Looking for a peaceful vacation in an idyllic Mediterranean setting? Bandol, located between Marseille and Toulon, will undoubtedly win you over with its beaches and magnificent coves. From luxury seaside hotels to affordable city-center establishments and campsites, Bandol’s offer, though limited, is highly diversified. Find out more in this article:
- our tips on the best neighborhoods to stay in Bandol,
- our list of the 8 best hotels in , plus a few extras.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
The best hotels in Bandol: our 2 favorites
Before discovering our detailed reviews of each of the establishments we have selected, take a look at our favorite addresses.
Best luxury hotel: Splendid Hôtel
We were delighted with this 4-star establishment, ideally located in the Renécros cove, with direct access to the beach. With its indoor pool, terrace and many sea-view rooms, it offers an exceptional setting. We also appreciated its refined 1920s-inspired decor!
See photos, prices and availability.
Best affordable hotel: Hôtel Les Galets
In our opinion, this 3-star hotel offers the best value for money in Bandol! It’s just 50m from Grand Vala Beach, which we could admire from our room balcony. Add to this its 3 terraces, lush garden, and colorful, tropical decor, for a guaranteed relaxing stay!
See photos, prices and availability.
Where to stay in Bandol: best districts
Why stay in Bandol?
Staying in Bandol is the perfect way to enjoy a relaxing vacation. In fact, this seaside resort boasts 4 fine sandy beaches, as well as several small pebble coves to discover (Eden-Roc, Capelan…). We also appreciate its location, with easy access to the coastal path linking Bandol to Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer. The scenery is unbelievably beautiful! You can also reach the charming town of La Ciotat in 25 minutes.
To help you plan your stay, read our article on what to do in Bandol.
The best places to stay in Bandol: map
You’ll soon find our map to help you find your way around, with the main areas to stay in Bandol.
Sleeping near the station
This neighborhood is located north of the city center. It’s rather quiet, as the station is small and served only by TER trains. It’s easy to get to the city center, just a ten-minute walk away.
Benefits:
- Close to downtown.
- Rénécros beach within easy walking distance (10min).
- TER trains to Marseille, Toulon and Hyères within 5 minutes’ walk.
- Affordable hotels.
- Tranquility.
Disadvantages:
- You have to get to the center to enjoy the restaurants.
- Walking distance for each activity.
- Limited sea views.
- There are no luxury hotels in this area.
- Potential noise from the station.
Our favorite hotels:
We recommend the Hotel de la Villa Florida, housed in a charming, colorful 1930s villa – see photos and availability.
We also recommend the Hotel Bel Ombra for a quiet, affordable stay – see photos and availability.
Staying near the beach
Want to feel like you’re sleeping with your feet in the water? No worries! We’ve found hotels even closer to Bandol’s main beaches, namely Renécros and Grand Vala.
Benefits:
- Beaches 1min walk away.
- 3 and 4-star hotels.
- Close to downtown (except Grand Vala beach, 15-minute walk required).
- Numerous restaurants and bars.
Disadvantages:
- Potential noise: this depends on the hotel you choose, but establishments close to the main beach of Rénécros can be noisy as the area is touristy.
- Limited parking: due to the crowds on the beaches, you may have difficulty finding a space if you are looking for one outside your accommodation’s private parking lot.
- Away from the center (Plage du Grand Vala): this beach is a little out of the center, so you’ll enjoy a quieter environment, but your walk to the center will take longer (15min).
Our favorite hotels:
On the edge of Plage de Rénécros, we recommend our favorite, the Splendid Hôtel, as well as the 3-star Hôtel Le Provençal – see photos and availability.
We recommend the Hôtel Galets, our favorite in Bandol, for its location right next to the Plage du Grand Vala, which we like because it’s less crowded than the others – see photos and availability.
Sleeping near the port
This area is located between the Renécros cove, home to the beach of the same name, and the marina. It overlooks the pretty island of Bendor. A 5-10 minute walk will take you to the city center, where there are no hotels. This seaside area is sure to please!
Benefits:
- Beautiful sea views.
- The beach and town center are within a ten-minute walk.
- Entertainment with the port and restaurants nearby.
- View of Bendor Island.
Disadvantages:
- Potential noise: the marina is a busy area. You may hear some noise.
- Limited parking: as this is a tourist area, you may find it difficult to get around by car during the high season. We advise you to take advantage of the parking lot at your future accommodation and to walk to your destination.
Our favorite hotels:
For a complete, relaxing experience, we recommend the Hôtel & Spa Thalazur Bandol Île-Rousse – see photos and availability.
We also recommend the Key Largo Hotel, with its contemporary rooms decorated with illustrations that we particularly liked – see photos and availability.
Finally, you can opt for the Hôtel Plein Large, a 3-star establishment where you can sleep lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves! – see photos and availability.
