Would you like to enjoy the beach and beautiful Mediterranean scenery? We recommend a trip to Saint-Raphaël and neighboring Fréjus. Just 50 minutes from Saint-Tropez and Cannes, these seaside resorts are the perfect starting points for visiting the famous Estérel massif. This classified area covers 32,000 hectares, including magnificent glowing calanques.
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation in these coastal towns. Find out more in this article:
- our tips on the best neighborhoods to stay in Saint-Raphaël and Fréjus,
- our list of the 12 best hotels, plus a few extras.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
The best hotels in Saint-Raphaël and Fréjus: our 5 favorites
Before discovering our detailed reviews of each of the establishments we have selected, take a look at our 5 favorite addresses.
Best luxury hotel: Hôtel La Villa Mauresque
We were delighted with this hotel! We were seduced by its facade, whose style took us on a journey to the Middle East. Our room was decorated in an understated, chic, modern style, with beautifully restored antique furniture. Last but not least, this 5-star establishment boasts 2 superb outdoor pools with sea views, a Jacuzzi, a fitness room and a restaurant.
See photos, prices and availability.
Best seaside hotel: Hôtel Les Roches Rouges
This 5-star establishment is the place to be if you want to feel like your feet are in the water! The sea view from our room was superb, enhanced by a bay window. We were able to make the most of our balcony. The hotel’s terrace, complete with swimming pool, also overlooked the sea. Finally, we were captivated by its second infinity pool on the seafront. It blended in perfectly with the rocky coastline!
See photos, prices and availability.
Best hotel in Fréjus: Hôtel L’Oasis
This 3-star accommodation in Fréjus offers good value for money. It features a pleasant, sunny terrace. Its simple yet warm furnishings immediately drew us into an atmosphere of vacation and relaxation. Its main asset, however, is its location, just 5 minutes from the beach!
See photos, prices and availability.
Best 4-star hotel: Hôtel & Spa Le Confidentiel
In our opinion, this hotel has a lot of charm. We loved the decor, with its perfect harmony between chic, contemporary furnishings and the building’s older architecture. We couldn’t resist taking a dip in its superb outdoor pool and Jacuzzi! This 4-star establishment also features a restaurant and is located in the countryside, in a quiet, leafy setting.
See photos, prices and availability.
Best country hotel: La Bastide du Clos des Roses
Looking for peace and quiet? We recommend a stay at La Bastide du Clos des Roses. This 4-star hotel is nestled at the foot of the Estérel massif, in a 36-hectare park. There’s a large terrace next to the vineyard, an outdoor pool and a hammam. We enjoyed staying in a typical Provencal building with rooms that showcase the charm of the past.
See photos, prices and availability.
Where to stay in Saint-Raphaël: best districts
Why stay in Saint-Raphaël?
We recommend Saint-Raphaël if you want to stay in a seaside resort offering a wide range of activities. It’s the ideal place to visit if you’re planning to visit Saint-Tropez, relax on sandy beaches, enjoy yourself, or visit the sublime Estérel massif and its calanques. In this article, we have considered Fréjus as a “district” of Saint-Raphaël, as the 2 communes are less than 4km apart. As you stroll around, you may not even realize you’ve moved to another city!
Our article on the best things to do in Saint-Raphaël will soon be available to guide you.
Saint-Raphaël’s best places to stay: map
Here’s our map to help you get your bearings, with the main areas to stay in Saint-Raphaël and Fréjus:
Staying in downtown Saint-Raphaël
Saint-Raphaël’s town center revolves around its old port. It is home to museums, entertainment venues (casino, cinema, etc.), restaurants and a number of hotels. Saint-Raphaël’s main beach, Plage du Veillat, is located in this area.
Benefits:
- All amenities (restaurants, bars, museums, shops, etc.).
- Immediate proximity to Plage du Veillat.
- Close to the center of Fréjus.
- Wide choice of hotels and restaurants.
Disadvantages:
- Noise potential: this area is particularly touristy, especially in high season. Because of the crowds, you may experience some noise pollution.
- Limited parking: as this is a very busy area, you may find it difficult to get around by car during the high season. We advise you to take advantage of the parking lot at your future accommodation and to walk to your destination.
- Higher cost: prices are high in this neighborhood, as it is close to all amenities.
