VILLA STELLA 1 Tropez

Hotel Description

You know what struck me first about Villa Stella 1? It’s tucked away on this quiet residential street – Chemin des Tamaris – that honestly feels like you’ve stumbled into where the locals actually live, not the tourist circus that central Saint-Tropez can become in summer. I mean, you’re still close enough to walk to the port (maybe 15 minutes if you don’t mind a little uphill on the way back), but there’s something refreshing about being able to step outside without immediately bumping into someone taking selfies with a yacht in the background.

The villa itself has this understated elegance that I really appreciated – it’s not trying too hard to scream “luxury” at you, but the details are there when you look. The rooms are spacious in that European way where you actually have somewhere to put your suitcase that isn’t the bed, and the bathrooms have proper water pressure, which honestly can be hit or miss in older French properties. What I loved most was how quiet it gets at night; you’re far enough from the main drag that you won’t hear scooters buzzing around until 3 AM, but close enough that a quick Uber or taxi ride puts you right in the thick of things when you want it. The staff genuinely seemed to know the area – not just the obvious tourist spots, but they pointed me toward this little bakery about two streets over that does incredible pain au chocolat, and mentioned which beaches are actually swimmable versus just Instagram-worthy (turns out there’s a difference).

Here’s the thing about staying in Saint-Tropez – location really is everything, and Villa Stella 1 gets it right. You’re avoiding the premium you’d pay for being right on the harbor, but you’re not stuck way out in the hills either where you need to plan your whole day around transportation. The 4-star rating feels accurate; it’s comfortable and well-maintained without being stuffy, and honestly, after spending days wandering around in the heat and crowds, having a peaceful place to retreat to made all the difference. I’d definitely stay here again, especially if I was visiting outside of peak August madness when Saint-Tropez can feel a bit overwhelming. The only minor thing – and this is really nitpicking – is that the WiFi can be a bit spotty in some rooms, but then again, maybe that’s not such a bad thing when you’re in the French Riviera.

Rooms

• Two-Bedroom Apartment with 2 × 1 full bed and 2 × 2 twin beds for 4 adults

Reviews

• Constantijn from Netherlands (8/10)

  Top locatie, ruim voldoende ruimte, goede airco's, twee badkamers en twee slaapkamers, parkeerplek is top. Ook de ruime keuken is enorm fijn! Terras is uiteraard prettig!

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities