Hôtel Riva

The Hotel Riva has stunning views of the Mediterranean with interiors that are sparse and simply decorated. The entrance of this cream masonry building features a white awning-covered terrace with tables and chairs that flank the entrance. Inside, there's a small, white reception desk and various upholstered contemporary pieces in bright purple and green clustered near coffee tables. The adjacent breakfast room, with a mirror-backed buffet station, is bright, with big windows looking out on the street and large lights with pleated drum shades. The treatment rooms at the spa are less striking, with earth-toned walls and sconce lighting; there is a touch of Asia in the orchid blossoms and stone Buddhas. The hotel's most attractive space could be its chic rooftop, with a bleached, slatted-wood deck and sleek grey lounge chairs with colorful metal side tables. The blue-tiled rectangular pool here, illuminated at night, is a sought after amenity. Just off the deck is a small bar with kelly-green pendant lights, limited counter seating, and a small lounge area with the same bright-purple and green furniture found in the lobby.

The Hotel Riva is located in the town of Menton on the Cote'Azur, a 25-minute drive from Monaco. It's directly across from a pebbly public beach. There is some bus service, but a car is almost a necessity to reach other sights. It's an eight-minute walk to the Les Jardin Bioves, while the walk to the town of Menton, where there are restaurants and shops, takes about 15 minutes. It's also a 15-minute walk to the Musee Jean Cocteau Collection Severin Wunderman. The Basilica St. Michel and the Old Chateau Cemetery are a 10-minute drive away, while it's an 11-minute drive to the pretty gardens of the Villa Maria Serena.  The main railway station is a 15-minute-drive. It's a 40-minute drive to Nice (where the closest major airport is located) and Saint-Jean-Cap Ferrat is 48 minutes by car. Cannes takes 80 minutes to reach by car. Verdon Gorge, known for camping and hiking is two hours and 15 minutes away. 

All guest rooms at the Hotel Riva have balconies, and the best views are in the sea-facing rooms on floors four through six. Other rooms face the mountains, and those on lower floors have views that includes the street and a slice of beachfront. The interiors are plain, with wooden floors, black-out drapes, gray walls and headboards, and lackluster furnishings. Some rooms have leather tub chairs in cognac. All rooms have air-conditioning, minibars, and safes, but they lack tea- and coffee-making facilities. Bathrooms have beige tile and fluorescent lights, old-style fittings, and hairdryers, and are in need of an upgrade. Shower/tub combos have curtains and hand-held nozzles that guests complain are often haphazardly affixed. 

The Hotel Riva, while a mid-level property by Cote d'Azur standards, offers some higher-end amenities. There is a sundeck with lounge chairs and a whirlpool, although guests complain that it is often closed even when the weather is cooperative. Guests can get drinks from a small bar just inside, where there's limited counter seating and some upholstered furniture that constitutes a lounge. The hotel has a spa that includes organic products, and massages and a Turkish bath are available. Yoga classes, for a fee, are also offered. Breakfast is served for a fee each morning and includes eggs, pastries, and fruit -- continental breakfast room service is also available for a fee. Other features include a small business station with a computer and a printer, a meeting room, and free -- but sometimes spotty -- hotel-wide Wi-Fi. Private parking is available for a fee. Most of the hotel is wheelchair accessible (save for the spa, which is only accessible by stairs). Pets are not allowed.