Where to Stay: Best Riviera Hotels 2023

As a myriad of stunning exhibitions sweep the French Riviera this summer, visitors will want to keep in mind these top hotels to complete the magnificent journey.

Part of the prestigious Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer hotel portfolio, the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo—situated idyllically on Place du Casino—is a ravishing getaway, fit with opulent offerings such as Michelin-starred dining, the Opéra Garnier, and Casino de Monte-Carlo. Following a multi-year renovation, updated guest rooms and suites (including the palatial Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III rooms) radiate with sumptuous lighting and interior design, heightened with immaculate attention to detail. A dreamlike respite can be found with classic tea service in the Jewellers’ Courtyard in the afternoon, while effervescent jazz music at Le Bar Américain is a sublime nightcap.

Whitewaller recommends: Indulging in a refreshing swim at the Wellness Sky Club’s rooftop pool, followed by a delectable taste of Mediterranean cuisine on the panoramic terrace of Le Grill.

In the dynamic center of resplendent Monaco, Hôtel Hermitage welcomes international guests to a five-star paradise that echoes the dazzling artistry of France’s beloved Belle Époque. Peaceful and extravagant, the romantic escape boasts the tempting Michelin-starred Pavyllon Monte-Carlo, a restaurant by Yannick Alléno, which offers decadent seafood dishes in a cozy setting. Also offered onsite is the hotel’s Le Limùn, an all-day dining hotspot designed to envelop guests in the invigorating atmosphere of a transatlantic cruise liner. Superior suites embellished with lavish jacuzzis and private terraces are the icing on the hospitality cake. 

Whitewaller recommends: Beginning your evening with a toast at the swank Crystal Bar, serving the finest champagne on the Riviera.

Offering warm weather indulgence until October 1, the seaside Monte-Carlo Beach Hotel has been delighting guests as an elevated retreat within nature’s bounty since the 1930s. Located on an uber-private beach, visitors can journey from a dip in the silken waves to the Olympic-sized pool at their leisure. Officially certified as a Green Globe member in 2014, the forward-thinking hotel and beach club adheres to strict codes of sustainability. Designed by illustrious architect India-Mahdavi, the property’s artful warmth plays out in sculptural nods to the roaring twenties. Unforgettable culinary adventures unfold at Elsa, a hidden treasure of seasonal delights, and Le Deck, a sparkling family-friendly brasserie of impeccable hospitality. 

Whitewaller recommends: Exploring a myriad of sunny-day water sports at the hotel, from boating to parasailing—and recovering in the magical hammam. 

The Green Globe-certified Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort presents a modern oasis with sensational views of the glittering Mediterranean Sea, a fragrant garden with four waterfalls, a heated pool, and a tranquil, sand-softened lagoon. Guests are encouraged to explore the grounds and dine at the open-air two Michelin-starred Blue Bay restaurant and witness Chef Marcel Ravin construct Caribbean and Mediterranean masterpieces. Also available is a sample of Chef’s all-day favorites at L'Orange Verte, which evokes his memorable travels across the globe. The hotel offers a lavish hair salon, fitness sanctuary, and business center on the property, too, so that your every need is sure to be met. 

Whitewaller recommends: Visiting the Cinq Mondes spa and indulging in the Summer Bay Découverte package—a serene blend of treatments, a three-course lunch, and restoration in the sauna and lagoon.