This was the fourth stop on our 2023 Summer roadtrip north through Spain and France. We chose the region of Nice because we wanted to see some friends who live in the region. Unfortunately we picked Pentecost which made it difficult to find a good hotel, but on the upside we found a little gem of a hotel in Biot.
La Bastide de Biot rightly scores on Booking a 9.2/10 (Fabulous) with 431 reviews, and on TripAdvisor it has 5/5 with 129 reviews.
The hotel is in a very calm area with a view to the old village of Biot.
In the Middle Ages, pottery began to flourish in Biot, with the art and fabrication of earthenware vases to preserve foods and liquids. Up to the 18th century, the vases were exported around the world as practical objects, but today they have become decorative items.
Since the second half of the 20th century, hand-blown glass has become the new symbol of the village.
Numerous artists have had their workshops and boutiques in Biot, most notable was Fernand Léger, who had his workshop in Biot during the last years of his life (post-war period).
Reception
The is a boutique hotel with only 17 rooms, and limited public spaces, and offering only room service. But what is there is both very functional and comfortable.
Our room
The room was very comfortable, and was an excellent example of a 4-star hotel. The decor was a bit minimalist, but modern and in perfect order. It had all the usual features, a sitting area, desk, minibar, flat-screen TV, coffee machine, etc. It also had its own small semi-private terrace. Two extra points I noticed were the 6 USB charging points and BBC1 and BBC2 on the TV. However, I must admit of all the hotels on our 2023 Summer roadtrip, the bed was the least comfortable. My side had a noticeable dip in the mattress. Not sufficient to complain about, but I did feel the difference.
The bathroom was what might be called bijou, but it served it purpose. I did find one defect, the hand shower head would not stay in position.
There was a separate WC, also bijou, but no bidet.
Room service
Room service was available all day long, and could be served in the room, on the terrace, or next to the pool. It consisted of:-
- Salade de tomato mozzarella
- Salade Caesar
- Assiette de charcuteries et de formages
- Croque-monsieur
- Bruschetta
- Pizza
- Tarte Flambée.
Then there was ice creme, moelleux chocolat, and tartelette Tatin.
And there was red wine (€35 bottle), Tattinger champagne (€70 bottle), and an excellent local beer (€6).
We tried a number of the room service options served on the terrace. They were full plates, well prepared and far more than just snacks.
In addition, when our friends came to see us, we order a bottle of champagne, snacks, and Bruschetta, which was served with elegance and numerous extras. Very professional.
Breakfast
Breakfast was served in a breakfast room, and on the terrace. It was a full buffet as seen above, enhanced by a complicated looking coffee machine, which turned out to be quite simple to use. We appreciated the fact that only a limited quantity was on show, but everything was immediately replenished as needed.
I personally appreciated the very tasty scrambled eggs and well cooked bacon, and the very, very tasty honey.
Conclusion
The site is quite small, but they have found space for a good size pool and even a small play area for children (and the occasional adult).
Frankly, this is one of the best, most enjoyable, and professionally run stop-overs we have experienced in some time. We can unreservedly recommend it.