Other tips to keep in mind
Bandol, ideally situated on the Côte d’Azur between Marseille and Toulon, is a popular destination, especially during the summer months. This seaside resort is an ideal base for visiting the famous calanques or the small town of La Ciotat. Prices are therefore high. We therefore advise you to book as early as possible so that you can choose your hotel and benefit from the best rates.
During the off-season, many hotels close in Bandol and the surrounding area. We prefer the Booking platform, as calendars are updated in real time. You’ll quickly find out if the establishment is open on the dates you requested.
It can be difficult to park and get around in the center of Bandol, especially in summer, when music stages are set up on the harbor quays, for example. We advise you to make your way on foot, as all points of interest are within easy reach.
On the other hand, if you want to take full advantage of the region’s landscapes and hinterland, you’ll absolutely need a car. Most hotels have private parking lots, so remember to reserve your space!
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
1. Hotel Les Galets
Why stay there?
We were delighted with our stay at Hôtel Les Galets. We appreciated its location overlooking the Mediterranean, which enabled us to enjoy superb sea views, whether from its 3 terraces or the large balcony (15m2!) of our room. It was well equipped with a small table, a parasol and two comfortable rattan armchairs. They were reminiscent of the decor inside the bedroom, which also featured rattan and a beautiful tropical wallpaper. Finally, the buffet breakfast was a treat!
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Plage du Grand Vala.
- Price range: 3 stars.
- Restaurant: no.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: bar, treatment and massage room.
- Parking: yes (booking required, €10/day).
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
2. Splendid Hotel
Why stay there?
The Splendid Hôtel is one of our favorites in Bandol for its exceptional location in the Renécros cove. It boasts private beach access and, above all, an indoor pool overlooking the sea. We really appreciated it, as it’s an undeniable asset for an off-season stay. A wide range of massages and treatments, plus a spacious gym, make this hotel the perfect place to relax. Finally, we were particularly taken by the 1920s-inspired decor, a period when the Côte d’Azur was frequented by many celebrities (Francis Scott Fitzgerald…).
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Renécros Beach.
- Price range: 4 stars.
- Restaurant: no.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: bar, indoor pool, gym, treatment and massage room, steam room.
- Parking: yes (reservation required).
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
3. Villa Florida Hotel
Why stay there?
Hotel La Villa Florida is a 2-star establishment offering 10 simple yet comfortable and modern rooms. Housed in a 1930s brick villa, it includes parking and a small terrace. It’s pleasant and even includes a foosball table! The bar serves delicious tapas. We think this hotel is ideal for people coming by train, as it is located in a quiet area less than 5min from the station and 10min from Renécros Beach. We also appreciate the kitchenettes in some rooms (such as the studio with terrace), so you can eat in your room for less.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Station.
- Price range: 2 stars.
- Restaurant: no.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: bar, table soccer.
- Parking: yes (reservation required, €7/day).
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
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4. Hotel & Spa Thalazur Bandol Ile-Rousse
Why stay there?
This is the establishment to choose if you’re looking for a luxury stay in Bandol. This hotel offers an exceptional setting with the Thalazur Spa & Thalassotherapy Institute. You’ll find an 80 m² marine course (whirlpools, jets, Jacuzzis…), in an indoor seawater pool heated to 32°. Hammam, sauna, massage room, fitness room and outdoor seawater pool complete the wellness offer. We appreciated the hotel’s chic, contemporary decor and its 1-star Les Oliviers restaurant. The latter features Mediterranean flavors, including a creative plant-based menu. Finally, the sea views and private beaches are a real plus.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: port.
- Price range: 5 stars.
- Restaurant: yes (1 Michelin star).
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: Thalazur thalassotherapy institute and spa with indoor seawater pool, outdoor heated seawater pool, bar, meeting rooms, 2 beach restaurants, 2 private beaches with deckchair hire, fitness area.
- Parking: yes (reservation required, €25/day).
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
5. Hôtel Provençal
Why stay there?
Hôtel Provençal is ideally located 150m from Renécros beach and 200m from the port and town center. It features comfortable, contemporary rooms housed in a 1933 building. We particularly appreciated the bar with its adjoining terrace. With its 60m2 of greenery, it offers a calm, relaxing environment. The best part? Some rooms, especially suites, include terraces.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Renécros Beach.
- Price range: 3 stars.
- Restaurant: no.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: bar.
- Parking: no (only the 11 Novembre public parking lot, Rue Perrault, a 5-minute walk away).
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
6. Hotel Plein Large
Why stay there?
Remember this address if you want to fall asleep to the sound of the waves! In fact, this hotel is located right above the sea. Its main asset is that all its rooms have a sea view. However, we recommend that you opt for a double or twin room with a terrace. Thanks to this privileged location, the hotel offers access to its private beach with deckchairs from April to mid-October. What’s more, we’re sure you’ll love our massage services and restaurant!
Practical information
- Neighborhood: port.
- Price range: 3 stars.
- Restaurant: yes.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: bar, treatment and massage room, private beach.
