best bed: Maison Alber L'Imperator, Nimes, France

Some hotels simply occupy a city. Others become part of its story. L'Imperator is firmly in the latter camp. Opened in the 1920s and enjoying one of Nîmes' finest addresses beside the leafy Jardin de la Fontaine, this grand hotel has long been the unofficial living room of the city. Ernest Hemingway drank here, Pablo Picasso stayed here, Ava Gardner charmed the staff and generations of artists, writers and bullfighters have wandered through its doors. Following an extensive restoration by Maison Albar, the hotel has retained its glamorous soul while embracing a fresh Mediterranean elegance that feels effortlessly contemporary rather than self-consciously fashionable. Step inside and you'll discover a hotel that perfectly mirrors Nîmes itself: a fascinating blend of ancient Rome and relaxed southern France. Warm stone, marble, oak and soft natural fabrics replace unnecessary opulence, while gardens, terraces and sun-drenched courtyards encourage guests to slow down and adopt the local pace of life. The hotel's celebrated restaurants by Pierre Gagnaire and its beautiful CODAGE Spa have transformed L'Imperator from a historic landmark into one of southern France's finest destination hotels. With just 54 rooms and suites, together with seven private Maisons tucked discreetly into the gardens, it somehow manages to feel both intimate and cosmopolitan.

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Number of Rooms:  54 rooms and suites, along with seven private Maisons.

Sweet Suite: Maison Imperator: If hotel suites feel a little predictable, allow me to introduce an entirely different proposition. Hidden within the gardens of L'Imperator is the Maison Imperator, a spectacular 135-square-metre, three-bedroom duplex house complete with its own 50-square-metre private garden. Think luxury apartment meets boutique hotel, except someone else does the housekeeping and Pierre Gagnaire can cook your dinner. A spacious living room, fully equipped kitchen and beautifully designed bedrooms make it ideal for families, couples travelling together or anyone who appreciates having room to spread out. Better still, you enjoy all the privacy of your own residence while still having access to the hotel's spa, pools, concierge, room service and Michelin-starred dining. It's rather like borrowing the holiday home of an exceptionally stylish French friend… one with impeccable taste and excellent staff.

Favorite Thing: The seven private Maisons tucked away in the gardens. They're one of those delightful discoveries that make you wonder why more hotels haven't thought of it. Hidden behind the main building, these beautifully designed houses offer all the independence of a private residence while keeping every indulgence of a five-star hotel firmly at your fingertips. Perfect for families, couples travelling together or longer stays, each Maison provides generous living space, multiple bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and its own private outdoor area. It's a clever concept that perfectly suits Nîmes, a city that encourages visitors to slow down and settle in rather than simply pass through. For me, it's what elevates L'Imperator from an excellent luxury hotel to somewhere I could happily call home for a week.

Near By: The location couldn't be better. The magnificent Maison Carrée, one of the best-preserved Roman temples anywhere in the world, is less than a five-minute stroll away, while the beautiful Jardin de la Fontaine begins virtually at the hotel's doorstep. The Roman Arena, Carré d'Art museum and the charming pedestrian streets of old Nîmes are all comfortably walkable. Which is fortunate, because after a leisurely lunch at L'Impé and perhaps another glass of local rosé, walking is exactly what you'll need.

Amenities: Dining is a highlight, with the Michelin-starred Duende by Pierre Gagnaire sitting alongside the relaxed Mediterranean brasserie L'Impé and the elegant Hemingway Bar for cocktails. Guests also have access to the tranquil 350-square-metre CODAGE Spa, featuring both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a hammam, whirlpool and fitness studio. Valet parking, concierge services, room service, pet-friendly accommodation and thoughtful family amenities complete the experience, making it just as appealing for a romantic escape as it is for a multi-generational holiday.