Villa Gallici

Went to Aix for the Cezanne exhibition and stayed at Villa Gallici because we had been over 20 yrs ago and after reading the good reviews. Looking at the website I didn't remember the rooms as so gaudy and just assumed it can't be that bad. Tastes are very personal of course and it seems many guests liked the style, but I found the room very oppressive and suffocating. Wallpaper, curtains, bedding etc were a mismatch of colors and patterns and there were so much knickknack and ceramics and figurines everywhere. if you are looking for a provencal style, light and airy, southern, mediterranean, don't go there. We paid 1400 Euros per night for a crammed deluxe room, I think it was 32sqm, with the bathroom up a creaky staircase. These are New York or London luxury hotel prices. We asked for extra coffee capsules and were charged 10 Euros, which was petty and the Diet Coke in the minibar was around 12 Euro, also outrageous. Staff at reception and breakfast were lovely however. But that doesn't make up for the extortionate prices and the bad decor. We wouldn't go back.

This hotel is fabulous. Interior decor is over the top…it’s just beautiful. Room #8 might be a little much if you’re a minimalist. But for a maximalist, welcome to heaven! I had thought the wall covering was simply a wallpaper but instead it’s silk damask. Stunning! And don’t miss the gardens and the exceptional sculptures. When you combine all this with a friendly and accommodating staff, spotless maintenance and a world-class gourmet restaurant, you’ve have a memorable and happy stay.

Lovely hotel with very welcoming staff. Highlights were the complimentary afternoon tea, featuring a delicious daily pastry. The buffet breakfast was wonderful with an array of enticing offerings. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 for the following reasons: Shower was located in an awkward tub which was hard to get into. There were no outlets for your phone. You had to unplug a lamp to get access to an outlet. And the signage for the hotel is awkward. Ubers can’t come directly to the entrance.

From the moment we arrived, there was a lack of attention in service paid to us. We were stuck behind a floral delivery person who insisted we back up to accommodate her, with no assistance from any staff member. There were no staff present, in fact, at the entrance / valet to the hotel at all when we arrived. We walked ourselves up to the hotel. We generally felt that we were bothering the staff when we requested anything. We asked for a glass of wine in the restaurant area prior to our dinner and were acknowledged, but never offered a glass of wine. There are staff everywhere but they seem more concerned with doing whatever duties they have been tasked with than actually attending to guests who are paying over €1000 per night to stay there. The rooms, while lovely, don’t function for the modern traveler. There is not enough space for baggage. The sheets are just ok and the pillows are not even real down/ feathers but fake down and very hard. Turndown consists of throwing a bunch of rose petals on the bed. No one wants that. Might be nice if you are 75 but not if you are 40. No one offered us anything when we sat by the pool for two hours. Not even water. Extremely disappointing. I feel it was a complete waste of money. We are staying at a much nicer and less expensive villa in the same town now and I am so much happier not being at Villa Gallici.

I spent four nights at Villa Gallici and felt like I had landed in paradise. The staff are warm, welcoming and helpful. The property is stunning. I have never slept better! I took advantage of the gorgeous pool and booked a massage as well. The massage therapist was amazing. I also had dinner in both restaurants and my meals were fantastic. I cannot say enough positive things about Villa Gallici. I hope to return!