Welcome Hotel
★★★★☆
Boutique Hotel
Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
A historic waterfront boutique hotel with sea-view balconies, a celebrated Cocteau legacy, and a wine bar on Villefranche's harbour.
About the hotel
Set directly on the harbour of Villefranche-sur-Mer between Nice and Monaco, Welcome Hotel occupies an exceptional waterfront position in the heart of the old village. The beach, historic lanes, Citadel, and Jean Cocteau's Chapelle Saint-Pierre are all close by, while Nice can be reached in around 15 minutes by car.
The building's history stretches back centuries, with its oldest section dating to the 13th century and the main structure recorded from 1710. It officially became a hotel in 1787 and adopted the Welcome name in 1920. The Galbois family has been connected to the property since 1943, with a fourth generation now continuing its long tradition of hospitality.
The hotel has 35 rooms and suites, every one air-conditioned and opening onto a private balcony overlooking the harbour. Accommodation ranges from Classic, Comfort, Superior, and Deluxe rooms to distinctive suites, with the interiors drawing on the artists, writers, and filmmakers who have shaped the hotel's history. One room is adapted for guests with reduced mobility.
Jean Cocteau remains central to the identity of the Welcome. The artist stayed here repeatedly from the 1920s, occupied what is now Room 22, produced drawings during his visits, and later decorated the neighbouring Chapelle Saint-Pierre. Today, this artistic legacy sits alongside the waterfront Wine Pier, where guests can enjoy wines, cocktails, sharing plates, and live music overlooking the bay.
Today, Welcome Hotel is particularly well suited to couples, art and history enthusiasts, Riviera travellers, and guests seeking a characterful waterfront stay with direct access to the atmosphere of Villefranche-sur-Mer and easy connections to Nice, Monaco, and the wider Côte d'Azur.
Waterfront boutique hotel overlooking the picturesque harbour of Villefranche-sur-Mer
Colourful harbour lined with pastel buildings and traditional Mediterranean architecture
Strolling through the colourful streets of Villefranche-sur-Mer near the waterfront
Bright guest room designed for a relaxing stay by the Mediterranean
Thoughtful bedside details creating a warm and inviting atmosphere
Luxury villas overlooking the sparkling waters of the French Riviera
Elegant restaurant combining contemporary dining with historic stone architecture
Golden sunset over the marina with yachts gently resting in the bay
Private balcony offering uninterrupted views across the Mediterranean coastline
Fresh breakfast served with panoramic harbour views at sunrise
Creator experience
“Watching the boats drift across the bay from my room was one of the highlights of staying at Welcome Hotel. Set right on the waterfront in the heart of Villefranche-sur-Mer, the hotel offers breathtaking Mediterranean views and a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. Between the warm hospitality, charming surroundings, and unbeatable location, it felt like the perfect place to slow down and experience the French Riviera at its most authentic.”
captured by Mélissa Durand
Know before you go
Features
Number of Rooms and Suites: 35
32 Rooms and 3 Suites
Private Balcony with Every Room
Harbour and Sea Views Throughout
Historic Building Dating to 1710
Jean Cocteau Heritage
Classic, Comfort, Superior and Deluxe Categories
Cabin, Cinema and Voyage Suites
Family Connecting Rooms Available
Four-Star Classification
Good To Know
Check-In / Check-Out: 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM
Adults Only: No
Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are accepted for €35 per nigh
Dining: Breakfast is served in the conservatory or in-room, while Wine Pier offers wines, cocktails and sharing plates; room service is supplied by partner restaurants
Parking: Closed garage with valet service available by reservation for €60 per night; public parking is also available nearby
WiFi: Complimentary throughout the hotel
Accessibility: One room is adapted for guests with reduced mobility
Weddings / Events: Meetings, incentives, seminars, MICE events, team building and product launches available; dedicated wedding packages are not advertised
Best For: Couples, Riviera Escapes, Art Lovers, Historic Stays, Sea Views
Experiences
Wine Tasting at Wine Pier
Saturday Live Music
Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Kayaking in Villefranche Bay
Private Catamaran Days
Cetacean-Watching Excursions
Chapelle Saint-Pierre Visits
Villefranche Old Town Walks
Rue Obscure Exploration
Marinières Beach Days
Low Season: From €200/$230
High Season: *From €550/$640
Getting there
Set directly on Villefranche-sur-Mer's harbour between Nice and Monaco, Welcome Hotel is easily reached by road or rail. The local station is 500 metres away, Nice is 7 kilometres from the property, and Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is 12 kilometres away.
Address
3 Quai de l'Amiral Courbet, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
How to get there
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Approximately 25-30 minutes by car.
Public Transport
Villefranche-sur-Mer railway station is 500 metres from the hotel and provides TER connections along the Côte d'Azur towards Nice, Monaco, Menton, and other coastal destinations.
Nearby
Chapelle Saint-Pierre - 1 minute on foot
Rue Obscure - 2 minutes on foot
Citadel of Villefranche-sur-Mer - 5 minutes on foot
Marinières Beach - 8 minutes on foot
Nice - 15 minutes by car