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December 30, 2012updated Aug 04, 2021

The 6 Best Hotels on the French Riviera

By Chris Boyle

Intercontinental Carlton Cannes Sean Connery

Whether you want a sumptuous bed, a spectacular view or service beyond compare, choose from our stunning selection

HOTEL MARTINEZ

zplage beach club

The Hotel Martinez is known for stylish living and its eminent position on the famous boulevard de la Croisette.

As elegant as it is sumptuous, this legendary five-star hotel is an outstanding building with its 409 rooms and ultra luxuriant suites such as the ‘Penthouse Sea View Suite’, one of the largest in Europe at 10,800 square feet, the exclusive ‘Suite des Oliviers’ and the glamorous ‘Prestige Sea View Suites’.

Gastronomy is one of the star points of the Martinez with an array of exquisite cuisine presented by Christian Sinicropi, the executive Chef. Restaurant ‘La Palme d’Or’ (two Michelin stars), is an absolute must in Cannes overlooking the sea and ‘La Croisette’. Restaurant ‘Le Relais’ is typically ‘bistro-chic’ located at the poolside. Last but not least the trendy Beach Restaurant ‘Zplage’ is open during summer, the menu inspired by flavors from all over the world and ‘Znights’ live music is unmissible in July and August. For entertainment all the year, ‘Bar L’Amiral’ is well renowned in Cannes for its hospitality and piano bar atmosphere.

Leisure and relaxation: The hotel also boasts an outdoor heated swimming pool and the Spa Martinez is an extremely serene space for well being, offering eight massage and facial cabins and an exciting boutique. Our more sporty guests can enjoy free access 24/7 to the fully-equipped hi-tech fitness center.

TOP SUITE The Suite des Oliviers

suite des oliviers

Why we love it: The interior design of this suite was inspired by the Roaring Twenties to create the ultimate glamorous and chic atmosphere. Each piece of furniture is reminiscent of the very spirit of the epoch: the mother-of-pearl effect padded headboards, the rock crystal chandeliers, the sculpted buffet, the two-tone dressing tables covered in white leather. The ‘Suite des Oliviers’ opens on to an immense 2,700 square foot terrace on the sea front, complete with oversized Jacuzzi. It is an ideal place to relax and the perfect setting for exclusive dinners or society cocktails.

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  • Square footage: 4,800
  • Nightly rate: $16,000

Richard Schilling, General Manager

+33 4 9298 7300

73 boulevard de la Croisette, 06400 Cannes

www.concorde-hotels.com/martinez

GRAND-HOTEL DU CAP-FERRAT

GRAND-HOTEL du cap-ferrat

Cap Ferrat has a history of attracting the rich and famous to its shores, and at the heart of this history is the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, which has been attracting socialites, artists, diplomats and royalty for over a hundred years.

The 2009 renovation and extension has given the hotel a new lease of life; new rooms have private infinity pools, ‘Le Spa’ has been upgraded with state-of-theart facilities and Restaurant Le Cap awarded a Michelin star. Nevertheless, it is the charm of seclusion that once attracted Charlie Chaplin and Picasso and now has guests returning again and again; 17 acres of gardens overlooking the Mediterranean provide the hotel with perfect exclusivity.

TOP SUITE VILLA ROSE PIERRE

VILLA ROSE pIERRE

Why we love it: Although Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat has an abundance of suites, it is the hotel’s private villa that is the cornerstone of its legend. Villa Rose Pierre’s pink façade is surrounded by 2.5 acres of pine forest and scented gardens, guaranteeing peace and exclusivity. The four en-suite bedrooms overlooking the Mediterranean all have their own balcony and there is an abundance of private space. But with seclusion in mind it is also fit for entertaining; the Alberto Pinto designed interior is impressive and with two professional kitchens (one in the villa and one in the pool house) and seven waiting staff the villa is fit for entertaining over 40 guests for dinner or cocktails, alfresco or indoors. Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Allen have previously used this villa along with a whole host of other famous guests who prefer to be more discrete about their stay.

 

 

  • Square footage: 5,920
  • Weekly rate: $43,000 / 115,000 (high season)

Jean-Jacques Poulet, Front Office Manager

+33 4 9376 5050

71 Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, 06230, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat

www.grand-hotel-cap-ferrat.com

BYBLOS SAINT-TROPEZ

BYBLOS SAINT-TROPEZ

Since 1967 Byblos has remained the place to stay in Saint-Tropez.

It is inspired by Lebanon, and the ancient city of Byblos, whose mythical remains add gravity to the hotel’s interior. Perfectly positioned just minutes from Saint-Tropez’s gorgeous beaches, Hotel Byblos is spread out in the style of a Provençal hamlet, with perfect views over the town’s terracotta rooftops. The hotel’s most famous amenity has to be Caves du Roy nightclub. Visit in the summer and see a plethora of celebrities descend on the club night after night.

TOP SUITE SUITE RIVIERA

Why we love it: Overlooking the pool, the subtle comfort of this suite is reflected in the décor: carefully harmonized colors, textures and ornaments which are designed to create light and space throughout both bedrooms, three bathrooms, and the extensive living room. Sit on the private terrace and behold the panoramic view across the hills of Saint-Tropez; the perfect place to while away evenings and enjoy a peaceful aperitif or cocktail.

