Don’t want to stay in a huge hotel where you can’t find your room?
Here’s our selection, with photos, of the best small boutique hotels on the Côte d’ Azur and why we love them: boutique hotels with style, comfort and a warm welcome.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Charming boutique-hotels on the Côte d’Azur
The Côte d’Azur offers a wide variety of hotels: palaces, luxury hotels, chain hotels… In the countryside or on the waterfront. And there are plenty of charming little hotels, some independent, some not, but all with a soul.
We haven’t been able to test them all yet, but here are our favorites so far. And we’ll be back to add to that list!
1. Hotel Le Pré de la Mer (Saint-Tropez, 4*)
Why stay there?
Nestled to the east of the city center, this hotel attracted us for its large garden and sober, modern decor. Its strategic location gives you easy access to Plage des Canoubiers, just a 5-minute walk away. It has a very pleasant swimming pool, surrounded by many deckchairs, to enjoy the sun of the South of France!
What sets this establishment apart from others is its friendly, authentic atmosphere. The rooms are warm and comfortable. We could even look out over the garden from our bed.
Practical information
- City: Saint-Tropez
- Range: 4 stars
- The hotel has a full-length outdoor swimming pool.
- No beach at the foot of the hotel
- Facilities: restaurant, spa area, hammam, fitness room, sports classes, shuttle bus,
- Parking: yes, private and free.
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
2. Hôtel de Londres (Menton, 3*)
Why stay there?
Even before entering the establishment, we were seduced by the charm of the main avenue lined with lush plants. The white facade with green shutters blended perfectly into the background.
Located to the west of the city center at Borrigo Beach, we loved staying at this hotel. We were totally won over by the thoughtful decor, outdoor terrace and strategic location!
Practical information
- City: Menton
- Price range: 3 stars
- The hotel does not have a swimming pool
- Located close to the seafront, just cross the road to enjoy a swim at Plage du Borrigo.
- Restaurant: no
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: bar, live music in high season, landscaped garden, water sports equipment
- Parking: no
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
3. Hôtel Miramar (Monaco, 3*)
Why stay there?
We were delighted to discover this boutique hotel! We like establishments that have a strong identity in their decor, and we were well served! This small hotel has a marine atmosphere. Everything, from the corridors to the rooms, is designed to make you feel like you’re in a boat. However, each room has its own theme, and they are all modular. This originality is a welcome addition to the Principality’s classic hotel offering. Finally, the rooftop is really pleasant, overlooking Port-Hercule and the Rocher in the background. The perfect setting for a memorable breakfast!
Practical information
- City: Monaco
- Range: 3 stars
- Restaurant: yes
- Family rooms: no
- Facilities: PRM access and adapted rooms, rooftop, daily maid service and wake-up service
- Parking: no
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Hotel Sezz (Saint-Tropez, 5*)
Why stay there?
We fell in love with Hotel Sezz. In our opinion, it’s the best 5-star establishment on the Côte d’Azur. We were delighted by its modern, minimalist design. We recharged our batteries in this unspoilt oasis, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
We also loved the Restaurant Colette located in the hotel. The gourmet menu focusing on fruit and vegetables proved inventive, extremely well presented and rich in flavor. We received a superb welcome from the staff, which helped to make our experience even more memorable!
It’s a little bit bigger, with 35 rooms, but it was a real “coup de coeur”.
Practical information
- City: Saint-Tropez
- Range: 5 stars
- There is no beach at the foot of the hotel.
- The hotel boasts a vast swimming pool in which clouds and palm trees are reflected.
- Gourmet restaurant and bar Customized cocktails and mocktails
- Facilities: spa area, steam room, Jacuzzi, fitness room, sports classes, shuttle bus,
- Parking: yes, free and private, valet parking.
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
5. Le Confidentiel Hôtel & Spa (Saint-Raphaël, 4*)
Why stay there?
We highly recommend this 4-star hotel, which offers a relaxing setting. It boasts a beautiful outdoor pool with Jacuzzi and sauna, as well as a restaurant. We appreciated the calm environment in which this establishment is set, and even more so its decoration. Our room was elegant and chic, yet warm thanks to the use of wood panelling and parquet flooring. The reception and lounge were also very pleasant. The contemporary furnishings were a perfect match for the building’s older architecture.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Campagne deSaint-Raphaël
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: yes
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, bar
- Parking: yes, free
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
6. Hotel Alexandra (Antibes, 3*)
Why stay there?
You’ll love the Hôtel Alexandra, a 3-star establishment housed in a listed building dating from 1860. The facade is splendid and imposing, but the atmosphere is intimate and convivial. This accommodation is designed as a family home, with a large lush garden where you can relax or have breakfast. We liked the decor, classic but warm. The rooms were bathed in light, which was really nice. Last but not least, the hotel’s location is ideal for enjoying the peace and quiet of Juan-les-Pins, while still being within easy walking distance of the town center. The resort’s beaches are only 300m away!
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Antibes-Juan-les-Pins.
- Price range: 3 stars.
- Restaurant: no.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: terrace, 110m2 garden, children’s board games.
- Parking: no.
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
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7. Hôtel La Villa Mauresque (Saint-Raphaël, 5*)
Why stay there?
We’re sure you’ll be as captivated by the beauty of this hotel as we are. With its superb Moorish-style facade and palm trees, we felt as if we were traveling to the Maghreb. Inside, the decor is sober and chic. In addition to its facilities (2 outdoor pools, Jacuzzis, a restaurant…), you’ll appreciate the variety of services on offer (massages, loan of diving and canoeing equipment, ping-pong table…). We fell in love with its 4,000m2 garden, where many beds are set up for lounging around the pool or facing the sea!
