Royal Riviera Hotel Review - a Perfect Base for the Riviera’s Golden Triangle
Returning to the Royal Riviera after more than two decades felt like revisiting an old friend. Set between Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, this elegant hotel remains one of the Riviera’s best-kept secrets — combining discreet glamour, Mediterranean charm, and one of the most enviable views in the South of France.
A Welcome Return
It had been more than twenty years since our last stay at the Royal Riviera, yet the team welcomed us as if no time had passed at all. This independently owned five-star hotel isn’t as widely known as Cap Estel or the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, but its location is exceptional — perfectly placed to explore the Golden Triangle of the Riviera.
At the edge of Beaulieu-sur-Mer, the Royal Riviera strikes the right balance between luxury and local life. We could stroll into town for breakfast, enjoy an aperitif by the marina, or even join the summer dancing in the square. It offers all the atmosphere of living locally, without any of the compromise that comes with an Airbnb.
From our balcony, we could look down upon Villa Kérylos, across to Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, and out towards David Niven’s former home. Villa Nellcôte — once home to the Rolling Stones — was less than a ten-minute walk away.
A Long Weekend in Beaulieu Sur Mer
Three nights were the culmination of a two weeks jaunt across France with stays in Paris, Aix and further up the coast. A chance to stop before winding our way back to Paris and home.
Gorgeous Rooms at the Royal Riviera
We booked a Superior Sea and Garden View Room in the main building — a bright, peaceful space with views stretching across the bay.
Look towards Place David Niven
The décor blends 1920s influence with modern craftsmanship: custom dark-wood furniture, curved edges, and floral details that subtly nod to the Art Deco era. A great feature I liked was the high sided storage either side of the bed, with little ‘nooks’ instead of bedside tables so you can still keep your ‘phone/book nearby.
The bathroom, finished in pale travertine, was well-appointed with a full-size bath, powerful walk-in shower, and Lalique amenities. The bed deserves special mention — generously sized, perfectly dressed, and comfortably firm enough to off a brilliant nights sleep.
Whilst we didn’t have a balcony, the large window offered us gorgeous views from sunrise to sunset with a gentle sea breeze wafting into the room
Dining at the Royal Riviera
We started each evening with cocktails at the Cap Bar, an Art Déco-inspired space with a terrace overlooking the gardens.
For dinner, we skipped the more formal La Table du Royal and the wonderful sounding French Gastronomy of Chef Geoffroy Szamburski, opting for the more relaxed Jasmine Lounge. After a week of extravagant eating at Le Train Bleu in Paris, La Mere Germaine by the water in Villefranche, and the incomparable Les Remparts in Eze, we were ready for a slightly less formal affair.
We dined on Thai Salad, Teryaki Chicken and the most delicate French patisserie, washed down with a wonderfully chilled bottle of Figuière Rosé. The combination of great food, great service and location meant we booked in for a second night at the restaurant. A local band ‘The Presidents Band’ serenaded each table with guitar, sax and singing. Katherine requested ‘Just the Two of Us’ and we think they did an amazing job!
Pool or Beach
For those lazy days we could choose between the large pool or small private beach. We found loungers by the pool to be the perfect option, not far from the bar and far enough away from the younger families at the shallow end. Attentive service looked after our parasol, and cocktail needs as we enjoyed the late afternoon sunshine.
Our loungers, at the far end of the pool were in front of the private villas that were ideal for larger groups or those seeking more anonymity. I think it is always a great sign when you spot a famous face on the row behind you but they are left alone to enjoy the hotel.
From our room we got a great view of the pool, capturing the pleasing symmetry of the loungers early every morning.
Service and Atmosphere at the Royal Riviera
Across every interaction — from reception to housekeeping — the service was faultless. There’s a genuine warmth that feels more like a private club than a large hotel.
While the property has all the polish of a palace, it maintains a lightness of spirit. At checkout they joked we didn’t want to leave, and that was true! But we leave reassured of it’s excellence and confident to return in Summer 2026.
The Perfect Riviera Base
For those exploring the Golden Triangle, the Royal Riviera is ideally positioned. You can walk to Villa Kérylos, hike up to Villa Ephrussi, or reach Cap Ferrat’s coastal path within minutes. Nice is a short drive west, and Monaco lies just beyond the next headland.
Yet what makes the Royal Riviera truly special is its balance of elegance and ease. It’s luxurious without being ostentatious — a place where the glamour of the Riviera meets the comfort of coming home.
Photos of the Royal Riviera Hotel
The hotel is light and warm, with a muted palette. Here are a selection of additional photos we captured during our stay in the Royal Riviera Hotel.
Watch the Royal Riviera light up as the sun sets over Cap Ferrat
A Brief History of the Royal Riviera
The Royal Riviera opened in 1904 under the name Panorama Palace. At the time it was a marvel — 150 rooms with bathrooms, tennis courts, and a boathouse for seaside excursions. Its early guests included Paris Singer (patron of Isadora Duncan) and the composer Sergei Prokofiev.
During the First World War, the hotel served as a school for war orphans and allied Serb refugees. In 1921, it was renamed Hotel Bedford before falling into disrepair decades later.
Belgian owner Monsieur De Bruyn bought the building in the 1980s and began its transformation, but it wasn’t until Grace Leo took over management in 1999 that the property’s modern identity emerged. Her redesign gave the hotel “a youthful look” — replacing the Belle Époque style with a neo-Hellenistic palette of olive, amber, and sienna. The intention was simple yet inspired: guests should feel as if they are staying in a private Mediterranean villa, not a grand hotel.
That sense of intimacy and quiet refinement still defines the Royal Riviera today.