 

 

 

  • Square footage: 1,940
  • Nightly rate: $4,860/$7,360 (high season)

Christophe Chauvin, General Manager

+33 4 9456 6800

Avenue Paul Signac, 83990, Saint-Tropez

www.byblos.com

INTERCONTINENTAL CARLTON CANNES

Intercontinental Carlton Cannes Sean Connery

The InterContinental Carlton Cannes is housed in a spectacular and unique property on the famous Croisette Avenue overlooking the Cannes waterfront.

The building has evolved throughout the years and now represents a timeless monument of Cannes and a beautiful Belle Époque icon. It is also conveniently located; moments from the Cannes Palais des Festivals, one of the venues for the Cannes Film Festival, and close to the main shopping district. InterContinental Carlton Cannes has been welcoming guests for nearly a century and recently opened ten exceptional suites named after the most famous movie stars to stay at the hotel; which shows that they know a thing or two about catering for VIPs.

TOP SUITE SEAN CONNERY SUITE

Sean Connery suite bathroom

Why we love it: The staff at the Intercontinental Carlton Cannes will bend over backwards to assist guests of this suite: they once covered the entire terrace in grass for a guest’s dog, and removed every door on the seventh floor in order to create one vast space for another guest. The latter seems unnecessary as the suite occupies 11 rooms; with four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a lounge, dining room, private kitchen and even a private lift. The terrace, is perfect without the grass as guests are afforded a panoramic view that stretches far across the Mediterranean. In addition to its namesake, the Sean Connery Suite has also hosted Michael Jackson, Bob Geldof, Claudia Cardinale, Al Gore and Jennifer Lopez.

 

 

  • Square footage: 4,150
  • Nightly rate: $17,000

Narjiss Falcoz

+33 4 9306 4006

narjiss.falcoz@ihg.com

58 La Croisette, 06406, Cannes

www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/cannes-carlton

HÔTEL DE PARIS

lobby, HÔTEL DE PARIS

For over one hundred years the legendary Hôtel de Paris has been the symbolic heart of Monaco’s grandiose principality.

The gilding and marble of this historic landmark has seen it all: the impossible extravagances tailored by the hotel’s immaculate concierges, the lavishness of the neighboring Grand Casino and the world’s most illustrious Grand Prix as it races past its doors every summer. Its Belle Époque interior and panoramic views have entertained the world’s elite since its opening; Frank Sinatra and Winston Churchill have both stayed here, in addition to numerous other legendary figures. Furthermore, the hotel’s restaurant, Le Louis XV Alain Ducasse, is widely regarded as Monaco’s finest.

TOP SUITE WINSTON CHURCHILL SUITE

Why we love it: The Winston Churchill Suite is named after the legendary British prime minister, who, as a frequent guest at the Hôtel de Paris, brought with him rare furniture and cherished objects when he came to stay. These have all been preserved by the hotel, giving this elegant top-floor suite a unique flavor. Despite this touch of historical significance, the suite’s design maintains a contemporary feel with light colors and absolute privacy. A private elevator takes you up to this suite, which has two bedrooms, two lounges, a dining room and a sweeping terrace of 810 square feet (73 square meters), all overlooking the sea. The suite comes into its own during the annual F1 Grand Prix, when the terrace becomes one of the most envied spots in the city.

 

 

  • Square footage: 2,300
  • Nightly rate: $13,000

Luca Allegri, General Manager

+377 9806 3000

Place Du Casino, Monte Carlo, 98000 Monaco

www.hoteldeparismontecarlo.com

HOTEL DU CAP EDEN ROC

HOTEL DU CAP EDEN ROC

One of the Riviera’s hidden gems, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc occupies a superb spot on Cap d’Antibes, nestled within its own estate and overlooking the azure Mediterranean Sea.

It attracts many famous figures, and has played host to Winston Churchill, J.F. Kennedy, Pablo Picasso and members of the British royal family. After its recent multi-million dollar four year restoration, this list of notable guests will doubtless continue to grow. The hotel’s beautiful heated seawater pool is sculpted into the cliffside, and is the perfect place to enjoy an evening cocktail.

TOP SUITE EDEN ROC SUITE

Why we love it: The elegant and relaxing interior is flooded with natural light that creeps into each of the two bedrooms and three marble bathrooms. The building’s heritage is maintained throughout the suite with furniture styled from the eras of Louis XV and Louis XVI. But why spend your days inside, when the vast terrace is what makes this suite outstanding: larger than the indoor area, the terrace holds a private Jacuzzi and is adorned by a wooden pergola that overlooks the hotel’s gardens and the Mediterranean Sea.

 

 

  • Square footage: 1,600 (with a 2,150 square foot terrace)
  • Nightly rate: $10,000

Philippe Perd, General Manager

+33 4 9361 3901

Boulevard JF Kennedy, 06601, Antibes Cedex

www.hotel-du-cap-eden-roc.com

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