Our favorite hotels:
Our favorite in this area is the 4-star Unique Hôtel Résidence & Spa. We particularly appreciated the colorful, contemporary decor and the wellness center – see photos and availability.
We also recommend the 4-star Le Touring hotel, just 200m from the station, with beautiful sea views – see photos and availability.
Finally, you can opt for the Excelsior (4 stars), a 3-minute walk from the casino – see photos and availability.
Staying in Fréjus
Fréjus is adjacent to Saint-Raphaël, which is why we’ve included it in this article. It’s a small town that has retained its Provencal charm, despite being as touristy as Saint-Raphaël. Holidaymakers are attracted by 2 sandy beaches, popular for kitesurfing, the Villepey ponds, home to pink flamingos, and the Aqualand water park.
Benefits:
- The Provencal charm of Fréjus’ narrow streets.
- All amenities (restaurants, bars, shops…).
- Immediate proximity to Fréjus beach.
- Water sports (kite-surfing, aqualand…).
Disadvantages:
- Crowded: the center of Fréjus can be busy and therefore noisy in high season.
- Limited parking: it can be difficult to get around by car during the high season. We advise you to take advantage of the parking lot at your future accommodation and to walk to your destination.
- Fréjus is further away from the Estérel massif than Saint-Raphaël (allow 20 to 30 minutes by car).
Our favorite hotels:
We highly recommend Hôtel L’Oasis, which offers excellent value for money – see prices and availability.
Do you love old-world charm? Choose Hôtel Le Flore! – see prices and availability.
We also recommend Hôtel L’Arena if you want to enjoy an outdoor pool without breaking the bank – see prices and availability.
Staying at Cap d’Estérel
Cap d’Estérel is an area located next to the famous massif of the same name. It offers superb scenery, from sandy beaches to rocky coves. You can discover them on the coastal path, which runs along the coast from Saint-Raphaël’s Santa-Lucia port to Agay. Here you’ll find a wide range of hotels that we particularly enjoyed staying in.
Benefits:
- Magnificent scenery.
- Close to the Estérel massif and its many activities (hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, etc.).
- Hiking trails (sentier du littoral de Saint-Raphaël et du Cap Dramont…).
- Wide choice of hotels.
- Close to beaches (Plage de Camp Long, Plage d’Agay…).
- Calm.
Disadvantages:
- Far from amenities.
- Longer distance to Saint-Tropez (1 hour by car).
- Little in the way of leisure and entertainment, other than “nature” activities.
- Car essential.
Our favorite hotels:
First of all, we’d like to recommend the Hôtel des Roches Rouges, a 5-star establishment on the seafront for which we fell in love – see prices and availability.
We also recommend the beautifully decorated 5-star Hôtel La Villa Mauresque – see prices and availability.
Staying in the countryside
Need some peace and quiet for your vacation? Would you like to discover the Côte d’Azur without the hassle of being a tourist magnet? Then the heights of Saint-Raphaël are for you! They’re so quiet you’ll feel like you’re in the countryside!
Benefits:
- Calm.
- Lots of nature.
- Beautiful landscapes.
Disadvantages:
- Away from amenities, beaches and activities.
- Car essential.
- Limited hotel supply.
Our favorite hotels:
Our favorite hotel is La Bastide du Clos des Roses, with its vineyards and outdoor pool – see prices and availability.
If you’re a golf enthusiast, we recommend the Golf Hôtel de Valescure & Spa – see prices and availability. Or opt for the 4-star Garrigae Domaine de l’Ésterel hotel, with its superb outdoor swimming pool – see prices and availability.
Other tips to keep in mind
The towns of Saint-Raphaël and Fréjus, ideally situated on the Côte d’Azur between Saint-Tropez and Cannes, are particularly popular during the summer months. These seaside resorts are ideal starting points for visiting the famous Estérel massif. Prices are therefore high. We therefore advise you to book as early as possible so that you can choose your hotel and benefit from the best rates.
In the off-season, many hotels close in Saint-Raphaël and the surrounding area. We prefer the Booking platform, as calendars are updated in real time. You’ll quickly find out if the establishment is open on the dates you requested.
