Hotel Belles Rives

This Art Deco-style hotel is scenically set on the Cote d'Azur seafront, its restaurant and bar spilling outside onto lovely outdoor terraces right by the water. The property takes full advantage of the gorgeous sea views, which many of its public spaces highlight, like its beautiful restaurant La Passagère, where the picturesque vistas are framed by large arched windows. The bright dining space, studded with white columns, chandeliers, and graphic Art Deco pieces on the walls that are echoed in the hand-painted tableware, evokes a glamorous Jazz Age past. The Hotel Belles Rives has an illustrious history itself; it was once home to F. Scott Fitzgerald who lived and worked here for several years. The house was later expanded into a hotel in 1929, and still maintains an enchanting ambience of a bygone era, from its chic guest rooms to its charming dining terraces overlooking the sea. To the delight of Fitzgerald fans, there's even a blinking green light at the end of a jetty, alleged inspiration for Gatsby's symbolic light. Besides a smattering of literary pilgrims, the elegant upscale property draws vacationing couples and families with kids, and its restaurants and bars attract plenty of non-hotel guests as well.

The hotel occupies a seafront location in Juan-les-Pins, a small resort town on the Cap d’Antibes peninsula. Antibes is about a seven-minute drive from here, home to the largest marina on the Mediterranean as well as a charming old town and a Picasso museum. Juan-les-Pins is known for its nightlife, which is within walking distance of the hotel, as is a casino and high concentration of restaurants and shops. The town also hosts an annual jazz festival in the summer. There's a beach a two-minute walk from the property, and a port just a bit further past that. The train station is an 11-minute walk away or a three-minute drive. Nice is a 35-minute drive to the east (or 45 minutes via train). Cannes can be reached in about 20 minutes by car in the opposite direction (22 minutes via train). Nice's airport is a 20- to 25-minute drive from the hotel, or around 50 minutes via public transportation. 

Like the rest of the property, rooms are chic and evocative of Jazz Age glamour. Elegant decor and furnishings are awash in creamy neutrals contrasted by dark hues, and paired with silver or gold accents in the form of lamps and mirrored nightstands. Patterned walls (stripes, diamonds, damask) are paired with patterned carpets, while armchairs and upholstered desk chairs add an additional layer of patterns. All rooms have French doors that open onto private unfurnished balconies; some with gorgeous sea views. Guest rooms are on the snug side, but Suites have space for a sitting area. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi, while DVD players, Nespresso machines, and tea-making facilities are available upon request. Bathrooms are sleek and covered in tiles, and are equipped with shower/tub combos and double sinks. Plush bathrobes, hairdryers, and Penhaligon's toiletries are provided. A cottage neighboring the hotel is also available for booking, offering two bedrooms and a terrace.

The hotel offers excellent dining options in an elegant setting, including the Michelin-star La Passagère, which is lauded for its seafood and desserts, and offers alfresco dining on a charming waterfront terrace. The seasonal outdoor La Plage restaurant also overlooks the bay, as does the Bistrot Terrasse and the seasonal Belles Rives Beach Bar. Breakfast isn't included in the room rates, but can be booked as part of a package. There's also an atmospheric piano bar that serves expertly crafted cocktails alongside an all-day menu and afternoon tea. The hotel's private jetty is lined with sunbeds, plus the property offers loungers and changing rooms at the neighboring beach. Though there's no fitness center on-site, guests have access to a health club and pool at sister property Hotel Juana. Hotel Belles Rives also offers a water skiing club, swimming classes, personal trainers, bike and boat rentals, and a menu of massages. Other amenities include meeting and event rooms, as well as free Wi-Fi throughout.