We stayed for a week at this hotel and we absolutely loved it.

The gardens, grounds and pool area are beautifully maintained and whilst I am not normally one to spend much time lying round the pool it was so peaceful and relaxing here with the pyrenees rising in the background, I spent much more time than usual round the pool. Wonderfully lit at night as well. There was also an old table tennis table available if you felt energetic and a few crazy golf holes. These were just far enough away from the pool not to bother those relaxing but probably close enough to keep an eye on kids if you wanted to.

The rooms were really peaceful and kept clean with a nice balcony to walk onto. Again very relaxing.

The hotel breakfast was fine, usual continental breakfast but you could get boiled eggs. No queuing but it was cleared away very quickly so if you leave it to the last minute make sure you get all you want before sitting down!

The village of Argeles is a 5 minute walk, the train station is a 10 minute walk and the beach is a 20 minute walk but the road is not the most interesting with little alongside for much of the walk. We hired bikes on our first day for the week and it took less than 10 minutes to cycle to/from the beach. We actually preferred the village in the evening as it had a more traditional feel but it was very quiet.

We found a lovely bistro near the rugby stadium.

Le Cottage is close to the village of Argeles - which means it's a long walk to the beach. There's a decent breakfast - no bacon but you can boil an egg to go with the cold meats, pain-au-chocolat, croissants, fruit, cereal, etc. It's still an expensive breakfast (12 Euro) but most deals include breakfast.

The hotel is part of the "relais du silence" chain, and it is quiet. If you don't want a balcony the "detente" rooms can be had for as little as 49 Euro with breakfast, but most rooms are "privilege superior" (in different configurations, some with separate toilet, some with walk-in shower for the less able) with balcony or terrace, 100 Euro normally but usually to be got at around 25% discount. Comfy beds, effective shutters, clean rooms generally.

Staff are very helpful, those on reception speak English, and the (heated) pool is in a lovely garden setting. Separate jacuzzi and steam room available on request.

Some websites still say there's a restaurant (as do signs around Argeles) but it closed a couple of years ago. The hotel does a high season snack service (and reception will bring drinks to the pool) but for evening meals it's one of the restaurants near the beach (Amadeus) or a 5-minute walk away in the village - and the 15 Euro menu at "The Flowers" includes desserts like crepe flambeed in Grand Marnier so you can't go too wrong.

After two nights in hectic Collioure in a horrible hotel we moved on to le Cottage for three days of peace and relaxation. The hotel is in a quiet residential street and consists of two low rise buildings around a beautiful swimming pool and gardens. There is no restaurant but the hotel provides a "Food Service", which was enough for us not to stray very far from the pool. The staff were lovely - especially Claudine. We hope to return soon.