The Best Hotels to Stay in on the French Riviera

The French Riviera is not just a destination — it’s an experience. From the Belle Époque façades of Nice to the glamour of Monaco and Cannes, every journey along the Côte d’Azur deserves to be savored slowly, stylishly, and with intention.

Choosing the right hotel is essential, but how you travel between them matters just as much. Exploring the Riviera behind the wheel of a classic car transforms a simple transfer into an unforgettable part of the journey — winding coastal roads, sea views, and timeless elegance at every stop.

Below is our curated guide to the best luxury hotels on the French Riviera, paired with the ultimate way to experience them: driving the Riviera in a vintage or classic car.

Nice: Culture, Seaside Elegance, and Timeless Charm

Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel

Perfectly positioned near the Promenade des Anglais, the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel represents modern Riviera luxury with an international flair. Recently renovated, the hotel blends contemporary design with subtle nods to Nice’s architectural heritage. Rooms and suites are light-filled and refined, many offering balconies with sweeping views of the sea or city rooftops.

One of the hotel’s highlights is its rooftop restaurant and bar, which has quickly become a favorite sunset spot in Nice. Guests can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine while overlooking the Baie des Anges. With a strong focus on wellness, personalized service, and understated elegance, Anantara Plaza is ideal for travelers who want a stylish, central base with easy access to shopping, beaches, and cultural landmarks.

Best match: 1969 British Racing Green MG B Roadster

The MG B Roadster is the ideal companion for Anantara Plaza’s refined yet contemporary atmosphere. Sportier and more comfortable than earlier models, it’s perfectly suited for coastal drives along the Promenade des Anglais and day trips toward Villefranche-sur-Mer. Its British Racing Green finish complements the Riviera’s palette beautifully.

Le Negresco

An unmistakable symbol of Nice, Le Negresco is far more than a hotel — it is a living museum and a piece of French history. Opened in 1913, its pink dome and grand façade dominate the Promenade des Anglais. Inside, guests are greeted by an extraordinary collection of art and antiques, ranging from Louis XIV furniture to contemporary works.

Each room and suite is uniquely decorated, offering a sense of individuality rarely found in large luxury hotels. Dining at Le Negresco is an experience in itself, with its Michelin-starred restaurant showcasing refined French gastronomy. Service is formal yet deeply attentive, preserving the hotel’s old-world grandeur.

Staying here feels like stepping into another era, making it a must for travelers seeking authenticity and heritage.

Best match: 1961 Red MG A Roadster

Le Negresco is pure Belle Époque glamour — and nothing matches that spirit better than a 1961 MG A Roadster. With its sweeping curves and unmistakable silhouette, this car feels like it belongs permanently parked in front of the hotel’s iconic pink dome. Arriving in a red MG A is a cinematic moment, echoing the golden age of Riviera travel when style mattered as much as destination.

Hôtel du Couvent

One of the most exciting new luxury openings in Nice, Hôtel du Couvent occupies a former 17th-century convent in the Old Town. The transformation has been masterfully executed, preserving stone cloisters, vaulted ceilings, and historic courtyards while introducing modern comforts and thoughtful design.

The hotel places strong emphasis on well-being, offering thermal baths, a spa, botanical gardens, and quiet communal spaces designed for reflection and relaxation. Dining is rooted in seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from the hotel’s own gardens.

Hôtel du Couvent offers a rare sense of calm in the heart of the city, blending spirituality, history, and contemporary luxury.

Best match: 1969 Dark Blue Lancia Fulvia Coupé

Quietly elegant and architecturally rich, Hôtel du Couvent calls for a car with understated sophistication. The Lancia Fulvia Coupé offers exactly that — refined Italian engineering, compact proportions, and exceptional handling for winding inland roads. It’s the perfect match for exploring hilltop villages like Èze and La Turbie, aligning beautifully with the hotel’s contemplative, authentic atmosphere.

Monaco: Glamour, Grandeur, and Mediterranean Royalty

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo

Standing proudly on the Place du Casino, Hôtel de Paris is the epitome of Monaco luxury. Since 1864, it has hosted royalty, celebrities, and heads of state, maintaining its reputation as one of Europe’s most prestigious hotels.

Following an extensive renovation, the hotel now seamlessly blends Belle Époque grandeur with modern elegance. Rooms and suites are lavish yet contemporary, many offering breathtaking views over the Mediterranean or the Casino Square. Gastronomy is a major highlight, with the legendary Le Louis XV – Alain Ducasse holding multiple Michelin stars.

Guests also enjoy exclusive access to the Thermes Marins spa and private beach clubs. This is Monaco at its most opulent.

Best match: 1973 Dark Red Porsche 911

Monaco demands presence — and the classic Porsche 911 delivers it effortlessly. A symbol of performance, prestige, and motorsport heritage, this 911 feels entirely at home on Casino Square. Its deep red color adds drama without excess, while its driving dynamics honor Monaco’s racing legacy. This pairing speaks to connoisseurs who appreciate both engineering excellence and understated power.

Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort

Offering a more resort-style experience, Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort combines Monaco elegance with a relaxed, sun-drenched atmosphere. Set slightly away from the casino district, the hotel features lush gardens, a lagoon-style pool, and direct access to the sea.

Its rooms are spacious and airy, designed with natural tones and large terraces. The resort is also home to Michelin-starred Blue Bay restaurant, known for its innovative Mediterranean cuisine. With family-friendly amenities alongside adult-only relaxation spaces, it strikes a rare balance between leisure and luxury.