Parking and getting around in the center of Saint-Raphaël can be difficult, especially in summer. In town, we advise you to make your journeys on foot. On the other hand, if you want to take full advantage of the region’s landscapes and hinterland, you’ll absolutely need a car. Most hotels have private parking lots, so remember to reserve your space!
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.
1. Le Confidentiel Hotel & Spa
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 (Saint-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!
2. Hotel La Villa Mauresque
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!
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Cap Estérel.
- 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!
3. Hôtel Les Roches Rouges
Why stay there?
Like the Hôtel de la Villa Mauresque, this 5-star establishment is located on the seafront. Its trump card is undoubtedly its natural seawater pool, nestled in the rocks on the coast. If you prefer fresh water, there’s also a small pool with a sea view. We recommend this accommodation if you want to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Cap de l’Estérel. The modernist architecture of this 50’s building offers bright rooms that make the most of the view. Small touches of colorful decoration bring a little warmth to this timeless place. For even more relaxation, you can enjoy treatments and even yoga classes!
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Cap Estérel.
- Price range: 5 stars.
- Restaurant: yes.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: bar, 2 outdoor pools, spa, relaxation room.
- Parking: yes, chargeable and by reservation only.
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
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4. Hotel Le Touring
Why stay there?
This boutique hotel is ideally located in the heart of Saint-Raphaël, by the harbor. It’s within easy reach of the SNCF train station, just a 5-minute walk away. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms with shower and bath. From the superior category upwards, they all offer a sea view. This contemporary, streamlined establishment will delight gourmets. In fact, it has 2 restaurants, including a Japanese restaurant. Its decor will immediately transport you to the land of the rising sun! Last but not least, many treatments are offered by a professional masseuse.
Practical information
- District: Centre de Saint-Raphaël.
- Price range: 4 stars.
- Restaurant: yes.
- Family rooms: yes (suites).
- Facilities: steam room, fitness room.
- Parking: yes, chargeable.
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
5. Hotel du Soleil
Why stay there?
This family-run hotel will undoubtedly win you over with its Belle Époque architecture and pleasant, leafy terrace. Inside, the rooms are simple but comfortable, with wooden furnishings. We think this accommodation is ideal if you’re a family, as it offers (in addition to rooms) studio apartments for up to 4 people. We appreciate the services offered by this establishment, such as the loan of bicycles and beach towels. It’s a 20-minute walk to Plage du Veillat. In summer, you can enjoy a catering service in the garden for dinner!
Practical information
- District: Centre de Saint-Raphaël.
- Price range: 3 stars.
- Restaurant: yes, but only in summer.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Equipment: no equipment.
- Parking: no.
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
6. Unique Hotel & Spa
Why stay there?
We recommend this hotel if you want to stay in the heart of Saint-Raphaël. In our opinion, this 4-star establishment offers good value for money with its modern, refined rooms, some of which are family-friendly. You can even opt for a studio! It’s also an accommodation to consider if you’re a couple, for a romantic spa experience. It features an infrared sauna and a 2-seater Jacuzzi. You can also enjoy duo massages. And last but not least, the elegant, contemporary lounge bar.
Practical information
- District: Centre de Saint-Raphaël.
- Price range: 4 stars.
- Restaurant: no.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: spa (sauna, Jacuzzi, massages), lounge bar.
- Parking: no.
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
7. Hotel Le Flore
Why stay there?
This family-run 2-star hotel is located in the center of the pretty town of Fréjus. In a typically Provencal building, you’ll discover simple yet comfortable spaces, marked by the charm of the past. We fell in love with the terracotta floor! We advise you to consider this establishment for an economical family vacation. Triple and quadruple rooms are available. The staff will be able to give you good addresses for restaurants, and you can go to the bike rental shop right next door for your escapades.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Fréjus.
- Price range: 2 stars.
- Restaurant: no.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Equipment: no equipment.
- Parking: no.
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
8. Residence Vacances Bleues Méditerranée
Why stay there?
The superb facade of this hotel made a lasting impression on us. The imposing Victorian-style building lends a chic atmosphere to this residence comprising 49 apartments for up to 6 people and 2 garden-floor studios. This establishment is worth a visit for its history alone: writer Francis Scott Fitzgerald is said to have written his masterpiece here. Gastby the Magnificent! In addition to its magnificent architecture, we love its Mediterranean garden, sea views and ideal location in the heart of Saint-Raphaël, less than 5 minutes’ walk from Plage du Veillat!
