Belles Rives Hotel | Boutique Hotels in Cote d'Azur

This is a 3 star hotel masquerading as a 5 star 1920s Fitzgerald era Art Deco experience in order to charge from €250 a night. I understand this hotel has a history and this certainly appeals to the older generation. However for a younger generation, this falls short given today’s expectation of a 5 star service. Whilst the service was good on arrival, you’d need to get the very best room with sea view to get close to 4 star. The hotel is beautiful and set in a stunning location.If you book a city view, expect to receive a small room with views of the road and some trees. A tiny, unkept, unusable balcony with the sound of traffic. No views of the city. You’ll also get a cramped green tiled bathroom with a cheap shower/ bath combination that leaks. The TV is old. The towel rails are old. The taps are old. All the small details you expect in a 5 star hotel are not here. It’s tired and dated.There’s no pool. You have to go to the sister hotel up the road. This is my fault for not checking, I just assumed as it’s 5 star. You have the sea, but you have to pay for sun loungers.Sun loungers are €30 a day or more depending on where you sit. This is common policy in the area yes, but considering you’re a guest who’s paid significantly you’d expect this to be included.Valet parking is €40 a night. This was not made clear at the start so when we contested this, they quickly removed the charge- this was appreciated.A pot of tea is €8 euros- which we felt was extortionate at the beach bar. Popcorn doesn’t have those margins.I said I was disappointed. I was offered a sea view room for an extra €100 euros. They said they were fully booked so had no other rooms.

The view from the beachfront restaurant is a dream. Went in for a quick lunch for two, left after three plates, desert, and coffee. Three hours had gone by. Combine that with the expensive and worth it cocktails or wine list, and you have a must visit.They are very selective and I would recommend a reservation ahead of time.

Incredible location between Cap d'Antibes and Juan Les Pins, this hotel is a little gem with a lot of history!! Iconic place where celebrities used to stay and still do. Staff is excellent. Views over the bay of Juan-Les-Pins and the Lerins islands are exceptional. Highly recommend for your summer holiday!