- Parking: yes (free).
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
7. Key Largo Hotel
Why stay there?
The elegant facade of this hotel, framed by 2 palm trees and a pleasant garden, will undoubtedly make you want to come in. The interior also invites you to settle in with its warm, contemporary decor. We liked the affordable rooms for their characterful decor. All feature wallpapers with colorful illustrations of the Bay of Bandol. Most have a sea view, some a terrace. Breakfast is of the highest quality, and can be taken on the 1st floor overlooking the sea, in your room or in the garden.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: port.
- Price range: 3 stars.
- Restaurant: no.
- Family rooms: no.
- Equipment: no equipment.
- Parking: no.
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
8. Hotel Bel Ombra
Why stay there?
If you’re on a tight budget, we recommend this family-run hotel, open from April to October. It has 19 simple but comfortable rooms. Some have a pleasant private terrace. We recommend this establishment if you don’t have a car, as it’s only 500m from the station and 300m from the town center and Renécros beach. If you opt for a room without a private terrace, the hotel has a large common room with an adjoining terrace. You can enjoy a buffet breakfast from 7:30am to 10am. Local, organic and homemade products await you in a friendly atmosphere!
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Station.
- Price range: 2 stars.
- Restaurant: no.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Equipment: no equipment.
- Parking: no.
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
Other accommodations and campsites in Bandol
Apartments in Bandol
As Bandol doesn’t have many hotels, we offer you these quality private accommodations:
- Maison d’hôtes Villa Azur: with its jacuzzi and outdoor pool overlooking the Bay of Bandol, this guest house (summer rental) is exceptional! See prices, photos and availability.
- Sea view apartment: we’re staying on the Bandol heights with this spacious apartment featuring a lovely 45m2 terrace, in a residence with an outdoor swimming pool open in season. See prices, photos and availability.
- Apartment Les Balcons de la Mer: this large studio is located in a residence in the town center, a ten-minute walk from Renécros beach. It features a large bay window opening onto a fully-equipped balcony with sea views. See prices, photos and availability.
Campsites near Bandol
Are you more of a camping enthusiast? There are no campsites in Bandol, but there are plenty in neighboring communes (Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, Sanary-sur-Mer and Six-Fours-les-Plages). Here are some suggestions:
- Camping Parc Mogador (Sanary-sur-Mer): this 4-star campsite is our favorite, featuring an outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Open all year round, it’s a 20-minute walk from downtown Sanary-sur-Mer. See prices, photos and availability.
- Camping Le Clos Sainte-Thérèse (Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer): this 4-star campsite, a ten-minute drive from Bandol, is open from April to September and offers several types of accommodation. To find out more, click here.
- Camping du Port d’Alon (Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer): this small 1-star family campsite 400m from the calanque of Port d’Alon is ideal for pitching a tent.
Hotels around Bandol
If you haven’t found what you’re looking for among the hotels we’ve selected for you in this article, we’d recommend staying in one of the neighboring towns to Bandol that we’ve been able to visit!
Toulon
Toulon is the nearest major city to Bandol. It can be reached in 20 minutes by car and 30 minutes by TER. We’ve stayed here and picked out 2 of our favorite addresses:
- Okko Hôtels: we were charmed by the chic, sober, retro decor of this 4-star establishment with sauna and gym. See prices, photos and availability.
- Hôtel L’eautel: this sober, elegant 4-star hotel is housed in a colorful Provencal building. We were won over by its many facilities (restaurant, bar and small outdoor rooftop pool…). See prices, photos and availability.
La Ciotat
Would you rather stay in a small town with typical Provencal charm? Choose La Ciotat! You can find all our tips in our article on the best hotels to stay in La Ciotat, but here are our 2 favorites.
- Best western Premier vieux port: we had an excellent stay at this 4-star hotel with its magnificent views and rooftop pool and jacuzzi. We enjoyed swimming there immensely! See prices, photos and availability.
- Hôtel Rose Thé: do you like vintage decor? This 3-star establishment is made for you! It features the color pink and is ideally located facing the sea. See prices, photos and availability.
Cassis
Sleeping in the famous colorful village of Cassis may also be an option. It is easily accessible from Marseille by TER (regional express train) and is a great starting point for visiting the calanques. The hotel offer is limited, but here are our favorites, which you’ll soon find in our article on the best hotels to stay at Cassis:
- Hôtel Les Roches Blanches: we found this 5-star hotel incredible! Particularly with its 2 infinity pools, offering one of the most breathtaking views on the Côte d’Azur. See photos, prices and availability.
- Hôtel Eden: in our opinion, this 3-star establishment offers excellent value for money. It is located just 450m from the port and the sea and features an outdoor swimming pool. See photos, prices and availability.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Bandol
- What to do in Bandol (coming soon)
- Best hotels to stay in Bandol (coming soon)
- Best restaurants (coming soon)
- Bandol’s most beautiful beaches (coming soon)
