Stayed in a couple of other lovely hotels in Villefranche before our booking for 4 nights in L'Ange Gardien. Arrived to a friendly reception, nice enough pool with a good view. Then went to level -3 to see the suite (sized for 6 to 7 people). It was tiny, smelt damp, was dirty, the beds were so short my husband was hanging off the end., the kitchen was so old the cupboards were sagging in the middle. Reception didn't seem surprised to see us back and offered us another room which was slightly better, but still in miniature size. The bedrooms especially the bunk room was like a small cell with barred windows. After enough complaining and a very cross receptionist we managed to get a contract from head office signed to promise to reimburse our money. I'm sure that was only because my husband speaks fluent French and she switched into French when she got cross. Leaving at 6pm on a Saturday with 1 child and a baby and nowhere booked to go to was better than staying in that room. We have travelled a lot and never been to a 3* with such terrible rooms. Also for a 3* I would expect air conditioning in such a hot environment. Thankfully we found Hotel Saint Michel which was a hugely pleasant surprise and far excelled the 2* which it is.

My family and I stayed here for 2 weeks in July. We spent a week here in June last year, and enjoyed Villefranche so much that we decided to return, but this time for 2 weeks. The accommodation is fine as long as you are expecting space which is small but clean and functional. We experienced a lot of noise from the traffic last year, but this year our appartment was quieter........Until, the dreaded arrival of a group of students from Blyth Education, Canada who arrived during our second week. They had a clearly blatant disregard for other guests and residents who were on holiday, trying to relax. They were extremely noisy and constantly used obscene foul language within earshot of everyone else. Having 2 young children who understand English, I had to speak with them directly to tone down their language in front of youngsters. They couldn't seem to care less. The noise was so bad that we were forced to spend evenings out of the apartment just to keep away from them. The noise and disruption was so bad on one night that I decided to go to reception to complain, only to find a Security Guard had appeared as he had already received a telephone call from another resident who had also complained. The supposed person who was meant to be "in charge" of the Blyth students was summoned. How could he have been "in charge" if he wasn't even residing at the same residence as the students?....To cut a long story short, our holiday was destroyed by the disruption caused by these students, who manged to disgrace the reputation of Blyth Education. Alcohol had clearly been consumed by the students. On the one evening I tried to avoid them by going to a waterfront bar for a soothing and relaxing drink, to find two female students from Blyth, already under the influence, sitting at the table next to me, slapping down Daddy's credit card and "chugging" (to use their venacular) cocktails.
My message to Blyth Education in Canada, is please do not send your students to stay here. It is not appropriate to send unsupervised students (a large number of them) to upset rsidents who are on holiday/ My message to Pierre Vacance is please do not accept any bookings from Blyth Education students. My message to future guests is do come here to enjoy a practical but simple holiday, just check there are no Blyth Education students there when you plan to stay. (I belive they are due again in August 2009.) I will only return again if P&V can guarantee that Blyth students will not be there. Be warned.

The residence is only 3 storeys high and looks attractive. The studio apartment was small, about caravan size but with a proper bathroom and a cabine with bunks, but we slept on the couches which were very comfortable although the blankets provided are not so nice as they are smelly, fluffy and irritating. The decor was fresh and the equipment all new. There was a full size bath, which we prefer and the kitchenette was very well equipped with dishwasher, large fridge, cooker/microwave and halogen hob. TV if you want it and WiFi in reception. It was great to have a kettle and teapot with proper mugs as we are tea drinkers and not all french residences provide these.. You can rent sheets and towels and there is a laundrette on-site which costs 4 euros for a load which I think is very reasonable (soap powder 1 euro extra). The pool is large and fabulous although at weekends they seem to get all and sundry coming in, smoking and drinking, which is supposed to be banned but the management didn't do anything about it. The sunbeds are so comfortable.The poolside snack bar is rubbish, the very miserable staff said they don't cook until 15th June and then its a very poor menu unless you like burgers and chips. Fortunately, Villefranche town is a fantastic place to eat with numerous eateries with choices for all pockets. Only problem was the promenade to Villefranche was being dug up to put new drains in while we were there so the walk became unpleasant, but as a taxi cost us 20 euro to get back to the apartment one night, we took to walking back on the beach. We weren't in the apartment much anyway, so much to see in Villefranche and the bus stops right outside the apartments and only costs 1 euro to go anywhere between Nice and Menton. Great walks around Cap Ferrat just minutes away. Train stops at Villefranche & Bealieu, both easy to reach on foot. It is a great base for the area but not if you are wanting a luxury apartment as some older people may do.

The apartments have been recently refurbished. We stayed in a studio for 5,but i certainly wouldn't recommend it for more than 2 people. They were small but very clean. Studios have one set of bunk beds. We didn't use them-slept on the couch.
The kitchens are small but well equipped with dishwasher etc.. We would definitely go for a one-bedroomed apartment next time.
Service was poor. We arrived at 1pm and had to wait 3 hours before we could book in because the reception was closed for lunch! None of the facilities are open early during the year- swimming pool, supermarket and poolside bar.
There is a very busy road on one side of the apartments and a train track to the other so when booking your apartment be sure to ask for one that is at least on the 4th floor. Personally I would go for the 6th floor if possible, you'll avoid the traffic noise and have a wonderful view.
Location is good but it certainly wouldn't be good for people of reduced mobility. The main access to the town is down about 40 steps.
The beach is very stoney and has very little space. Don't come here for a beach holiday.
The apartments are closer to Beaulieu than Villefranche but the walk to Villefranche is beautiful.
I suppose the big question is would I recommend this place? Well accommodation in Villefranche is terribly expensive and it was all we could afford. I certainly woudn't miss out on staying in such a beautiful town- by far the best on the Riviera! If you do travel don't miss Eze village. It was the highlight of our trip