ARCHIVE LWSY Hôtel du Cloître, In the heart of Arles, Provence, France
Discover Hôtel du Cloître in the heart of the the historic city of Arles, France.
During a long weekend drive through Provence earlier in the Spring (we flew to Marseille and rented a car) we finally made it to stay at this beautiful affordable hotel which re-opened in 2012 following it’s extensive re-design by India Mahdavi. Yes it took me that long to get there. Now I live in France though, there are plenty of mini-breaks on the list to tick off many to-do hotel stays throughout the country.
The contemporary guest house style hotel occupies a discreet townhouse, 3 minutes walk from Les Arènes d’Arles amphitheater. Arrive on foot from the local train station or by car as we did, and park in the local car park round the corner, super easy.
Think quaint narrow cobbled streets, and look for the majestic hundred year old Paulownia tree in a raised courtyard, evoking the charm of a mediterranean village. The hotel is very discreet so look out for the India Mahavi boldly coloured terrace furniture in the warmer months. During the Spring and Summer the courtyard terrace is set as a dining space in time for that evening aperitivo.
The 19 bedroom hotel re-opened in 2012 following it’s extensive redecoration, combining original architectural detailing with a signature bold palette by the Paris based design studio. Wall lights are India Mahdavi designed and PSLab manufactured, you can spot the Lindsey Adelman stem chandelier from outside, another clue you’ve made it to the right place.
Striking artworks by Shoran Shahbazi adorn the walls of the reception, and the mesmerising white wall panel in the dining room was created by installation artist Loris Cecchini.
Our Suite was on the top floor, but due to to an electrical glitch we moved to a another vast suite on the ground floor (perhaps the disabled room, which I would highly recommend requesting). I loved seeing this playful space though, after copious amounts of Pinterest research on the hotel.
Serge Mouille bedside clamp lights are featured throughout, and India Mahdavi’s Cap Martin chairs and sofa and Weekend tables are available to buy via their Paris store on rue las Cases.
Rooms at the hotel vary in style, but are equally charming. Choose from single, double, King and Emperor beds, Italian bathrooms, some rooms with baths, all with the same finishes and detailing. Free wifi, and state of the art televisions.
Our room with a view, it reminded me of JK Place in Florence. Similar to the stunning views from the hotel roof terrace, which has views of the Saint Trophîme Church and Bell Tower. During the summer the bar opens and offers tapas style dishes.
An additional living space outside our second room, room 11.
Our second room was very spacious, a huge walk in dressing room and vast bathroom with an open shower. India Mahdavi furniture throughout with the addition of 4 highly sought after Maarten Baas Clay Chairs.
India Mahdavi Bishop Stool
PSLab lighting
You can take the local breakfast at the hotel (not included in the room rate €14), or stroll out to the market on the weekend and pick up some fruit and croissants as we did. Below is the courtyard cafe and evening restaurant, very small, just serving light plates this time of year (Spring).
Be sure to ask the hotel for dining recommendations for the evenings and take time to walk around the city during your stay.
Finally before you leave Arles, you must pay a visit to the Amphitheatre, just a few minutes walk from the hotel.
We continued our drive that day and ended the weekend with a night at Mama Shelter Marseille.
Hôtel du Cloître
18 rue du Cloître, 13200 Arles
Téléphone : 33 (0)4 88 09 10 00