OUR TOP 5 HOTELS ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA
1. Le Negresco Nice.
The story started in 1912 when Henri Negresco the son of a Romanian innkeeper, after living in Paris and Monaco, decided to settle in Nice. He then decided to build a prestigious hotel to cater for wealthy clients. The architect he chose was none other than Edouard Niermans, one of the most celebrated architects of his time. The pink dome was also reportedly designed by Gustave Eiffel. In 1957 when Jeanne Augier took over the hotel, guests such as Dali, Princess Grace of Monaco, the Beatles, Louis Armstrong and Elton John enjoyed staying. Boasting an impressive collection of artwork and furniture spanning over 5 centuries, this iconic hotel continues to draw tourists and celebrities from all over the world. With 100 Guest rooms and 25 suites, each individually styled room offers a feast for your eyes! Talking of feasts, be sure to drop in to the hotel’s 1 Michelin starred restaurant the “Le Chantecler” to try their fabulous menu offering a tribute to regional produce. Unfortunately, when this was written, the Negresco is currently closed due to Covid 19. We look forward to them reopening soon.
2. Hotel du Cap Eden Roc
This grandiose hotel started out as a private mansion built in 1869 by the founder of France’s “Le Figaro” newspaper, Jean Hippolyte Auguste Delaunay de Villemessant. Originally called Villa Soleil, Jean built the mansion for writers seeking inspiration. In 1887 Antoine Sella, an Italian hotelier bought the property and in 1889 it opened its doors as the Grande Hôtel Du Cap.Some notable guests over the years include, a junior John F Kennedy, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Winston Churchill, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
Situated on the southern tip of Cap d’Antibes, the hotel boasts 118 guest rooms and 2 villas set amongst a wonderful tranquil setting and a perfect place to unwind with a cocktail after a long day shopping or sight-seeing! We love the Eden Roc restaurant for lunch, with its stunning views towards Cannes and the Iles de Lérins.
3. Intercontinental Carlton Cannes
This iconic hotel in in the centre of “Boulevard Le Croisette” in Cannes, is known throughout the world for its lavish parties and super high-profile guests. Built between 1909 and 1913 for Henry Rhul, a Swiss hotelier, its reputation has grown throughout the years for being the place to be, and be seen during the Cannes film festival. The hotels rich history doesn’t just evolve around glitzy parties and A – list celebs, it was also the location for the first ever league of nations conference in 1921. At the time of writing, the hotel is going through an extensive refurbishment, and we look forward to seeing the completed work in 2023. We are certain it will be above and beyond our expectations!
4. Hôtel Cap-Estel Ezé
The best way to catch a glimpse of this amazing hotel is from a boat! Situated on a 2-hectare peninsular between Nice and Monaco, if you love looking out to sea, then this is the place for you! Surrounded on 3 sides by water, and set-in lush greenery, this boutique hotel is the perfect place to get away from the crowds and relax in private. The main building was built in 1899 and extensively renovated in 2003 and contains 2 presidential suites, the largest with over 445 m2 of floor space not including the ample terrace! Hungry? These guys have it covered, either a light and tasty poolside lunch at the super classy “fiscus” restaurant, or something at bit more gourmet at the 1 Michelin star “La table de Patrick Raingeard” where you will experience Patrick’s homage to produce gathered from the sea and the shore (and the hotel’s own garden)
5. Hôtel de Paris Montecarlo
Originally just olive and lemon trees, this space was magnificently developed by François Blanc into one of the world most luxurious hotels. Opening its doors in 1864, this hotel catered exclusively to the international elite, as it still does today. Rockefeller, Rothschild and Vanderbilt are just a few of the high-profile guest that have stayed here over the years. As well as welcoming kings, Queens and dignitaries from all over the world, the hotel has also feature in many movies including Iron Man 2, Madagascar 3 and as you would expect, 2 James bond films, Goldeneye and never say never again. Spread over 4 floors with 99 rooms and 83 suites (including a presidential suite) this hotel has options for all tastes but unfortunately not all budgets! With 3 restaurants to choose from, including Alain Ducasse’s Louis XV restaurant boasting 3 Michelin stars as well 600,000 bottle wine cellar, you certainly won’t go away hungry or thirsty! If you prefer something a bit more relaxed you can dine in the “Le Grill” on the top floor with its sliding roof or grab a drink in the American bar whilst listening to some live jazz.
Contact us at www.wild-child-charters.com for more information on any of these hotels