Villa Rivoli

A French town-house hotel restored and renewed so it looks and feels like…a French town-house hotel. Whoever would have thought it? It’s a lovely surprise in the centre of a city constantly careering after the latest design fad.

And, to bring about this refreshing Frenchness it took, of course, a German: hotel-owner Barabra Kimmig. She used to be a manager at the lavish Hotel Negresco, just up the street. Now, with her own business, she has, in a sense, out-designed the designers.

She’s lightened the place up with panache, while retaining – or re-introducing – original touches like the wrought iron at the door and windows, fancy banisters and toile-de-jouy-style wall-hangings.

The whole has a pleasing and comfortable dignity. It would be like entering a 21st-century notable’s house, if the 21st-century still had notables. This isn’t a luxury place, so rooms aren’t vast, bathrooms are tight and there’s no lift. But comfort has been well thought-out, and there’s no hint of budget standards being applied. Ms Kimmig pitched for, and received, her third star this year.

Outside, there’s a little private car-park – a great advantage – and nicely-tailored garden for breakfast. I suggest, though, that they get rid of the external blue hotel sign. It makes the place look undeservedly cheap when, in truth, it's a cultivated, welcoming refuge.