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 Cote d'Azur Coast Hotels
Goodness, it's crowded on the Riviera these days. If you are prepared to put up with the traffic, the brash holidaymakers on the beaches, the sheer press of people in the towns and villages and the wild expense in return for the glamour that the Cote d'Azur still undeniably possesses, then you will need a cool and comforting hotel to which to retreat: chic but not glitzy and an oasis of calm. They exist: you just have to know which ones they are, and we do, even some that won't remotely break the bank. The hotels are listed by price category, and their order bears no reflection on our preference.
 Reviews by Leonie Glass |
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| Luxury: Casually stylish hotel in a collection of old houses |
| Location: St-Tropez. In heart of old town |
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| Just 100 m or so from the Port des Pêcheurs, Le Yaca occupies several old houses (one was home to Colette in the 1920s) in the most charming corner of town. Discreet, casually chic and beautifully decorated in cool creams and whites accented by a Moroccan fabric here, an Oriental lantern there, it's the antithesis of St-Tropez flash and a real oasis of calm, especially the pool and garden. Very spoiling. |
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| Luxury: Captivating hotel in a captivating resort |
| Location: St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Overlooking village and yacht harbour |
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| Of all the resorts along this part of the coast, the little port and verdant peninsular of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat is perhaps the most alluring, with wonderful views and a palpable air of exclusivity. La Voile d'Or, opened in 1966, captures the mood with its white walls, carved gilt headboards, Baroque panelled doors, parquet floors, antique clocks and paintings, plus two swimming pools, two restaurants and those fabulous views. |
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| Mid Price: Cluster of old houses form a chic, yet intimate hotel |
| Location: St-Tropez. In heart of old town |
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| Overlooking the pocket-handkerchief beach where Bardot filmed And God Created Woman, this cluster of 17th century houses offers a compelling combination of sophistication and warmth. What began as her father's simple fishermen's bar has been transformed over the years by delightful Simone Duckstein into a bustling restaurant and tranquil hotel, filled with the beautiful paintings of her late husband, artist Jacques Cordier. |
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| Mid Price: Elegant, personally run art deco villa in a peaceful spot |
| Location: Cap d'Antibes |
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| Hidden amongst century-old pine trees on verdant Cap d'Antibes, this chic Art Deco villa with a charming, fresh feel is run by Flemish brothers Filip and Frederik Vanderhoeven. An oasis of calm just 100 yards from Salis Plage, it has lush gardens, five stylish rooms where African artefacts jazz up a the neutral colour scheme, and a pool. A one minute walk brings you to the Mediterranean, a 10 minute walk to Antibes. As well as breakfast, salads and snacks are served until 8pm from April until October. |
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| Mid Price: Peaceful seaside refuge with a relaxed atmosphere |
| Location: Ramatuelle. On Pamplonne beach between St-Tropez and Ramatuelle |
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| An oasis of calm hidden in sand dunes in the middle of the St-Tropez beach scene. The emphasis is on relaxation and well-being (massages, beauty treatments, two swimming pools, one for lengths, golf practice, tennis) and the unpretentious boho/beachshack atmosphere is easygoing. In a well-kept garden, ten quaint wooden bungalows are eclectically and charmingly decorated by the Persian owner. |
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| Inexpensive: Fresh modest rooms at bargain prices in central St-Tropez |
| Location: St-Tropez. In town centre |
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| It's hard to imagine a budget option in St-Tropez of all places, but this is most definitely one. Les Palmiers is an attractive house hidden behind a wall of orange and palm trees right in the centre of town. Rooms are simple but fresh, with Provençal fabrics and painted furniture, air-conditioning, phone, TV and minibar. Great location, laid-back atmosphere and fantastic room rates make it a Côte d'Azur secret. |
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| Inexpensive: Delightful B&B in a bougainvillea-clad villa |
| Location: Nice. Upper town, close to centre and sea |
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| A steep climb from the centre brings you to this charming guesthouse. It's run by a delightful couple, Martine and Jacques Ferrary, who serve wonderful breakfasts including garden fruits and homemade jams. The pretty mid-19th century Italianate villa is smothered in bougainvillea, there's a lush garden and small swimming pool, plus homely bedrooms and views of the sea in the distance. |
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| Inexpensive: Eclectic hotel with original decoration and an exotic garden |
| Location: Nice. Centre of new town |
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| In an unassuming building, the Windsor bursts with individuality. In reception a Thai shrine takes centre stage while the soundtrack of a space ship launch livens up the lift ride to the top floor, now an eastern-style fitness room and Moroccan hammam. Twenty of the 58 bedrooms are decorated by contemporary artists and there's a wonderful exotic garden where breakfast is taken in summer. |
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| Inexpensive: Lovely Italianate villa with glorious views and simple traditional rooms |
| Location: St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. On hill overlooking the sea |
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| In the same family since 1945, this pretty Italianate villa is an extremely simple hotel in an extremely beautiful and privileged location with sensational views from its flower-filled terraces. Bedrooms (air-conditioning) are basic (bed, chair, desk) but neat and clean. Those with terraces, such as No 10, spacious and rose pink with old-fashioned sky blue balustrades, are most sought-after. No restaurant, but breakfast is copious. Unforgettable. |
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