It’s also on our list of the best seaside hotels.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Cap Estérel near Saint-Raphaël
- Price range: 5 stars
- Restaurant: yes
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: 2 outdoor pools, Jacuzzis, fitness room, bar
- Parking: yes, chargeable
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
8. Arome Hotel (Nice, 3*)
Why stay there?
A budget hotel close to the Promenade des Anglais with all the comforts required for a successful stay, that’s what we found in this establishment during our stay. Located in the city’s exclusive Carré d’Or district, the Arome Hôtel offered us a warm and charming setting close to the city’s main points of interest. And we stayed only a quarter of an hour’s walk from the old town! On the other hand, we were glad not to be too busy on vacation, as there was no elevator.
Practical information
- City: Nice
- Price range: 3 stars.
- Restaurant: yes.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: WIFI.
- Parking: no.
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
9. Hôtel Cartlon (Beaulieu-sur-Mer, 4*)
Why stay there?
Beaulieu-sur-Mer is the place to enjoy the Côte d’Azur, but in a quieter, less crowded setting.
In this elegant city, we particularly liked the Carlton hotel, with its outdoor pool facing the beautiful building, its friendly staff and its large, welcoming rooms.
It has 31 rooms, but the welcome and charm are there.
Practical information
- City: Beaulieu-sur-Mer
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: no
- Family rooms: no
- Equipment: swimming pool
- Parking: yes, chargeable
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
- Great kayak trips in:
Saint-Tropez to the Ramatuelle reserve
Cassis to the calanques - Helicopter flight from Cannes
- Shuttle service along the coast between Nice and Saint-Tropez
- Bike tours: eBike in Nice – Mountain biking in the Esterel massif
10. Hotel Nice Côte d’Azur (Nice, 4*)
Why stay there?
Next door to the Maison Durante in the Jean Médecin district, the original style of this 4-star hotel really seduced us. Refinement and comfort are combined in this establishment to offer us another high-end experience. We didn’t think about anything else and just relaxed in this oasis of freshness where welcome and service rhyme with excellence!
Practical information
- City: Nice
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: yes
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: PMR access, balcony, WIFI, terrace
- Parking: no
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
11. Hotel Chateau Eza (Èze, 5*)
Why stay there?
Nestled in the region’s most beautiful medieval village, Èze, this charming little luxury hotel offers a unique experience. Enjoy the history of the old stones that surround you, and the breathtaking views over the Mediterranean.
The rooms and suites are tastefully decorated to blend in with the origins of the place, but still provide every comfort!
Practical information
- Town of Èze between Nice and Monaco
- Price range: 5 stars
- Restaurant: yes, gastronomic
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: spa, and some rooms have Jacuzzis
- Parking: private and paid, valet parking
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
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12. Hôtel La Ponche (Saint-Tropez, 5*)
Why stay there?
This luxury hotel is a landmark in Saint-Tropez. It has a rich history, as it was originally just an ordinary fishermen’s bar. We learned that this place had attracted stars in the 50s (including actors, writers and artists). Can you imagine Pablo Picasso sitting on the bar’s terrace back then?
We also appreciated its privileged location and picturesque atmosphere. It’s a popular place to stay, renowned for its authenticity and intimacy. Some rooms offer breathtaking sea views. The hotel also features a renowned restaurant serving refined Mediterranean cuisine.
Practical information
- City: downtown Saint-Tropez
- Range: 5 stars
- The hotel has no swimming pool.
- Facilities: restaurant, spa, massages and treatments, fitness room, sports classes, shuttle service,
- Parking: yes, private and paying, valet parking.
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
13. Hôtel La Bastide du Clos des Roses (Fréjus, 4*)
Why stay there?
This hotel is located in the heart of the Fréjus vineyards. In this quiet, privileged setting, it offers spacious rooms combining old-world charm, chic and elegance. Gourmets will be delighted to stay at this estate, where they can enjoy creative Provencal cuisine either in the dimly lit restaurant or on the large terrace. After a good meal, why not take advantage of the relaxation area? We’re sure you’ll fall in love with the large outdoor pool, the hammam or a duo massage experience. If you’re a lover of nature and local produce, don’t hesitate to opt for this charming hotel!
Practical information
- City: Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël
- Price range: 4 stars
- Restaurant: yes
- Family rooms: yes
- Facilities: steam room, outdoor pool, massage room
- Parking: yes, free
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
14. Aparthôtel Villa Garbo (Cannes, 4*)
Why stay there?
Housed in a Belle Époque-style house, the establishment offers a warm, intimate atmosphere. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, we recommend you sleep here. The suites are elegantly decorated and offer all the comforts you need to relax and unwind. Just walk 500m to the Promenade de la Croisette and its lively beaches. The staff is attentive and welcoming, to guarantee you an exceptional stay.
Practical information
- City: Cannes
- Price range: 4 stars.
- Restaurant: no.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: lounge bar, terrace, hammam and gym.
- Parking: yes.
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
15. Hôtel Le Suquet Cannes (Canne, 4*)
Why stay there?
This establishment is full of character. We had a memorable stay. In fact, it’s one of our favorite establishments in Cannes. If you’re looking for an experience that combines comfort, luxury and authenticity, we highly recommend this 4-star hotel. It is close to the city’s main tourist attractions. We enjoyed a spectacular view of the sea and the red roofs of Cannes from our room’s balcony. Far from the glamorous, extravagant atmosphere of the Croisette, this hotel on a human scale totally seduced us. Its architecture and colorful shutters, typical of Mediterranean houses, gave it a lot of cachet.
Practical information
- District: northwest of the Suquet district.
- Price range: 4 stars.
- Restaurant: yes (open from March to October between midday and midnight).
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: indoor swimming pool.
- Parking: yes.
See photos, prices and availability – and book!