Luxury Travel by thirdpassport

Nestled along the glistening shores of the Côte d’Azur, Hôtel Belles Rives in Antibes captures the essence of French Riviera glamour. With its stunning Art Deco architecture and breathtaking Mediterranean views, this Antibes hotel is a timeless destination for luxury travellers. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway or a serene retreat, Hôtel Belles Rives promises an unforgettable experience.

This trip and stay at Hôtel Belles Rives marked my first visit to Antibes and one that that I had been really looking forward to for a few months. It was scheduled for a weekend after a busy week in Paris. Additionally, the hotel has been awarded one Michelin Key and my expectations were very high.

Where they met? Read on to find out!

Why Choose Hôtel Belles Rives in Antibes?

Antibes is a jewel of the French Riviera, offering golden beaches, a rich cultural heritage, and a vibrant dining scene. Hôtel Belles Rives enhances this charm with its unmatched blend of luxury, history, and impeccable service.

Highlights of Hôtel Belles Rives:

• Art Deco Architecture: A meticulously preserved 1920s design that transports you to the Roaring Twenties.
• Unbeatable Location: Close to both Juan-les-Pins and the historic heart of Antibes, yet tucked away for tranquillity.
• Michelin-Starred Dining: Home to La Passagère, a culinary haven for gourmands.
• Private Beach Club: Relax in style with direct access to the Mediterranean.

Enhanced Perks

The Hôtel Belles Rives is a member of Virtuoso and other programs available to luxury travel advisors, meaning that different perks and benefits apply depending on how the reservation is made.

These partnerships allows me to offer exceptional experiences and additional benefits when you book with me. At the time of writing, these include:

Location

We were in Paris the week before heading to Antibes and took the high-speed train to the south of France instead of flying; it’s convenient but also greener. The hotel is located about 10-15 mins taxi ride from Antibes train station. Juan-les-Pins train station is located slight closer to the hotel and is served by local trains. In fact, this is where we headed to get our train to Nice airport at the end of our stay.

The hotel location is great as it is walking distance to the busy area of Juan-les-Pins with all its restaurants, bars, and shops, but far enough to be quiet & relaxing. If you’re a walker, the downtown area of Antibes can also be reached on foot in about 30 mins. There you can find a lot more shops and restaurants, a beautiful market of fresh fruit & vegetables, as well as Musée Picasso and Le Fort Carré.

Arrival at Hôtel Belles Rives

Travelling to Hôtel Belles Rives is part of the charm. We opted for the high-speed train from Paris to Antibes—both eco-friendly and scenic. Upon arrival, a quick taxi ride brought us to this elegant property. Check-in was smooth and welcoming, with a guided tour introducing us to the hotel’s rich history and luxurious amenities.

I loved the original elevator and old school key. The keyring is heavy, so make sure you leave it with the concierge when going out exploring.

Departure was equally efficient. The friendly head concierge was able to check us out quickly, as the Reception team was busy. We left our luggage for a couple of hours with them and went for a long walk around the cape, checking out Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc – an Oetker Collection property and one of our partner hotels offering exceptional service and perks when booking through me – along the way the way.

The Hotel

Walking into Hôtel Belles Rives is like travelling back in time to an era of classy art deco and buying a new hat for the flight. As you enter you can see a lot of the original decorative features, with plenty of seating in the lobby. On the left you have the entrance to the restaurant (more about that later), and on the right the Reception and Concierge desks as well as the original elevator – which still works!

At the end of the lobby there is a set of double doors taking you to the terrace and the view of the sea beyond. On the right of those doors, there’s a small room (a “cosy nook”) with comfortable seating and photographs of celebrities and well-known personalities that have stayed or visited the hotel. Next to it is the bar.

Whether you are relaxing in the inviting lobby or exploring the grounds, Hôtel Belles Rives consistently impresses with its attention to detail and dedication to guest satisfaction.

If you like art deco this place is just sublime. Even if you are not into art deco one cannot help noticing how well everything is put together. A real visual treat!

The Room

We were upgraded to a Deluxe Sea View room and walking through the door one cannot help noticing the pièce de résistance of the Hôtel Belles Rives … the sea view is just captivating and draws you in. Whether day or night, looking out at sea has a calming effect for me.

Looking in, the decoration is a very interesting mix of styles and colours. Does it all go well together? Yes. Does it need a little TLC? Also yes.

The room was very comfortable (though the bed was slightly too short for me) and a full size sofa meant that one can relax without having to sit on the bed all the time. A welcome amenity of fresh fruit & berries, as well as a bottle of Rosé wine was provided. Complimentary tea bags were also provided and there is a Nespresso machine in the room, but do note that capsules are charged at €4 each.

The bathroom was clean and had everything one could ask for but it really needed refurbishment and modernisation. The toiletries provided are by Penhaligon’s.

Food & Beverage

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and the breakfast at Hôtel Belles Rives is just sublime. The array of buffet options and the breathtaking view of the coastline make it an experience experience to be savoured and not rushed. There is a variety of freshly baked pastries (you’re in France afterall!) fruit and freshly-squeezed juices, an a-la-carte menu for freshly prepared items to your liking, and very attentive waiting staff.

