Three Riviera Hotels, One Antibes Adventure
Photo: On the Luce Travel Blog
Antibes: Where History Meets Laid-Back Luxury
After leaving the sun-soaked vibes of Mykonos, I traveled to Antibes. There’s something magnetic about this city. This little corner of the French Riviera has been around since the ancient Greeks, but it doesn’t wear its history in a heavy way - it feels alive, lived-in, and welcoming. The old town is a maze of narrow cobbled streets where cafés spill onto the pavements, the Provençal market fills the air with the smell of herbs and cheeses, and if you wander long enough you’ll probably find yourself at the Picasso Museum, tucked into a medieval château where the artist once worked. Beyond that, the Cap d’Antibes coastal path winds along the sea, giving you that mix of wild coastline and Riviera glamour that just never gets old.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Antibes because it balances both worlds so well. There’s a touch of the glossy Riviera lifestyle. You can see it in the sleek yachts lined up at the port, but it never loses its character. The locals still shop at the market, the atmosphere is more artisanal than pretentious, and it feels like a place you can both unwind and indulge in.
When you stack it up against its famous neighbors, the contrast makes Antibes stand out even more. Cannes is glitzy, buzzing with film festival energy and a beach scene that can feel a bit full-on if you’re after peace and quiet. Monaco goes the other way entirely - polished, high-rolling, and a little too formal unless you’re there for the casinos or the Formula 1 vibe. Antibes, though, is softer around the edges. It’s relaxed, friendly, still luxurious but in a way that lets you actually breathe. Plus, you won’t feel like you need a tux just to order a coffee, which is always a win in my book.
Three Stays, Three Styles: Antibes Edition
A Place with a Soul - Hôtel La Villa Sainte Valérie
On my trip to Antibes, I decided not to stick to just one place. Instead, I tried out three different hotels to see how each one added its own flavor to the experience. It turned out to be a great way to get a real feel for the town as each stay had its own personality, its own rhythm, and by the end I felt like I’d lived three little versions of Antibes. Let me start with one that really stood out: Hôtel La Villa Sainte Valérie.
Tucked in the heart of Juan-les-Pins, it feels less like a hotel and more like stumbling into someone’s secret garden hideout. The moment you step through the gate, the world slows down - traffic noise? Forget it. Stress? Out the window. This place has 30 rooms spread across three Provençal villas, each room has the name of a flower, which already tells you a lot about the vibe here - it’s not corporate, not generic, but full of charm and character.
The garden itself feels almost unreal, filled with Mediterranean plants and bursts of tropical colors. It’s the kind of place where you can hear the soft splash of fountains while reading a book, or lose track of time lounging under the mulberry trees with a drink in hand. Honestly, I half expected a quirky but polite raccoon to offer me tea.
It’s adults-only and has four stars, but what makes it special isn’t the rating, it’s the feeling. The architecture has this elegant, slightly whimsical personality - almost like you’ve walked onto the set of a Wes Anderson film, with its playful accents and unique décor. It’s extremely stylish and charming. There’s no bland beige minimalism here; instead, every corner has some detail that catches your eye and makes you smile.
The lobby sets the tone right away. It has this boutique elegance, a warm and welcoming atmosphere that feels closer to being invited into someone’s Provençal home than checking into a hotel. The rooms carry that same personality. Mine had a proper hard bed, which for me is essential, and it was surrounded by vintage furniture and quirky decorative touches that gave the space real soul. It wasn’t just a room, it felt like a place you actually wanted to spend time in. Sunlight poured through the openable windows, which led to a little balcony with a garden view. The curtains let in just the right amount of light, and the bathroom had a walk-in shower with all the little toiletries you’d expect, simple but done right.
The facilities are on the smaller side, but that’s what makes them charming. There’s a heated pool tucked into the century-old garden, and though it’s not massive, it’s perfectly kept and feels more like your own private retreat. Breakfast in the garden is another highlight: you sit surrounded by greenery and bright pops of color, vibrant cushions scattered around, everything playful yet chic, and the food itself makes you feel connected to the region, with fresh breads, cheeses, and other local products that taste like they came straight from the market that morning. And the best part? It all feels personal: local materials, artisan touches, and none of that “we copied this from a hotel chain in three countries” vibe. The garden, honestly, is magical.
The staff are wonderfully attentive as well. They are always around when you need something, but never in a way that feels intrusive.
The location is spot-on too. It’s on a calm street, so you get peace and quiet, yet within a five-minute walk you’re in the center of Juan-les-Pins. The train station and buses to Cannes are only about 15 minutes away on foot, and Antibes itself is just a short Uber or Bolt ride (or a 30-minute walk if you feel like stretching your legs along the coast). So you get convenience without the chaos.
Another thing I appreciated is the eco-friendly approach. The hotel has clearly made an effort to keep things “green and chic,” with eco-responsible initiatives to reduce their footprint while keeping the stay comfortable and stylish. It feels good to stay somewhere that thinks about that side of things.
