Hotel du Forum

What our travelers say

Hotel du Forum earns its place on Passports itineraries almost entirely on the strength of two things: where it sits and what it feels like to be there. Planted directly on the Place du Forum — consistently described by group leaders as the finest square in Arles — the hotel puts students within easy walking distance of restaurants, shops, and the Roman and medieval layers of the city. Tour directors note that the location alone keeps logistics simple and energy high. Inside, the hotel leans hard into its historic character: rooms are generally spacious by French standards, the building has genuine architectural personality, and the overall cleanliness has drawn repeated praise. Breakfast tends to be a highlight, with both group leaders and tour directors calling it outstanding, and the breakfast staff in particular have been noted for their warmth toward student groups. The pool area is a welcome bonus on warm June programs. A few things are worth setting expectations around. Hotel du Forum is a three-star property with a historic soul, and students who arrive expecting a modern chain experience may need a moment to adjust — the atmosphere is old-world by design, not by neglect. Management runs a tight ship: pool capacity is managed carefully, and some operational policies (including scheduled arrangements around shared facilities) have occasionally felt strict to group leaders, even if the reasoning is practical. Reception staff can vary in warmth depending on who is working the desk, so tour directors should plan to introduce groups cheerfully and set the tone themselves. A luggage transfer fee has also come up in past evaluations — worth confirming details before arrival. This hotel is a strong fit for school groups and adult travelers who appreciate character over convenience, and who will get something out of staying on a living, historic square rather than a quiet side street. Smaller to mid-sized groups tend to move most smoothly here given the operational structure. Groups that respond well to place — students who want to feel like they are actually in Arles, not just passing through it — will find Hotel du Forum exactly the kind of base that makes a trip memorable.