoor seating only.