Take your time, sit back, relax, and enjoy another cup of tea/coffee and the view.

For guests who appreciate a sense of place, Hôtel Belles Rives offers a breakfast experience that truly highlights the charm and hospitality unique to Hôtel Belles Rives.

In the evening, guests are invited to enjoy the culinary experience at the Michelin-starred restaurant La Passagère, where Chef Aurélien Véquaud creates a symphony of flavors. The restaurant offers exceptional menus and refined elegance, providing the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience.

As the sun sets over the Mediterranean, diners can indulge in gourmet creations accompanied by a carefully curated selection of wines. Due to high demand, advance reservation is highly recommended for an evening at La Passagère.

Piano Bar Fitzgerald is a unique place on the Côte d’Azur. It’s designed in the style of a 1930s ocean liner with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. In line with the rest of the hotel, the bar is an intimate space that offers a journey back in time to the Art Deco period, with restored antique and custom-designed pieces, a black marble countertop, original oak floors and windows, grand chandeliers, and a fresco depicting the French Riviera. A limited selection of dinner items are also available to enjoy in a more relaxed atmosphere than the restaurant.

Other Amenities

Travelling to the French Riviera off-season is a relaxing experience, but the south of France truly comes alive in summer. Many luxury hotels have their own beach clubs, and Hôtel Belles Rives is no exception. With its beach huts, pontoon with a private landing stage, and solarium, the private beach at Hôtel Belles Rives is a wonderful setting for families, couples, friends, and even solo travellers.

It offers a secure place for children to play, while parents can swim or sunbathe, and large groups can enjoy a restaurant meal to celebrate the simple pleasure of gathering together for the holidays. Sun beds are available to rents by the day and the beach club is open to the public. As a hotel guest booking a Virtuoso room rate through me, the cost of the sun bed rental is included.

Hôtel Belles Rives is dedicated to creating memorable moments for every guest, ensuring your time at Hôtel Belles Rives is as relaxing as it is unforgettable.

No stay at a five-star hotel is complete without a visit to the spa. The Valmont Beauty Corner offers exclusive bespoke skin & body treatments. These treatments are exclusively developed for Hôtel Belles Rives, offering the ultimate pampering experience.

Finally, There is a glass cabinet in the Lobby area with different souvenirs available for purchase. Branded and very classy, they reflect the Hôtel Belles Rives‘ Art Deco style. You can even buy the key ring shown further up in the review.

Pros/Cons of the Property

Pros

• Art deco design is just beautiful
• Location – Away from the busy Juan-le-Pins beach and shopping area but close enough to visit on foot
• Sea view – From the many rooms, the restaurant, bar, etc. Dreamy
• Classic luxury – The establishment, staff, and clientele are just classy.
• Michelin Star restaurant
• Fitzgerald bar – The decor, the piano music, the ambience
• When visiting off-season it is incredibly good value, especially with the Virtuoso perks

Cons

• Service quality is great but overall the hotel is not cheap. There are certain elements that are overpriced, e.g. Nespresso capsules in the room are €4 each
• The bathroom in my room was in need of a refurbishment. It was clean but it looked tired and needed some TLC.

Conclusion: A Riviera Retreat Like No Other

Hôtel Belles Rives combines the charm of Antibes with the sophistication of an Art Deco masterpiece. From its Michelin-starred dining to its serene private beach, this Antibes hotel delivers a truly luxurious experience. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or an indulgent holiday, Hôtel Belles Rives is a destination that captivates and inspires.

Ready to Plan Your Stay?

Book your dream escape at Hôtel Belles Rives in Antibes today and enjoy exclusive perks through our luxury travel services. Contact us to start planning your Riviera retreat.

FAQ

Q: What makes Hôtel Belles Rives stand out among luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur?
A: Hôtel Belles Rives offers authentic Art Deco elegance, a rich literary history, Michelin-starred dining, and exclusive amenities such as a private beach club, providing guests with a truly personalized and luxurious Riviera experience.

Q: Are there special benefits when booking through thirdpassport?
A: Yes, booking through Luxury Travel by thirdpassport grants access to exclusive perks like room upgrades (subject to availability), complimentary breakfast, food & beverage credits, and VIP amenities thanks to our partnerships with programs like Virtuoso.

Q: Is Hôtel Belles Rives suitable for families as well as couples?
A: Absolutely. The hotel’s private beach, spacious rooms, and attentive service make it ideal for both romantic getaways and memorable family holidays.

Q: What is the best way to reach Hôtel Belles Rives from Paris?
A: The most convenient and scenic option is the high-speed train Marseilles and onwards to Antibes or Juan-les-Pins, followed by a short taxi ride to the hotel.

Q: Do I need to reserve in advance for Michelin-starred dining at La Passagère?
A: Advance reservations are highly recommended to secure a table at La Passagère, especially during peak travel seasons.