This elegant hotel occupies what appears to be a 19th century building, fully renovated in a contemporary style. With about 130 rooms, part of Accor without being branded, it clings towards the feel of a boutique hotel.

It is built around an inner courtyard, with the lobby and the dining room opening onto an inviting terrace, beyond which sits the impressive swimming pool. The common areas, of a generous size and well furnished, provide an easy space for socializing. At the back, hidden from view, are some well-equipped conference rooms. The decoration style is understated but uses quality materials, enhancing an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication, that also extends to the rooms. My room was of medium size, modern and set in bright colors, with fairly standard equipment and beddings. I found the food to be good but a bit undifferentiated, with just a hint of Mediterranean flavor. Service is competent and professional rather than personable: it is clearly not a family-run hotel.

Location is in my view a mixed bag, in a quiet and residential district of Aix-en-Provence, about a 15-minute walk from the old city center. I was there for a corporate function, for which the hotel is well-organized and well-adapted, but lacks seclusion and a natural setting. Tourists, on the other hand, may prefer to be more squarely in center of the action.

Our room was room 127 with a terrace which we paid extra for, but below us was the restaruant and kitchen we got very little sleep both nights due to the dragging of chairs across the tiles and the banging in the kitchen.

The hotel, situated on the Boulevard du Roi Rene, is easy to get to by car - the old parts of Aix are not easy to access by car. The basement car park is worth considering if you are planning to stay a few days in this wonderful city. Aix is a half hour simple drive from Marseilles airport.
The first impression of the lobby-reception-bar-lounge area is of a superbly designed interior: at once you feel comfortable, with that rare combination of elegance and cultivated chic that usually belongs to the "Grand, 5 Star" luxury end of the market.
My room, with a balcony overlooking a large, well planted interior court: great swimming pool, with bar areas round - was beautifully appointed, quiet, and extremely comfortable.
It was the Hotel Restaurant that won my heart! Wonderful for a light lunch, or an excellent dinner. The evening team of staff are marvellous: the standard menu - that regularly changes - imaginative, the food outstanding [the Chef is a lady!]. The wine list is expertly selected and the service - a young, attractive staff, all with personalities of their own, and faultlessly trained - a captivating crew!
There are many great places to eat in Aix, but the hotel restaurant was so good that I gave it first priority. The menu that gives each diner a glass of different, wonderful wine with each course (wines I have never tried before, some memorable) is well worth selecting.
My compliments go to all the other staff: a really first rate team, able to deal with every nationality and give each guest the feeling of "a touch of Class".
Aix-en-Provence centre is a three minute easy walk away, through the Cardinal Quarter. The famous Musee Granet, about six easy minutes walk, and then you can enjoy the Rue d'Italie.
I don't need to gush about Aix! I'll let the guide books do that: but it is a very friendly city, and from Aix you can tour Provence - see much of this great region of France easily, to return to the hotel and relax in the bar [you get the feel to dress-up a little; many ladies were looking fabulous].
The rates of this Accor Mercure hotel reflect the standard offered: but they are not that high - and you can fully enjoy your stay - I mean, MONEY WELL SPENT, rather than, "Holy Smoke! We're cleaned-out ... for THAT!!!"
I recommend the hotel for the self-indulgent, for lovers (of Art and/or each other) and for business - good conference facilities constantly booked. It isn't that good for young children, but if you bring your children, be sure the staff will adore them.

The hotel is ideally located for visiting Aix and its surroundings and the private garage was very handy.

The service was generally very good.

We ate in the jotel restaurant one night and found the fish dishes very good.