Part of the Snaptrip family

Grand Hôtel Nord-Pinus

from $212
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“Quirky townhouse hotel frequented by bullfighters, cabaret dancers, artists and writers, in central Arles. Elegantly restored to retain its original character with a few Moorish touches. You can still imagine Picasso or Hemingway at the bohemian salon bar. Romance and history combined.”

Hotel review

“Welcome to the Legendary Grand Hotel Nord-Pinus” And it really is legendary. Among the famous names who have stayed here are Picasso, Jack Kerouac, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone Signoret and Maria Callas. Helmut Newton famously photographed Charlotte Rampling, nude, at the hotel. But for some, it is the painting Terrace of a Café at Night by Vincent van Gogh that draws them to the Nord-Pinus – the café itself is just across the street in the Place du Forum.

The artistic connection continues, with photography exhibitions held at the hotel throughout the year, particularly during the summer's Rencontres d'Arles photography festival. During my stay, a tribute to Martin Parr showcased his colourful and wonderfully satirical images of quintessential British life. The Nord-Pinus may be steeped in history, but its artistic credentials remain very much alive.

The bedrooms are understated and newly refurbished, combining Mediterranean eclecticism with a hint of Moorish influence. Highly patterned decorative tiles provide a striking contrast to the otherwise sparse decoration and simple furnishings. The result is individual, characterful and, above all, supremely comfortable.

Continuing the tradition of hospitality, the bistro style restaurant unsurprisingly is influenced by the flavours of Provence and the Camargue. Bar Le Cintra and Le Comptoir have long been the places to enjoy a drink or cocktail, whether you're a hotel guest or an Arlésien. The barman, incidentally, certainly knows his pastis from his ouzo.

Good to know: Van Gogh's painting of the cafe at night is vividly yellow not because the cafe is painted yellow but from the reflection of the moonlight on the sandstone.

Hugh Graham-Watson

Recommended for

  • Romantic Break

    • This historic hotel is steeped in romance from its exposure to artists of the highest caliber for generations

  • Sights nearby

    • Visit the 1,600 years old amphitheatre were bullfights are still held on Easter and in the second week of September.

  • Close to nightlife

    • A whole range of music fesitivals go on in the town during the year, check in advance to make sure you catch one.

  • Great walks

    • There are a range of walking tours around the town, a particularly interesting one is the Van Gogh tour.

  • Other Activities

    • Take a stroll around the ruins of the Roman theatre or catch a performance in the summer months

  • Birdwatching

    • One of the last towns on the Rhone, wander down its banks and you'll spot a multitude of birds.

  • Cycling

    • Rent a hotel bike and set off to explore this historic and quaint town.

  • Child friendly

    • All children are welcome. Babysitting services available.

  • Historic

    • Picasso lived here during the 1950s and 60s

  • Pet friendly

    • Pets are allowed. No extra charges.

  • Family Suites

  • Lively

  • Downtown

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • House party feel

  • Theme hotel

  • Full of character

  • Air conditioning

  • Restaurant

  • Artworks

  • Boutique

  • Landmark

  • Chic

  • Quirky

  • Retro/Vintage

  • Romantic

  • Traditional

  • Charming

  • Intimate

Facilities

  • Rooms

    26 rooms in this hotel

  • Parking

    Private parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is needed) and costs EUR 20 per day.

  • Child friendly

    All children are welcome. Babysitting services available.

  • Pet friendly

    Pets are allowed. No extra charges.

  • Shops

    Gift shop.

  • Bar

  • Meeting Room

  • Family Suites

  • Bath robes

  • Safe

  • Car not required

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Walking distance restaurants

  • Cots available

  • Bicycle hire

  • Sitting Room

  • Restaurant

  • Room service

  • Suites

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Air conditioning

  • Wifi

Activities

  • Sights nearby

    • Visit the 1,600 years old amphitheatre were bullfights are still held on Easter and in the second week of September.

  • Close to nightlife

    • A whole range of music fesitivals go on in the town during the year, check in advance to make sure you catch one.

  • Great walks

    • There are a range of walking tours around the town, a particularly interesting one is the Van Gogh tour.

  • Other Activities

    • Take a stroll around the ruins of the Roman theatre or catch a performance in the summer months

  • Birdwatching

    • One of the last towns on the Rhone, wander down its banks and you'll spot a multitude of birds.

  • Cycling

    • Rent a hotel bike and set off to explore this historic and quaint town.

Map & Location

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