Nobody here seems to be writing about European destinations these days, so I wonder where you all recommend for a few days on the Cote d'Azur and nearby Provence?
I never really got on with Villa Gallici as it does not have a proper restaurant and the suites are not overly large. Chateau Eza is very dark and the suites are not well designed (although I quite like their terrace restaurant), but yes, Four Seasons Provence is sublime, but as we have stayed there so many times, I wondered if there was anything else of note that I had missed.
Hotel du Cap Eden Roc is beautiful - location, setting, swimming pool. With Grand Hotel Cap Ferrat (just coming out of a major overhaul, so maybe worth a try) the grandest / most classic property in the area.
Cap Estel is further along the coast, closer to Monaco - similarly positioned on a small peninsula. Palais de la Mediterannee is the best city property in Nice - in my opinion much nicer than the tired Negresco.
In the St. Tropez area, there is Chateau de la Messardiere, which is well regarded. Byblos St. Tropez, depending on time of year, is a celeb hangout.
In Mougins, further up in the hills, there is Royal Mougins Hotel, set on the golf course of the famous club.
Hotel du Cap Eden Roc is beautiful - location, setting, swimming pool. With Grand Hotel Cap Ferrat (just coming out of a major overhaul, so maybe worth a try) the grandest / most classic property in the area.
Cap Estel is further along the coast, closer to Monaco - similarly positioned on a small peninsula. Palais de la Mediterannee is the best city property in Nice - in my opinion much nicer than the tired Negresco.
In the St. Tropez area, there is Chateau de la Messardiere, which is well regarded. Byblos St. Tropez, depending on time of year, is a celeb hangout.
In Mougins, further up in the hills, there is Royal Mougins Hotel, set on the golf course of the famous club.
Interesting choices, Riviera Traveller!
I just stayed at Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat and it is sensational, especially the new pool villas - VERY expensive though.
I like Cap Estel very much but wish they would hire more staff and then train them better.
I stayed at Palais de la Mediterranee a few years ago and quite liked it, and yes, much better than the awful Negresco.
Not too keen on Byblos, probably because of the celeb connection.
In Mougins, I prefer Le Mas Candille, which has the most stunning views.
I still think that FS Provence beats everything though. Service is even better than before.
Last edited by vuittonsofstyle; Jun 28, 09 at 7:19 am.
Reason: additions
We ended up staying at Le Yaca in St Tropez on our last night because the Byblos was booked out. A much nicer hotel - strange name aside - on the same street at the Byblos closer in towards the village. The hotel was classier and the staff came across as more sincere. Definitely my hotel on future visits to St Tropez. Celeb connection aside I didn't get what was so swell about the Byblos. I didn't think it was very luxurious. The staff were not that good. Very good location with thoroughfare into the Place de Lices, very good nightclub. Spoon is very nice. But as a hotel I was not very impressed with Byblos.
We ended up staying at Le Yaca in St Tropez on our last night because the Byblos was booked out. A much nicer hotel - strange name aside - on the same street at the Byblos closer in towards the village. The hotel was classier and the staff came across as more sincere. Definitely my hotel on future visits to St Tropez. Celeb connection aside I didn't get what was so swell about the Byblos. I didn't think it was very luxurious. The staff were not that good. Very good location with thoroughfare into the Place de Lices, very good nightclub. Spoon is very nice. But as a hotel I was not very impressed with Byblos.
Agree about Le Yaca - much nicer than Byblos - small and charming and right in the heart of things. Good food, too.
We loved Villa Gallici...had dinner at Clos de la Violette within walking distance. We also stayed at La Mirande in Avignon, and Alain Ducasse's La Bastide in Moustiers St Marie. Stayed at the Carlton as we had beautiful Sea View with balcony due to Royal Ambassador status,, as well as Chateau Chevre d'Or. I agree some rooms there need an uplift..but what a view! Loved the Four Seasons in Var .. Great golf!!! Another small property was in St Paul de Vence..Le St Paul and lastly the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel in Cap de Brune
We loved Villa Gallici...had dinner at Clos de la Violette within walking distance. We also stayed at La Mirande in Avignon, and Alain Ducasse's La Bastide in Moustiers St Marie. Stayed at the Carlton as we had beautiful Sea View with balcony due to Royal Ambassador status,, as well as Chateau Chevre d'Or. I agree some rooms there need an uplift..but what a view! Loved the Four Seasons in Var .. Great golf!!! Another small property was in St Paul de Vence..Le St Paul and lastly the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel in Cap de Brune
I used to love Le St Paul until the owner sold it to Baglioni. Now the food is awful (whereas it used to be Michelin) and the service is surly.
Like La Mirande, but find La Bastide de Moustiers has bad service these days. Unfortunately, this now appears to be the norm in this part of the world apart from a handful of exceptions.
Location: Toluca Lake, CA - DL 1MM & GM, AA EXP. 1MM
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I love the hotel suggestions provided already. The OP can't go wrong with them.
One I would highly recommend, also, is La Reserve de Beaulieu. While the rooms are rather bland (great bathrooms, though), and not a Four Seasons room by any means, they are more than adequate. The property, the outstanding 2-Michelin star restaurant in the hotel, the view, and the location all more than make up for it. It's been one of the best overall experiences I have had in a hotel anywhere. Everyone should stay in this property at least once. But thankfuly, it only has a few dozen rooms.
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Hotel du Castellet
I live in the area for a couple of years now, and I would recommend the Reserve de Beaulieu and the Royal Riviera in Cap Ferrat. If you enjoy racing your own sports car or if you want to walk from your private jet to your hotel room, the Hotel du Castellet (used to be owned by Bernie Ecclestone) is also a recommendation. An intimate, very well managed place.