Best match: 1976 Forest Green Jeep CJ7

Monte-Carlo Bay’s resort-style atmosphere pairs perfectly with the adventurous spirit of the Jeep CJ7. More relaxed and versatile than Monaco’s palace hotels, this pairing encourages exploration — coastal roads, beach clubs, and scenic viewpoints. The CJ7’s open design and commanding stance create a sense of freedom rarely associated with Monaco, offering a refreshing contrast to the principality’s formality.

Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo

Overlooking Port Hercules, Hôtel Hermitage offers a quieter, more refined alternative to the bustling Casino Square. The hotel’s Belle Époque architecture, crowned by a stunning glass dome designed by Gustave Eiffel’s studio, sets a tone of classic sophistication.

Rooms and suites are elegant and light, many with panoramic sea views. Guests have access to Monaco’s renowned spa facilities and private beach areas, as well as excellent dining options. The Hermitage is ideal for those who appreciate discretion, comfort, and timeless charm.

Best match: 1969 Dark Blue Lancia Fulvia Coupé

Elegant, discreet, and refined, Hôtel Hermitage shares its DNA with the Fulvia Coupé. This pairing is all about subtlety — a car for guests who value craftsmanship and authenticity over spectacle. Its poised handling makes it ideal for refined drives along the corniches, while its design aligns perfectly with the Hermitage’s Belle Époque grace.

Cannes: Cinema, Prestige, and Riviera Chic

Carlton Cannes

Recently restored to its former glory, the Carlton Cannes is one of the Riviera’s most legendary hotels. Located on La Croisette, it has been inseparable from the Cannes Film Festival for over a century, hosting stars, directors, and global icons.

The renovation preserved its historic elegance while introducing contemporary comforts. Rooms are refined and spacious, many overlooking the sea. The hotel’s private beach, expansive gardens, and stylish bars make it a destination beyond festival season.

Best match: 1963 White Corvette C2 Convertible

Few hotels demand drama like the Carlton — and the Corvette C2 delivers it in spectacular fashion. Bold, glamorous, and unmistakably cinematic, this pairing turns every arrival into a red-carpet moment. The white exterior reflects the Riviera sun beautifully, making it ideal for cruising La Croisette and drawing admiring glances.

Hôtel Martinez

Known for its Art Deco heritage and lively atmosphere, Hôtel Martinez embodies modern Cannes glamour. It boasts one of the largest private beaches on La Croisette and offers a more energetic, fashionable experience.

Interiors are bold yet elegant, and its penthouse suites are among the most impressive on the Riviera. With vibrant dining venues and a strong social scene, Martinez is particularly popular during festivals and summer months.

Best match: 1976 Red Alfa Romeo Spider

The Alfa Romeo Spider embodies Mediterranean style, passion, and movement — exactly the spirit of Hôtel Martinez. With its open-top design and Italian soul, it’s perfect for stylish beachside drives and lively Cannes evenings. This pairing feels youthful, fashionable, and effortlessly chic.

Le Majestic Barrière

Facing the Palais des Festivals, Le Majestic is a favorite among celebrities and business travelers alike. It combines traditional Riviera luxury with modern amenities, including a private beach, spa, and multiple restaurants.

The atmosphere is elegant yet approachable, making it suitable for both glamorous getaways and family stays. Its location is unbeatable for festival-goers and those who want to be at the center of Cannes life.

Best match: 1969 British Racing Green MG B Roadster

Elegant without being ostentatious, Le Majestic pairs well with the balanced refinement of the MG B Roadster. It offers classic charm, comfort, and just enough sportiness for coastal drives between Cannes and Antibes.

Beyond the Cities: Riviera Legends

Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc (Antibes)

Perhaps the most legendary hotel on the French Riviera, Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc is perched dramatically above the sea on the Cap d’Antibes. It has hosted artists, writers, and Hollywood royalty for over a century.

Its iconic seawater pool carved into the rocks, manicured gardens, and impeccable service create an atmosphere of secluded glamour. Staying here feels like entering an exclusive world of Riviera history and refinement.

Best match: 1960 Grey MG A Roadster

Few drives on the Riviera are as iconic as the approach to Cap d’Antibes — and the MG A Roadster captures that moment perfectly. Its soft grey tone complements the hotel’s understated exclusivity, while its classic lines feel perfectly at home among pine trees and sea cliffs. This is Riviera elegance in its purest form.

The Maybourne Riviera

A striking modern contrast to the region’s classic hotels, The Maybourne Riviera sits high above the coastline near Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Designed with clean lines and panoramic views, it feels contemporary, serene, and deeply connected to its surroundings.

The hotel focuses on curated experiences, wellness, and fine dining, making it ideal for travelers seeking a quieter, design-led escape with exceptional views.

Best match: 1985 Blue Mini Classic

Perched high above the coastline, The Maybourne Riviera calls for a car that excels on narrow, winding roads. The Mini Classic is agile, fun, and perfectly suited for the dramatic corniche routes. Its playful character contrasts beautifully with the hotel’s minimalist architecture, creating a modern-meets-heritage experience.

Why Explore the French Riviera in a Classic Car?

The Riviera was built for driving. Its winding corniches, seaside roads, and hilltop villages reveal their true magic when experienced at a slower pace.

Renting a classic car allows you to:

• Turn transfers into experiences
• Travel in harmony with the Riviera’s heritage
• Create unforgettable arrival moments at iconic hotels
• Enjoy complete freedom between destinations

Whether you’re staying in Nice, Monaco, Cannes, or Antibes, a classic car transforms your Riviera stay into a journey — not just a vacation. In other words : Ride Classics !