A review of the Royal Riviera Hotel in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France on the trip Perusing the Persian Gulf.
Highlights
- Private sandy beach.
- Beautiful aromatic gardens.
- Outdoor heated pool.
- Exquisite French and Mediterranean cuisine.
Background
The Royal Riviera Hotel has been a landmark since 1904 when it opened as the Panorama Palace. It managed to survive two world wars and pass through several hands until 1998 when new owners appointed Grace Leo as new management consultant and totally renovated the hotel to bring it into the 21st century. Now it fully embraces its prestigious status as a Mediterranean villa and with all the luxury of the now long gone palaces by the sea.
Experience
The entire region seems to emanate glamour and the Royal Riviera Hotel is no exception. It’s a leisurely drive from Nice and right off of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferret peninsula. The hotel has the feel of the golden age of Hollywood, as if Cary Grant or Grace Kelly might stroll across the terrace at any moment.
I was greeted immediately when I arrived and welcomed. I checked-in and took a moment to look around the beautiful lobby as I made my way to my Deluxe Room in the main building.
The décor was more modern though other floors have more classical styling. The warm colors perfectly complemented the cool blue hues of the pool and Mediterranean Sea. The bathroom was finished in marble with stunning fixtures. I especially enjoyed the welcome gift of chocolates from around the world.
There are also rooms and suites in the Villa Orangerie which include Bedroom Suite Orangerie which can be converted into 2 or 3 bedroom units. All 78 rooms and suites in the Main Building and Villa Orangerie are fully soundproofed for peace and quiet as well as a minibar, air conditioning, flatscreen TV, in-room safe, a desk and free wireless internet.
Dining at the Royal Riviera Hotel’s La Table du Royal is a grand experience. The menu is carefully prepared by Chef Bruno Le Bolch which features French cuisine inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle. And what is a meal without wine to accompany the delectable flavor profiles; the head sommelier stocks the finest wines from the region as well as international vintages.
During the summer months La Pergola opens up during lunch hours. Guests can dine by the pool and enjoy the view of the Mediterranean while eating an array of fresh salads and chef specialties. The Le Cap Bar also opens up for casual drinks on the terrace overlooking the gardens. If guests want to stay by the pool there is also the Pool Bar with a wide array of creative cocktails.
A stay wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Wellness Center which features a number of body and facial treatments. All the products are from the exclusive Sundari line for the ultimate luxury spa experience. Guests also get access to the Fitness Center with a relaxing sauna and steam bath to fully rejuvenate the body after a full body training session.
The outdoor pool is heated so guests can splash around all year round; they even have a lifeguard on duty so parents can send their kids to the pool without worrying. If you’re looking for something to get your adrenaline pumping, there’s a wide variety of watersports equipment rentals available at the private beach, including water skiing, parasailing, jet skis and boats.
The Royal Riviera Hotel isn’t just for leisure, it also has two top-notch business facilities which are ideal for meetings and conferences. The Mediterranée Room and Azur Room can be used separately or combined to fit small meetings of 20 people or cocktail parties for 100 or 150 guests. There is also the Panorama Room for something extra special. The room has sweeping views over the Mediterranean which is reflected in the decorative mirrors so guests can enjoy the view from any angle. It also has private access to the terrace which is perfect for private events.
The service at the Royal Riviera Hotel was gracious and very professional. The servers in the restaurant were well presented and attentive. I felt well taken care of from the moment I walked into the lobby.
The amazing views, private beach access, mouth-watering food and plush accommodations make the 5-star Royal Riviera Hotel one of the ultimate Mediterranean vacation choices. I highly recommend this hotel for those seeking luxury on the Riviera.
Contact
Royal Riviera Hotel
Address: 3, avenue Jean Monnet, 06230 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
Telephone: +33 (0) 4 93 76 31 00
Website: http://www.royal-riviera.com/en/
Email: info@royal-riviera.com