We recently returned from our second stay at the Pirate. Obviously, we were impressed enough the first trip to make reservations for a second. The absolute best part of staying at the Pirate is Laurence and Eric, the owners and hosts. They are wonderful people and, if you ask, they will give you tips on places to see, restaurants, etc. When we left this time, we felt like we were leaving good friends..who we hope to see again one day. The Pirate is on the Moyenne (Middle) Corniche, which is very convenient to Eze, Nice, Monaco, Menton, and heading to other places ... for instance, Antibes, Gourdon, St. Paul de Vence, Vence, etc. It is probably helpful to have a car - which we did. The Pirate is at the very top of Villefrance and it's a good drive on winding roads, let alone a trek by foot, to get down to the sea and the restaurants. I had read one tourist complain about the distance walking to and from the sea, but if one did the research, as we did for the first trip, you would know that the Pirate is on the Moyen Corniche and it is probably too far a walk for most people to and from the village. There are buses and I believe a train to get from Villefranche to Nice and beyond, though it is my understanding that you can get to Villefranche from the Pirate by bus for dinner, but that they don't run late, so it could be a problem getting back by bus. We aren't certain on this as we had a car and it was no trouble to get to Villefranche or anywhere by car.
The rooms are clean and bright and well-kept. We have had rooms with a sea view, and our daughter and her friend this trip had a garden room which was also nice. You will see the "sea view" at breakfast from the terrace, which is lovely. The breakfast is good with croissants, rolls, preserves, meat and cheese, fruit, etc. - the typical French breakfast, but better than many. They also offer freshly made crepes. We spent breakfasts on the terrace and if it was cool, breakfast was inside. We also would come back from a day of sightseeing and have a drink on the terrace as well.
The hotel does have parking spaces in front of the hotel, and a small parking lot. We never had a problem parking when we got back at various times of the day or night. They have a code to use to get into the hotel door if you come back when the hotel desk is unattended.
Villefranche is lovely and after our first trip, we were glad we had chosen Villefranche and the Pirate as our "home base". Villefranche is a little quieter and laid back than Nice. Nice, especially along the Promenade des Anglais, is beautiful. It is lined with hotels and I suppose it depends upon the person what place to choose as your "headquarters". We prefer Villefranche. Nice is good, perhaps Cap Ferrat or Beaulieu, as is Antibes (a little further west), or more inland to Vence. We happened to love the view from the Pirate over the Med, with its proximity to the main sights. On our first trip, some other American tourists asked if we had found the Pirate in Rick Steves' book. We had not. At that time we found it on our own and it sounded perfect. It is. Now I must say, this is not a four-star hotel and if that is what you want, then perhaps Nice is a better choice for you. We have never figured we need a four-star hotel as we are not in our rooms except to sleep! But the rooms are nice, they are clean, and Eric and Laurence are so friendly and helpful, we prefer that to an impersonal, large four-star hotel. You meet other nice people from all over the world there, particularly at breakfast, and all in all, it's a "four star" experience staying at the Pirate.
I don't think you can go wrong with any room in the hotel. Some are larger than others...some with the sea view, and some without, but as I said you will get the full sea view at breakfast each morning. I have to reiterate that if you take the time to talk with Laurence and Eric, who are delightful, your Pirate and Cote d'Azur experience will be enhanced greatly. I hope this helps anyone looking to visit the Cote d'Azur.
- La Fiancee Du Pirate Hotel
