Best Luxury Hotels In The French Riviera
Synonymous with movie stars and the international elite, the French Riviera oozes glamour and chic in equal quantities. And as you might expect, it also offers some of the finest hotels. Here are our recommendations for the best places to stay while visiting the Côte d’Azur.
Fairmont Monte Carlo
Base yourself in the heart of Monaco at the Fairmont Monte Carlo. This luxury resort hotel is ideally positioned between the Mediterranean Sea and the Monte Carlo Casino, offering stunning views and within close proximity to Monaco’s top attractions, including the Prince’s Palace and the Place du Casino along with direct views of the Monaco Grand Prix’s famed Fairmont Hairpin Curve. The hotel features 600 fully renovated rooms and suites along with premium amenities such as a luxury spa, fitness centre, two year-round swimming pools (one for families) and onsite luxury boutiques. Dining options include the world-renowned Nobu, Nikki Beach rooftop dining, and Amù Monte Carlo, a rooftop bistro with panoramic sea and city views. With a multilingual babysitting service and a children’s club, Fairmont Monte Carlo also stands out as a family-friendly destination.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Hotel Royal-Riviera
A hotspot for the beau monde since 1904, this 94 room seafront hotel is located between Monaco and Nice in the exclusive Cap-Ferrat area – playground of the rich and famous. With panoramic peninsula views, access to a private seasonal beach in high season, heated pool, sauna, hammam, fitness room, gourmet restaurant and grill, you can enjoy the ultimate in French coastal sophistication. Colour schemes of olive-green, amber and sienna brown reflect the Mediterranean landscapes, while colonial grandeur and informal elegance evoke a neo-Hellenistic villa feel, fused with its historic old Belle Epoque style.
Hôtel Martinez – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Home of the iconic film festival, Cannes is another magnet for celebrities. Hyatt’s Green Globe-certified Riviera property has 409 room, ten of which are accessible. There’s an art deco theme to its swish design by Pierre-Yves Rochon, with colours echoing those found in the local coastal scenery. Culinary artistry comes from Michelin-starred Executive Chef Christian Sinicropi, in the hotel’s three upmarket eateries. The finest – La Palme d’Or, overlooks the Bay of Cannes and features crockery designed by Sinicropi and his wife. There’s also a spa, kids’ club, beach and plenty of meeting facilities (all buzzing with famous faces and press during the film festival)
Hôtel Martinez – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel
As part of the Four Seasons group, you can expect high-end understated luxury as standard at Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat. Set on a peninsula enclave, by a small fishing village, this area has long been popular for famous faces seeking an escape from the limelight, in the lap of luxury. The award-winning spa’s hydrotherapy circuit is a great way to unwind and begin your holiday, before sampling Michelin-starred cuisine at the Chef’s Table in Salon des Collections. For 360 degree views, steam bath, hot tub and a ‘Great Gatsby’ feel, book the Suite Cocteau Penthouse, one of its 74 rooms. Families can take advantage of the kids’ club and there are indoor and outdoor pools for year-round swims.
Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel
Hôtel Villa Marie Saint Tropez
Saint Tropez is arguably the most famous spot on the French Riviera. Tourists flock here to catch a glimpse of its superyachts and wealthy sun-worshippers. But you can escape the throng in style, at this bohemian hotel. In places, it’s evocative of 1950s Hollywood but also graced with upscale rustic room decor in peaceful tones. Found among the pine littered, picture-perfect hillsides of Ramatuelle, Villa Marie is ideal for couples. There are four-poster beds, open-plan bathrooms, a heated pool on the terrace, a heavenly Pure Altitude Spa, and Dolce Vita, the villa’s veranda restaurant, with cuisine by Chef Cédric Luisin.
La Ponche Hôtel Restaurant
This boutique hotel and restaurant has been enchanting guests for decades with its unique character and views of the Med. Step into a world of timeless beauty as you enter the historic building, where each room exudes a sense of understated luxury. Situated just steps away from the vibrant Old Port and cobbled streets, the setting invites guests to bask in the sunshine on nearby sandy beaches, explore the markets, or simply relax. For those seeking a little tranquil among St Tropez’s high-octane glamour, the hotel has a serene courtyard where you can unwind amidst greenery and the soothing sound of a trickling fountain. Indulge in a pampering massage, tuck into Provencal cuisine, or take a leisurely dip in the secluded pool to complete your relaxation.
Hôtel de Paris Saint-Tropez
An iconic property since its inception in 1931, the Hôtel de Paris Saint-Tropez began life as a home from home for artists, musicians and movie stars. Toward the end of the century, it received an extension, including the glamorous Dolce Vita Suite. Today guests are greeted in the lobby by a chandelier made up of 3,500 ivory-lacquered aluminium petals, ebony black resin sculptures and a pool suspended 15 metres in the air. Enjoy a meal on the rooftop at chef Michele Fortunato’s table, or in Les Toits restaurant. Take drinks beside the open-air swimming pool and listen to the sound of live piano music as you savour lobster and champagne in L’Atrium.
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