I've been staying in La Ciotat on a number of occasions recently because it's handy for my work at Le Castellet airport (30mins drive). The town itself is very quaint with a beautiful central harbour and small but spotlessly clean beaches. I'd be tempted to say unspoilt but for the fact that the prices in many restaurants mirrors some of the Cote D'Azur's more famous resorts. Having said that, if you speak French and/or have the time you could probably locate better value away from the water's edge.

The hotel was great value for me - a single guy - each different room that I had on my various visits offered perfunctory rather than luxurious facilities but they were all clean with double bed, private bathroom and t.v. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful and a good breakfast is provided each morning with a smile.

You get what you pay for though and if I were to be hyper-critical I'd recommend it 100% for a business trip but as a family hotel probably not. It has the most fantastic location for downtown facilities like bars and restaurants but has none of its own, so you're necessarily out ever night. Locally, 20 Euros for a steak and the same for a bottle of wine is the going rate. Hotel parking is very tight although the staff will give you a key (I say give, I mean sell for 3 Euros per day) for a municipal underground car park across the street. Wifi is also on offer (another 3 Euros per day please monsieur!) but I stress these are all minor points when overall it's a great little package.

Guys - this hotel also features the finest looking hotel proprietess you've ever seen too! Enjoy!

By no means was this a luxurious hotel, but it had good ammenities (ensuite bathroom and even a small balcony, which is surprising considering most hotel rooms in this price range). This was the first hotel we stayed in on our trip to the south of France, so we were tired and potentially critical, but the room was great as it was clean and spacious. The elevator is small, but that's to be expected in many older hotels, it still works (people need to get a grip with this issue). We stayed for 2 nights, and bot hnights were very quiet. We would definitely go back here.

The town itself is also really nice, though it seemed a little too quiet at the time. Looking back, it seems that we were still in low season. At any rate, that's a plus b/c you don't wait in lines or get slow service at restaurants. One word on restaurants, we couldn't find any along the main street that served dinner before 7pm. If you're in the area, be sure to hike along the coast to get nice views of the Calanques. You won't get close up views of them though unless you go on a boat/kayak tour or head to a town closer to them such as Cassis. Nice beach in La Ciotat though:)

We had five comfortable nights at La Rotonde. We had booked one of the cheaper rooms, without ensuite facilities, and were pleased to find a private WC and shower (for our use only) right next to our room, plus a washbasin in a screened compartment within our room. All the staff are charming and helpful and the hotel is just a few minutes' walk from the harbour, shops, bars and restaurants. Great value.