traveldk.com

The flagship of the whole Riviera, the Negresco is the grandest of grand hotels, from its splendid belle époque façade and public areas to its immaculate rooms and attentive service. One of the world’s most opulent hotels.

As ostentatious as the Negresco in its way, the Eden Roc is another landmark of the Riviera and has been for more than a century. It offers exclusivity and film-star chic in tropical gardens and is, in a word, idyllic.

The Hermitage recalls the splendour of belle époque Monaco, with its glass-domed atrium, its over-the-top restaurant decorated in pink and gold, marble terrace and fine service. A monument in its own right, it is one of Europe’s smartest hotels – a reputation it has retained for more than 100 years.

Rivaling the Hermitage for belle époque splendour, the Hôtel de Paris has a famous café-terrace on the ground floor (see Café de Paris, Monte Carlo) and is within staggering distance of the casino (see Casino de Monte Carlo). Queen Victoria stayed here, as have a host of other crowned heads and celebrities.

The Carlton is a Cannes landmark, home of the stars during the Film Festival and appropriately luxurious, with its own private beach and high standards of service. Part of an international chain, it retains an individual character.

Yet another relic of the Riviera’s aristocratic heyday, the Metropole is a mock-Renaissance palace with a heated seawater pool, a terrace restaurant with magnificent views, and a more relaxed feel than some of the Riviera’s other grand hotels.

Opened in the late 19th century this pink palace in its semi-tropical grounds is a grand place to stay, still retaining the glory of its 1920s heyday.

This historic hotel is the best address in Arles. Rooms are comfortable, and the lounge and foyer have a Provençal atmosphere.

Built in the 16th century, this was the town house of the Counts of Arlatan and is, as a consequence, steeped in history, with a walled garden and Roman relics in the foyer.

Step back in time as you enter the ornate gates of this historic hotel. Heavy wooden furniture and antique tapestries create an elegant atmosphere.