City Centre Nimes, France
Renovated
2019
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe HeritageOutside the door
The house
Maison Albar HotelsArt Deco garden landmark
A 1929 Art Deco landmark where quiet courtyard pathways wrap around a century-old ginkgo tree, stone fountains, and sunlit terraces.
What it’s good at
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
A thorough renovation and an interior redesign by Marcelo Joulia has left Maison Albar Hôtels L’Imperator looking fresh, but still as true as ever to the Art Deco style of its origin.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Positioned along Quai de la Fontaine, the hotel sits a short stroll from the ancient Maison Carrée and Jardin de la Fontaine.
The rooms
Rooms feature porthole sliding mirrors, leather headboards, and natural stone baths, while detached private houses open onto secluded garden terraces.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
A heated counter-current pool sits in the courtyard garden, and an indoor relaxation pool opens toward the grounds.
The spa
Custom Codage Paris treatments take place in private cabins, and facilities include a traditional hammam and whirlpool bath.
The gym
Cardio machines and free weights face mirrored walls and exposed stone columns in the dedicated fitness studio.
Dogs stay too.
Bar Hemingway
Signature cocktails are mixed behind an illuminated blue-tiled bar, with round backlit displays and doors to the terrace.
Restaurant
L'Impé
The brasserie serves Mediterranean dishes under terracotta walls, and tables spill onto the shaded gravel terrace.
At the table
Two-Michelin-starred Duende serves chef Pierre Gagnaire's Mediterranean cuisine beneath historic stone archways and oversized circular brass mirrors.
How it began
Built in 1929 by Compagnie des Wagons-Lits for rail travelers, the hotel became a legendary retreat for Hemingway and Ava Gardner.
Good to know
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Maison Albar - L'Imperator
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Nimes
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.