Hotel Chateau De La Tour

This hotel is housed in a lovely 18th-century castle that was once a private residence. The tower and crenellations across the facade add historic charm, and beautiful flowers and trees surround it. Inside, the elegant spaces still retain the intimacy of the hotel's former life as a home -- albeit a home that was undeniably opulent. Details include crystal chandeliers, wood flooring, and ornate molding. In the lobby, modern silhouetted sculptures add a whimsical touch. Stairs leading upstairs are carpeted in red, complementing other touches of red in the seating and soft furnishings. Given it's away-from-town setting, the hotel has a good number of places for guests to unwind. These include an elegant, cozy bar done in shimmery shades of tan, purple, and gold (the extensive wine cellar, of course, has helped more than one previous guest unwind). Expect and atmosphere that's relaxed and sophisticated, and much quieter than in Cannes. The hotel draws a variety of guests, including families and groups on summer vacations, though couples make up the bulk of the clientele here.

This hotel is situated on a quiet, secluded street about 10 minutes off the A8 motorway. It is a little tricky to find at first, but there are signs along the way that help. The beach is about an eight-minute walk from the hotel -- though it will lack the buzz of the beach in town (which is a good thing for many guests here). Otherwise, there are just a few other hotels as neighbors and there's little to see or do within an easy walk. Many guests here find it is most convenient to have a car, especially since there is free on-site parking. Guests can reach downtown Cannes in 10 minutes by car, or 15 minutes by public transportation (there's a frequent and cheap bus that stops at the end of the road). La Croisette Boulevard, shopping, drinking, and the famed Palais des Festivals et des Congres can all be found in town. The perfume factories in Grasse are about 30 minutes away by car. The closest major airport is in Nice, about a half-hour drive away (or an hour on public transportation). The local airport is only available for private charters. 

Rooms are individually decorated in a romantic French style, with Old-World furniture, chandeliers, rich drapery, and handsome colors like beige, taupe, silver, gold, and a few dashes of red. The patterns in the wallpaper and carpets -- sometimes damask, sometimes faux-antique -- manage to pair nicely, and feel modern rather than stuffy. Features include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and electric kettles. Executive Rooms are larger and can accommodate three people, with a double and single bed. Other rooms, like the Traditional Double that we visited, are more compact, but at least have a few antique-style chairs for seating. Upgraded rooms add balconies or terraces with views of the garden, pool, or sea. Some of the views are spectacular. Bathrooms vary in style, from modern to dated, but all come with magnifying mirrors, toiletries, and hairdryers. Some have bidets and they feature either showers or shower/tub combos. 

There are a number of features here, though the lack of a local shuttle or fitness center is a bit disappointing for a hotel in this category. There is a spa treatment room, though it's tiny and also a bit underwhelming for an upscale property. Alternatively, the beautiful outdoor pool is a highlight. Tall trees, lush vegetation, and flowers surround it and the sea is visible in the distance. Guests can choose from a variety of poolside seating options, including lounge chairs, canopied daybeds, a shaded sectional, and cafe tables and chairs for dining. A pool table provides entertainment. The hotel's restaurant, La Table du Chateau, serves upscale Mediterranean fare for lunch and dinner. During the summer, all meals are served by the pool as well. The bar is a cozy spot for a cocktail, with intimate clusters of seating. There's also a well-stocked wine cellar with seating for six guests. While breakfast is offered, the buffet selection can be underwhelming and it's not included in all rates.Events spaces can accommodate up to 90 people inside and 250 outside by the pool. They are popular for both social and business gatherings. Larger groups who take over the public spaces can sometimes inconvenience other guests, so it may be a good idea to check about events when booking. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and parking is also free.