We are planning a trip to Provence in June and need help on deciding where to stay. We have reservations at the Hostellerie Crillon De Brave and Le Bastide de Marie. They both look and sound wonderful. Which is the nicest of the two? We are not concerned about money. Are there any other places you would recommend over these? Also, which is more centrally located to doing day trips to St. Remy, Les Baux, Arles, Aix, etc. We are staying for 5 nights and the Hostellerie Crillon De Brave only had 3 nights available and the Bastide De Marie has 4 nights. We were thinking of splitting up the other nights and staying at the Oustau de Baumaniere. What do you think about this hotel as well?

The Hostellerie de Crillon le Brave is quite nice (depending on the room you get, however), but rather out of the way--I wouldn't spend even 3 nights there, let alone 5. If the Bastide de Marie is where I think it is, that would be more centrally located. From what I've heard it's the better hotel of the two.

The Oustau de Beaumanière is a fine hotel--but we prefer its sister, down in the valley: Le Cabro d'Or. More convenient for getting in and out of the Les Baux area.

Hard to recommend other hotels without knowing your requirements--which regions of Provence do you want to visit, and what interests you there? There are many fine hotels to consider.

About the Oustau: the restaurant is wonderful. It might be worth it to stay at the hotel just so you can indulge in a superb meal and wines without having to drive afterwards.

In the same area is the excellent Château des Alpilles.

I disagree. I've stayed several days at Crillon and love the location and an easy drive to see the area. We stayed two days at the Marie and prefer the Crillon because you come and go as you please. At the Marie, you announce yorself so the gates will open. Both are lovely. The Marie has wonderful bath fragrances. I wish I had bought some in the boutique. This is what I like about travel. Everyone has different tastes and ideas and what they consider far.

The Marie is in a perfect location for visiting the Luberon, and Baumanerie is perfect for Les Baux, St Remy & Arles. Crillon le Brave is better for visiting the Vaison/Rhone wine growing region.

We had dinner at the Marie, with friends who were staying there. It really didn't seem like we were in France at all. Just about everyone, including the waiters & bartender (who was from Ireland) spoke English all the time. Nice location & pretty setting, however. According to my Michelin Guide, it seems that if you stay there, you have to dine there also (or at least pay for dinner) - demi-pension (and only dinner served - no lunch). And it seems that there is only 1 menu choice each night. Our friends, who are not adventuresome diners, liked the food. We are just the opposite - we like creative stuff that we usually don't see in the USA where we live, and I thought the menu was a little "un-exciting".

We've only walked the grounds of Crillon La Brave, and thought the views were fantastic. The location is a little more isolated, compared to the others you are considering.

We've wandered aroung the Baumanerie area & we had my wife's 50th birthday dinner at a hotel next door. The setting & views are excellent.

All three are winners - tough choice. I would probably choose Baumanerie and Marie if the English "tendency" & dinner situation at Marie is not a problem for you.

Stu Dudley

Consider the Mas des Comtes de Provence. The place is lovely, the hosts are considerate and helpful, and it is close to St.Remy, Les Baux, Arles, Nimes, etc.
http://www.mas-provence.com/us-index.htm