The Top Hotels of the French Riviera

The Top Hotels of the French Riviera

Welcome to the shores of the French Riviera — a true haven for those seeking luxury, sophistication, and unparalleled service. In this article, we delve into the world of refined hotels nestled along the Mediterranean coast, where every corner is imbued with history, beauty, and elegance.

Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc

The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is considered one of the finest hotels in the world. In 2023 it was listed by multiple sources as one of the top 50 hotels in the world and in 2024 was placed on the Conde Nast gold list.

The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc belongs to the Oetker Collection. The Oetker Collection is managed by the Oetker family.

The property is composed of 3 buildings:

  • The Hôtel du Cap
  • The Eden-Roc
  • Les 2 Fontaines

The main hotel, a Napoleon III château, is located on the southern tip of the Cap d’Antibes. It houses 117 suites. In addition, there are two private villas, the Villa Eleana (in front of the property) and the Villa Les Cèdres. Owner Maja Oetker decorates the rooms and suites.

The Top Hotels of the French Riviera

The hotel has 3 restaurants, including the Michelin 1-star Louroc Restaurant and 6 bars.

The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc or simply Hotel du Cap is a resort hotel in Antibes on the French Riviera. Opened in 1870 as a private mansion under the name Villa Soleil, it became a hotel in 1889.

The Villa Soleil, built in 1869 by Hippolyte de Villemessant for writers, was later transformed into the Grand Hôtel du Cap by Antoine Sella in 1889. In 1914, the Eden Roc pavilion was added nearby. The hotel gained fame when Gerald and Sara Murphy rented it in the 1920s, hosting renowned figures like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway. After Sella’s death in 1931, his son André elevated the hotel’s status. It became a haven for celebrities, including the Kennedys, Marlene Dietrich, and Elizabeth Taylor. Rudolf August Oetker and his wife acquired the hotel in 1969. Notable events include scenes from Prince’s film “Under the Cherry Moon” shot there. Additionally, the hotel hosts amfAR’s charity auction and Chanel’s fashion events during the Cannes Film Festival.

Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes

Set down your suitcases in the splendid décor of the Hotel Le Majestic’s lobby. Be overcome with a sensation of well-being. The Mediterranean Sea embraces the terraces of the rooms. Share delightful family moments and let the children experience their own adventures.

Enjoy sport and lazing on the private beach, as well as the Projection room and Clefs d’Or Concierge, before relaxing at the Spa Diane Barrière. Inject some magic into your evenings and experience a star-studded stay.

The Top Hotels of the French Riviera

The hotel has 3 restaurants: The traditional French brasserie, Fouquet’s, serves a menu created in collaboration with the three-star chef Pierre Gagnaire. Paradiso  serves Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean influence. The BFire by Mauro Colagreco restaurant is located on the private beach.

The hotel is located just a minute’s walk from the beach, 400 meters from Cannes train station and 27 km from Nice airport. Secure private parking is also available at an additional cost. Charging stations for electric cars are available on site.

Marriott Hotel Cannes

The Top Hotels of the French Riviera

The JW Marriott Cannes, steeped in Cannes history and birthplace of the Film Festival, occupies the historic site of the first Palais des Festivals. It welcomes you in Cannes, on the Boulevard de la Croisette, only 50 metres from the beach. This 5-star hotel offers a rooftop swimming pool, a private partner beach, a casino and a shopping mall. With a cutting-edge entrance, sleek design and 261 completely renovated rooms, enjoy a 5-star experience overlooking the sea. Ideally located on the legendary Croisette, the JW Marriott is a short distance from Cannes most popular local attractions. Discover Mediterranean and Asian culinary creations at the private Palais Stephanie Beach, upscale Italian specialties at Scalini, and enjoy a cocktail on the Sunset Terrace, offering a sublime sunset in a peaceful setting. Featuring an iconic 820-seat theatre, a rooftop with breathtaking views of the Bay of Cannes, 13 flexible meeting rooms and a private beach, the JW Marriott Cannes is the perfect place to hold an unforgettable event. The JW Marriott Cannes is located 30 km from Nice-Côte d’Azur airport, 5 minutes’ walk from the train station and 15 minutes by boat from Sainte-Marguerite Island. Private underground parking is available on site.

Hotel Martinez

Nestled in the heart of Cannes along the famed Croisette, just steps from the Palais des Festivals where traditional film festivals take place, the legendary Hôtel Martinez has become an integral part of Cannes’ illustrious history. Frequented by stars attending the festival and various celebrities exploring the riches of the French Riviera, the hotel boasts a prestigious guest list, including Gerard Depardieu, Ray Charles, Sean Connery, Letizia Casta, Mariah Carey, Jodie Foster, and many others. Renowned for impeccable service, exquisite culinary experiences, breathtaking views, and the carefree ambiance of Cannes, the hotel stands as one of the city’s most iconic destinations.

The Top Hotels of the French Riviera

In 2006, the hotel underwent reconstruction, restoring the building’s white facade and the former grandeur and elegance of its comfortable rooms. Graceful bays, miniature balconies, spacious lodges with slender columns, and the exotic park surrounding it, with sprawling palms and fragrant flowers, form a harmonious ensemble with meticulously decorated rooms. The interiors are designed in Art Deco style, emphasizing the individual character of each room: warm tones, elegant teak furniture specially commissioned for the hotel, luxurious draperies, and marble-clad bathrooms — all elements seamlessly integrated to infuse a festive atmosphere into each room.

Today, the hotel offers its guests three restaurants and a bar, a private beach, a children’s club for ages 4 to 12, a heated outdoor pool, a fitness center, and the Givenchy spa center, featuring massage and treatment rooms, hydro-massage baths, a solarium, and saunas.