Royal Antibes Hotel, Residence, Beach & Spa

The Royal Antibes Hotel, Residence, Beach & Spa nods to Italy with its Italian furniture, food, and an Italian chef. The building's architect, Gerard Vollenweider, designed the hotel to resemble a sailboat, a motif noted in balconies that taper to a bow-like point and railings recalling a ship's rigging. Located steps back from the promenade with a wide view of the sea and town, the hotel has a glass and steel facade. Inside, its interiors are spare with tile floors and concrete or black surfaces, with flourishes reserved for sculptural cacti and numerous orchids in steel-gray pots. There are pops of red throughout, particularly in leather loungers and chairs. The lobby, with clusters of leather furniture and shard-like sculptures dangling from the ceiling, has a view to the plant-filled terrace that flanks the entry. The bar and restaurant are largely black from chairs, to bar counter, to placemats. It's a sharp contrast to the blue of the sea visible through the glass and from the slatted-wood-floor terrace of the eatery. There's also a beach restaurant where guests are served at umbrella tables and in loungers on a concrete platform overlooking the water. The clientele tends to be international couples and business travelers drawn to the property's chic touches and terrific views.

The location of the Royal Antibes Hotel is its best feature. Seaside, adjacent to the promenade on the Cote d'Azur, the hotel is a 10-minute walk to town where travelers will find the Picasso Museum and a farmers market. In 15 minutes on foot, one can reach the Jardin Botanique de la Villa Thuret. It's an 11-minute walk to both the star-shaped, 16th-century Fort Carre and the Antibes Cathedral. The yachting harbor of Port Vauban is a six-minute drive. For visitors who want a night cap or special meal in a stunning luxury spot, the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is also a seven-minute drive. When children are in tow, Marineland is a good choice and just 10 minutes by car. Cannes is a 20- to 30-minute drive and Nice is 30 minutes by car or 35 minutes by train. The Nice Cote d'Azur International Airport is about 25 minutes by car or about two hours by train. 

Lodgings at the Royal Antibes range from the smallest Classic Room at 215 square feet to the largest suite at 1,076-square-feet. The most spacious suite option includes a living room, full kitchen, three bathrooms, and a rooftop whirlpool. Apartments, which have full kitchens and outdoor tables and chairs, are suited to families and longer-term guests. Room decor is spare: Floors are tiled in off-white, walls are white, and the Italian contemporary furniture is limited to leather desk chairs or sofas. There are dark wood headboards, desks, and cabinets to hold flat-screen TVs. Windows or sliding doors are covered in white or beige drapes. However, suites have themed decor, such as the Royal Design Suite with pops of orange and turquoise. Some rooms also have balconies with red loungers, molded plastic chairs, and woven tables. Minibars and coffee/tea facilities are provided and rooms are air-conditioned. The kitchens include microwaves, toasters, cooktops, and refrigerators. Bathrooms are small with glass shower stalls or shower/tub combos with glass shields and wand-style, hand-held fittings. Toiletries and hairdryers are included as are room service, robes, and slippers. Wi-Fi is free in all units. 

The Royal Antibes provides several amenities -- many for a fee -- that guests near the beach will find useful. The hotel's restaurant and bar, one that offers indoor and terrace seating and an Italian-themed menu, also serves food on the beach, on a stone platform overlooking the sea. Guests can order cocktails and light fare here, such as the in-house focaccia bread. There is, however, a fee for use of the beach, towels, loungers, umbrellas, and air mattresses, whether on the sand or tethered just off shore. Guests recommend reserving these as they are quickly snapped up. The hotel has a spa for those 16 and older, with three treatment rooms offering services like massages. There is also a hammam and a blue-tiled whirlpool, and red leather loungers in a small room with color-changing lights. A bland fitness center includes cardio and rowing machines, and free weights. Wi-Fi is free at the hotel, and there are three meeting rooms (one with space for up to 55 people) as well as event space in the restaurants. The 24-hour front desk includes concierge services. The hotel is handicapped accessible and offers laundry services and on-site underground parking for a fee. Cribs and extra beds are available only in some rooms. Pets are accepted for a fee.