We loved Hotel le Calendal. Rick Steves recommended it, and in fact one of his tour groups was there when we were. What a fun place with lots of energy and fluent English speaking staff. It's right next to the old Roman Amphitheater which is undergoing some renovations right now (what isn't in France?).

The place is decorated in Provencal colors and styles and is attached to a cafe. They have a breakfast which we didn't use (extra cost), a lounge area and internet access. Compared to all the other places we stayed in France, this one had the most upbeat atmosphere. Other places were really nice, but subdued and reserved.

One caution about Arles. We arrived around 5:30-6:00 and the town was packed with tourists crowding the narrow streets. It was quite a trick to navigate even a small car to the hotel. You'll need to double park to check in and drop off your luggage. Then they give you a key card to a local municipal parking garage which is a good 15 minute walk back to the hotel.

I highly recommend La Pailotte for dinner. Please see separate review of restaurant on this website.

We decided on short notice to go to Arles and were very fortunate that the hotel had a room available.

I cannot say enough about the hotel staff, particularly at the front desk. The hotel can be a bit difficult to find and we got stuck behind a truck in one of the narrow streets a couple of blocks from the hotel. In response to our cell phone cry for help, one of the staff walked to our location and guided us throught the streets to the hotel. Truly service above and beyond.

The hotel itself is very charming. The rooms are comfortable and you cannot beat the location, Breakfast is excellent and having it in the garden is a great way to start the day.

My husband and I brought our three month old baby along on a trip through Provence. We based ourselves at the Hotel Le Calendal in Arles and that turned out to be a great choice. The hotel was very baby-friendly, they had a designated "stroller parking' in the lobby so we wouldn't have to schlep the stroller up and down stairs. Our room was located in such a way that we didn't share any common walls with any other rooms, so the inevitable crying from our baby wasn't bothersome to other guests. By the same measure, our room was very quiet and we never heard any noise from any other guests.

The location of the hotel within Arles is perfect, very convenient, and the reserved parking at the municipal lot is very easy as well. All of our interactions with the hotel staff were great- they were eager to be helpful and answered all our questions, made good suggestions, and were always cheerful and friendly.

Our room was cozy but very comfortable. The hotel provided a crib for our son, and I don't think they charged us for it, The bed was comfortable too- no lumpy mattresses or anything.

We used it as a base for day trips to the rest of the area, and so we were always gone during the day- we never had lunch there, but the breakfast buffet had something for everyone and was generously stocked- 10 euros isn't cheap but isn't outrageous either. We just wished that the hotel had some kind of dinner available- a couple of evenings we arrived back in Arles and just wanted to grab something quick and close but still had to leave the hotel to do it.

We were very happy with this hotel and would gladly stay there again.

My mother and I stayed at this hotel for three nights in September 2007, during La Feria de Ruiz (annual festival/bullfight).

The city, the hotel, everything was just so picturesque - we were both very delighted with everything.

Booking was easy - done via email. Confirmations, questions - they were all answered very promptly. When we arrived, our room was not yet ready, so we left our luggage and took a stroll. We were literally a two minute walk from the entrance to the amphitheatre, 10 minutes from the main shops, 10-15 minute stroll to the train station (on the way there is a large supermarket where we bought our breakfasts and lunches).

The room was lovely and cozy, overlooking the street. Beds were comfortable, bathroom was very nice and clean - showers were perfect. We had the lunch buffet at the hotel one of the days and the food was terrific!

We also strolled around the little city and had paella, followed the van Gogh trail, shopped at the lovely little boutiques, and took a day trip to Avignon. It was very easy to get around in Arles, and the hotel reception staff were friendly and helpful.

Free internet in the lobby, free wi-fi in the hotel. During the Feria is one of the most festive times in Arles, and I was lucky enough to watch a bullfight and see the parades...!

I really enjoyed my stay at the quaint and very pretty hotel, Le Calendal.