Château de la Chèvre d’Or

The Chateau de la Chevre d’Or has a history that’s almost as interesting as its beautiful setting and atmosphere. It was opened in 1953 as a restaurant by Robert Wolf, who then turned it into a hotel on the advice of Walt Disney. Since then, it has changed owners and grown into a luxury boutique hotel of 39 rooms.

The property is lovely, made up of multiple levels of lush green gardens, narrow walkways, and stone buildings. Guests should keep in mind that there are many stairs to navigate here, which can be an issue for some. Classic Greek and Roman statues, as well as playful ones of children and animals, are displayed around the property, though they are far less stunning than the views of the Mediterranean Sea. The interior decor varies; the lobby maintains a medieval atmosphere with a large wooden desk, antique chairs, stone walls, and a chandelier, while the bar salon has a playful medieval style with coats of arms banners, printed maroon carpet, and purple velour chairs and barstools. The hotel’s two-star Michelin restaurant and a la carte dinner restaurant are far more chic, with contemporary chairs, white tablecloths or sleek tables, and lovely views of the sea. Take note that tourists that aren't staying at the property come to visit the hotel's gardens and restaurants, making for a less-than private atmosphere at times. Regardless, it's still romantic and draws many couples.

This hotel is tucked away in the medieval village of Eze, which was built upon the ruins of a 12th-century castle. Perched high upon a rock, it provides stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. Surrounding the hotel is a labyrinth of meandering streets filled with homes and a few shops and restaurants. A bus station takes five minutes to reach on foot. There aren't many attractions within walking distance, though the start of the Nietzsche Trail is only a three-minute walk away. Its location is best suited to those looking for a private, relaxing getaway. For day trips, Monte Carlo is about a 20-minute drive away, while Nice takes 25 minutes to reach by car. Nice Cote d’Azur Airport is a 35-minute drive. 

All guest rooms at Chateau de la Chevre d’Or employ a modern, chic style that creates an elegant atmosphere. Expect to see light colors of cream, white, and beige with brighter accents in soft tones or prints on carpets, beds, or curtains. Soft contemporary furnishings fit well with the exposed stonework in some of the rooms, while gilded mirrors and frames offer a polished touch in some units. The picturesque views -- garden, village, or sea -- add to the regal atmosphere. Higher-end suites have terraces or balconies, and a few Deluxe Rooms and Junior Suites do, too. 

Rooms are spacious and have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, Nespresso machines, kettles, and free Wi-Fi. A few suites have items like pianos, fireplaces, and separate living rooms. The Panoramic Suite has a particularly romantic atmosphere with an indoor two-seater hot tub, as well as a private pool and hot tub on a private terrace. The marble-tiled bathrooms are luxurious and huge, with deep jetted bathtubs and/or separate walk-in showers. Some bathrooms are even surrounded by stone walls and ceilings for a cave-like vibe. Robes, high-end Fragonard toiletries, and heated towel racks are provided. 

For a small boutique hotel, Chateau de la Chevre d’Or has quite a few high-end features, with a focus on their lovely gardens. The outdoor heated pool and hot tub, which are surrounded by lounge chairs and a cabana, sit on one of the garden terraces and have great views of the Mediterranean Sea. There are four restaurants on-site, and two -- Les Remparts and Le Café du Jardin -- are located on the outdoor terraces. La Chevre d’Or is the hotel's two-star Michelin restaurant, while L’Eden offers an a la carte dinner menu and panoramic views of the sea. Note that the restaurants are pricey, and breakfast is not included. Room service is available 24/7, but there's only a snack card during certain late-night hours. There are a number of relaxation options on-site, such as a small gym as well as massages and beauty treatments upon request. Though it’s not particularly business-friendly, the hotel does offer one meeting room that holds up to 15 people, plus free Wi-Fi throughout. Valet parking or a shuttle service from the airport is available for a fee. The hotel welcomes small pets for a price.