Cap Estel Hotel

The large, white main building of the Cap Estel Hotel looks like a mansion nestled among green lawns and tall trees. Just as striking is its cliffside location overlooking the sea. Originally built in 1899, the property was extensively renovated and modernized in 2003, and maintains yearly refurbishment plans -- the last was in April 2016 with the renovation of the Sea Rooms. The beautiful property can only be reached from a private road, offering a secluded stay for a high-end clientele, which includes international celebrities. Outdoor terraces, balconies, and a patio off the main restaurant allow guests to absorb the lovely scenery and views of the sea. The interior feels less like a hotel and more like a luxurious home. Upon entering, there’s a small desk with chairs for guests to check in. The entrance morphs into a sitting room and lobby bar. Glossy white floors, white columns, and a cream-and-beige color scheme make up the main elements of the decor. Vintage tapestries and carpets combined with modern armchairs and couches and floor-to-ceiling windows add even more to the lush atmosphere. 

For some, Cap Estel Hotel may be a bit too secluded, but for others, the out-of-the-way location makes for a quiet, private retreat. Situated on a cliffside by the sea, the hotel has a small private beach. The surrounding area is filled with homes, but there's not much within walking distance -- the nearest restaurant is a 10-minute drive. The property is located between Nice and Monte Carlo, a bit south of highway 98, so expect a scenic 20-minute drive to Monte Carlo and a 35-minute drive to Nice. As for transportation, the Eze Train Station takes four minutes to reach by car, while an eight-minute walk takes travelers to a bus stop. The charming Eze village is about a 15-minute drive. It’s a 35-minute drive to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.

Beige-and-white color schemes and chic furniture create a romantic and relaxing atmosphere in these stylish guest rooms. Decor varies, and those that are apartment-style suites with multiple rooms and kitchenettes have a brighter style with pops of colors and a combination of prints. The focus here is on the stunning sea views, and aside from furnished balconies or terraces, many units have floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the spaces with natural light. The Junior Suite has an additional terrace that leads to a furnished private garden with shade from a large tree. Upscale amenities are similar in all rooms and include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, DVD players, air-conditioning, and safes. Some suites like the One- and Two-Bedroom Suites or the Presidential Suites have separate living rooms and kitchenettes with coffee- and tea-making facilities, microwaves, fridges, stoves, and ovens. Most rooms aren’t outfitted with minibars or tea/coffee facilities.

Bathrooms are large and appealing, with heated towel racks, hairdryers, and high-end toiletries. Some bathrooms have flat-screen TVs. Glass-enclosed showers with waterfall showerheads and separate tubs are provided in some rooms, while others have large (sometimes circular-shaped) showers. Note that the suites in the Corniche building are separate from the main building and have panoramic views of the sea. 

There are many features here that take advantage of the hotel's beautiful seafront location. The outdoor infinity-edge pool (heated during colder months) and hot tub sit on a terrace offering scenic views over the sea. A quick walk down stone stairs brings guests to a small private pebble beach area with a few loungers. Guests can relax in the wellness area with sea-facing facilities such as a large gym with modern cardio and weight machines. There’s also a spa with a sauna, massages, and beauty treatments, as well as an indoor heated freshwater pool. 

The hotel has a Michelin-star restaurant, The Table of Patrick Raingeard, which serves fine Mediterranean dishes. Though it offers pricey meals, there’s a free breakfast served in the mornings. An outdoor patio allows for a relaxing setting to have a meal. The bar serves alcoholic drinks in a lounge with a piano and chess to encourage camaraderie. The hotel offers its public areas for rent for events and its private cinema room for meetings. Parking is free, as is Wi-Fi throughout the property.