Are you planning a trip to Hyères in the South of France and wondering where to stay? I tested Hôtel Almanarre Plage and I’m sharing my full review covering location, welcome, rooms, services, pricing, and more!
Here’s an essential piece of information before you read on: Hôtel Almanarre Plage isn’t a traditional hotel, it’s an eco-friendly property. The original mid-century building was constructed in the 1950s (which explains its style) by a couple from the Ardèche region (shoutout to Ardèche, my home region!). Back then, it housed both a restaurant and a hotel. In 2018, after years of being closed, a local couple purchased the property and transformed it into an eco-responsible concept.
Before I go any further, don’t forget to find me on Instagram, Pinterest and Youtube. You can also check out my vlog in Hyères here.
Location
When searching for accommodation for our trip to Hyères, my main goal was having easy access to visit Porquerolles Island. Originally, I thought about staying in the city center, thinking it would be nicer in the evening for finding a little restaurant. If you have that same idea, let me convince you otherwise!
Hôtel Almanarre Plage is located right on the waterfront, the sea view is incredible if you book a sea-view room. There’s a bus stop just a few steps away, which is super convenient for getting around a bit further. The bike path is also right near the hotel. From here, you can walk to a cafe and a few restaurants. And above all, the most important part: the beach is right across from the hotel. Even taking a slow walk, it won’t take you more than 5 minutes. Personally, we loved having all of this right around us.
Another essential point: the bus stop right downstairs can take you to both the Hyères train station and the Toulon train station. That’s what we did: practical, budget-friendly, and simple. If you’re visiting France for the first time and want to understand how the train system works, check out my guide on taking the train in France.
Welcome & Staff
The welcome was very warm. When we arrived, the first person who greeted us gave us a few incorrect details about the bike paths around the hotel and the access to an attraction we wanted to visit, but nothing major at all.
The Room
I booked a Superior Double Room with a sea-view terrace. We had just come off a bad Airbnb experience in Cannes when I booked the hotel in Hyères, so I wanted to make sure we would have a great experience for our last night in the South. I was hoping the sea view wouldn’t be one of those views from the corner of the balcony where you have to stand on tiptoes, squint, and hope the wind is blowing in the right direction! And you know what? The view exceeded all my expectations. I tried to take a photo that did it justice, and I hope you enjoy it.
The room was spacious, featuring a small table stocked with several local guidebooks on things to do around the area. There was also a closet to store your clothes if you’re staying for a few days, a terrace with two chairs, air conditioning, and a shower.
Important detail if you travel with a camera and a laptop like I do: there was no in-room safe.
Breakfast
Naturally, in an eco-friendly hotel, you’ll find a locally sourced breakfast… and it was delicious! So good, in fact, that I bought a jar of the spreadable cream we got to sample. I found the buffet generous, offering plenty of sweet or savoury options depending on your preference. The extra bonus, which has nothing to do with food quality, but still matters, is that you can have breakfast outside on the terrace. Surrounded by trees, it feels like a quiet little haven of peace. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Amenities & Services
Here’s a breakdown of several services and details that set this hotel apart from standard accommodations:
- Bikes: If you book more than two consecutive nights, the hotel lends you bikes for free to explore the surrounding area. Since we were only staying for one night, we paid for our rental to bike around the hotel. Included or paid, I thought it was a really great option. They provide helmets, locks, and lights, everything you need to explore safely.
- Stand-Up Paddleboard & Kayak: If cycling isn’t your thing, maybe you’d like to take a trip out on the water? If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m a huge paddleboard fan. Unfortunately, the evening we arrived was too windy, and the next day we had a packed schedule. But once again, I love the idea of having them available!
- Bus Stops: Technically, this has nothing to do with the hotel itself, but it feels essential to mention to help you plan your stay.
- The Beach: Again, not technically the hotel, but an important point. You’re facing the sea and just a few minutes from the beach.
- The Library: In the reception area, you’ll find a large bookshelf, a great opportunity to discover new books.
- Water Refill Station: When heading out through the back of the hotel, there’s a water fountain to refill your bottles and cut down on waste.
- Eco-Shower Head Consumption Indicator: I had never seen this before! In the shower, the shower head features a light indicator that changes based on your water usage: 0 to 10 litres turns green, 20 to 30 litres turns purple, and beyond 30 litres turns red! It’s a great visual reminder to help you realize how much water you use per shower.
I think that covers everything, not bad, right?
Atmosphere
The hotel was extremely quiet and peaceful. The fact that it’s eco-friendly attracts a certain type of crowd, to be honest. It’s definitely not the kind of hotel where you’d see a group of partygoers staying. It was relaxing, slow-paced, and soft, a real invitation to slow down.
Value for money
For a single night, I paid €122 (approx. $190 CAD / $136 USD), which wasn’t crazy for a very last-minute booking (booked the day before for the next day) in early September in the South of France. When you add in the unique character of the hotel and the incredible sea view, I felt the price was reasonable, especially compared to what else I had found in the area.
Who is it for?
As I mentioned above, Hôtel Almanarre Plage is best suited for people looking for peace and quiet, easy access to the sea, and convenient public transport links. I wouldn’t say it’s strictly reserved for deeply committed eco-activists, as long as you respect the hotel’s rules. I saw a nice mix of guests, from families to road-trippers stopping with their campervans.
What I Wish I Knew Beforehand
Honestly, just knowing how easy it was to get there from the Hyères train station, that way I could have avoided paying for an Uber! Another practical note that might seem obvious, but is worth keeping in mind if you’re not used to older buildings in France: the hotel doesn’t have an elevator, so you’ll need to carry your luggage up the stairs. Other than that, no surprises!
When I Visited
I visited the hotel in early September 2026.
Overall Opinion
As you can probably tell, I whole-heartedly recommend Hôtel Almanarre Plage! I think it’s fantastic that they built a hotel around an eco-responsible concept to raise awareness among travellers, especially in such a beautiful region, so close to the sea, where people unfortunately tend to leave litter behind.
The hotel was spotless, everything was very accessible, and communication was smooth and straightforward.
I hope my review helps you plan your upcoming trip! If you’re ready to book your stay, you can book Hôtel Almanarre Plage right here.
I also recommend checking out my guide on visiting Porquerolles Island in one day to make sure you’re fully prepared. And if you’re traveling to France from abroad, don’t miss my article on how to cut bank fees with Wise and my full guide to using e-SIM cards while traveling.