Practical information
- District: Centre de Saint-Raphaël.
- Price range: 3 stars.
- Restaurant: no.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Equipment: no equipment.
- Parking: yes, chargeable and by reservation only.
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
9. Excelsior Hotel
Why stay there?
The Hotel Excelsior is a 4-star establishment located in the heart of Saint-Raphaël. Built in 1882 by architect Pierre Aublé, responsible for many of the villas in the region, it is an integral part of the town. Its elegant white façade in the Belle Époque style invites you in. Inside, we discovered a chic, old-fashioned bar and restaurant, with a few modern touches. Enjoy traditional cuisine. All rooms offer beautiful views, whether of the sea or the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire, built in 1883. The hotel is ideally located on the Promenade des Bains, a stone’s throw from the casino and less than a 5-minute walk from the train station and Plage du Veillat.
Practical information
- District: Centre de Saint-Raphaël.
- Price range: 4 stars.
- Restaurant: yes.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: bar.
- Parking: no.
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
10. Hotel La Bastide du Clos des Roses
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
- Neighborhood: Campagne (Fréjus).
- Price range: 4 stars.
- Restaurant: yes.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: hammam, outdoor pool, massage room.
- Parking: yes, free.
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
11. L’Oasis Hotel
Why stay there?
Would you like to take advantage of Fréjus’ long sandy beach? This 3-star hotel is for you! It’s less than a 10-minute walk from the beach and Fréjus’s hypercentre. This establishment, located in a cul-de-sac, offers a calm and pleasant setting. We loved the cosy terrace and the bright, open-plan living room. Our room was simple, but comfortable, modern and affordable. If you never travel without your pet, he’ll be very welcome at this small hotel with a relaxed atmosphere.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Fréjus.
- Price range: 3 stars.
- Restaurant: no.
- Family rooms: no.
- Equipment: no equipment.
- Parking: yes, free.
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
12. Best Western Plus La Marina Hotel
Why stay there?
This 4-star hotel will suit you if you’re looking for a host of facilities during your stay. In addition to a large outdoor swimming pool and a wellness area (sauna, fitness room), the establishment has a billiards table and table tennis. There’s also a restaurant with a terrace on the harbourfront and a bar by the pool. In addition to its location, we liked its modern, colorful decor. If possible, we advise you to opt for a room with a sea-view balcony. If you’re a family, several family rooms are available.
Practical information
- District: Centre de Saint-Raphaël.
- Price range: 4 stars.
- Restaurant: yes.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: sauna, billiards, fitness room, table tennis and outdoor pool.
- Parking: yes, chargeable and by reservation only.
- See photos, prices and availability – and book!
Other cheap hotels and campsites in Saint-Raphaël
In this section, you’ll find some hotels we’d also like to mention.
Cheap hotels
Are you on a tight budget? Don’t worry, here are some hotels offering excellent value for money:
- Hôtel Le Virevent (3 stars): we really appreciated this modern establishment located in Cap d’Estérel, 500m from the beaches! – see prices, photos and availability.
- Hôtel Le Thimothée (2 stars): this simple hotel offers rooms and studios for up to 4 people, with terrace and garden area! – see prices, photos and availability.
- Hôtel L’Arena (3 stars): with its beautiful outdoor pool, refined decor and restaurant, this establishment is sure to win you over! – see prices, photos and availability.
Campsites in Saint-Raphaël
Do you prefer campsites to hotels? Here is our selection of the best campsites in Saint-Raphaël:
- Camping Siblu Le Montourey (4 stars): set in shady grounds 10 minutes’ drive from Fréjus beach, this campsite features a restaurant and outdoor swimming pool – see prices, photos and availability
- Camping Frantheor Saint-Raphaël (4 stars): this campsite is ideally located 300m from the beach and offers beautiful panoramic views of Cap Dramont – see prices, photos and availability.
- Camping Santa Lucia (3 stars): We recommend this campsite if you don’t want to be too far from the center of Saint-Raphaël, but still want to take advantage of the coastal path, which is only a ten-minute walk away For more information, visit the official website here.
- Camping Esterel Caravaning (5 stars): an option to consider if you’re looking for a top-of-the-range campsite. For more information, click here.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Saint-Raphaël