While there’s no spa on site, the staff are quick to point you toward local gems that make the trip even more memorable. Think paddleboarding at Port du Crouton, hiking along the Tire-Poil coastal path, having a picnic at Plage des Ondes, catching a sunset at Port de l’Olivette, or stepping into the Picasso Museum back in Antibes. It’s like they want you to experience the region, not just the hotel.
For me, staying here felt like stepping into a fairy tale, but one with good wine, comfortable beds, and a pool waiting in the garden. I left reluctantly, already plotting my next escape back.
Chic & Contemporary Comfort – The 1932 Hotel & Spa Cap d’Antibes
From the moment I stepped into The 1932 Hotel & Spa, I felt like I’d walked into another era - one where elegance meant bold Art Deco lines, velvet accents, and just enough glamour to make you want to order a martini even if it’s only 11 a.m. The hotel, as the name suggests, was originally built in 1932, and you can still feel that history in the walls. Of course, it’s been fully renovated since then, so you get the best of both worlds: the charm of the past without the plumbing of the past.
The lobby is all about boutique chic - very stylish, with little interesting details. My room was a Double Classic, compact at 18 square meters but smartly put together. The Art Deco décor gave it personality, the bed was comfortable (crucial after long days of walking), and the little touches like a Nespresso machine and a bathrobe made it feel like a proper escape. The windows opened out to a view of the garden, and the blackout curtains meant I could sleep in without being woken by the Côte d’Azur sunshine (a small victory for late risers). The bathroom was particularly striking - stylish design, walk-in shower and refillable toiletries.
The real highlight of the hotel, though, is up on the rooftop. Quinto Cielo is the kind of restaurant that makes you want to linger long after dessert. The views stretch out over the Mediterranean, and if you time it right, the sunsets are ridiculous in the best way. The food leans Mediterranean too, with Italian and Spanish flavors woven into the menu. I tried the tapas (because how can you not when the menu basically tells you to “savor tapas with a view”?) and it honestly felt like the definition of dolce vita.
Facilities-wise, they’ve thought of everything. The spa is popular, so if you’re tempted to book a massage, do it early - I learned the hard way that it fills up quickly. I managed to get a spot, though, and it was worth it. There’s also a rooftop pool, heated year-round, where you can float around pretending time has stopped (or at least that emails don’t exist). And then there’s the gym. Now, normally I wouldn’t get too excited about a hotel gym, but this one was different: solid wood equipment, a rowing machine, an exercise bike, even weights that looked almost too pretty to use. It felt very French - functional and elegant. I loved it.
Breakfast at La Rotonde rounded everything out perfectly. It’s a bright, light-filled room where the day begins slowly and peacefully. The buffet had more options than I could reasonably try (though I gave it a fair shot): hot dishes, pastries, cheeses, fruit, fresh juices. What I really appreciated was that so much of it was locally sourced, which gave the whole spread a sense of place. It wasn’t just another generic buffet - it felt tied to the region.
Location is hard to beat. You’re just a short stroll from the town and the beach - though fair warning, the beach can get busy. There’s even a playground on the sand if you’re traveling with little ones (or if, like me, you secretly enjoy watching kids out-energize their parents before you head back to the calm of the pool).
What I liked most about The 1932 Hotel is how it manages to hold on to its history without feeling dated. It’s stylish, it’s comfortable, and it has enough character to make it memorable without tipping into theme-park territory. For me, it was a mix of Riviera glamour and relaxed coastal charm - the kind of place where you can dress up for dinner on the rooftop one night, then wander down to the beach in flip-flops the next, and it all makes perfect sense.
Modern Charm by the Old Town - Hôtel La Villa Port d’Antibes
After my whimsical garden adventure at Hôtel La Villa Sainte Valérie, I was ready for something a little more modern, but still charming. Enter Hôtel La Villa Port d’Antibes. Immediately, this one felt like a smart, stylish cousin of the first hotel: same “Villa” branding, same attention to detail, but with a contemporary twist and a whole lot of personality.
Location-wise, this is my personal favourite so far. Nestled right beside Antibes’ Old Town, it’s basically impossible to get lost. Five to ten minutes of wandering through charming cobblestone streets and suddenly you’re at the heart of it all: cafes, restaurants with cozy patios, a boulangerie for emergency croissants, convenience stores for water, snacks, and yes, beer. Feeling adventurous? Juan-les-Pins is just a stroll away, with a livelier, youthful vibe (think party lights and music drifting through the streets), perfect if you want a dash of nightlife after your Old Town calm.
The hotel itself is part of a chic little chain with seven unique properties, each promising a different experience. Compared to the secret-garden charm of Sainte Valérie, La Villa Port d’Antibes feels like a polished urban hideaway. It manages to be modern without losing soul - quirky décor, amusing details, and touches that catch your attention as you explore the common areas. The architecture is sleek, light-filled, and elegant, with playful nods to the region. The lobby is sophisticated yet inviting, with a relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to sit with a coffee and pretend you belong in the stylish local scene.
I stayed in the Chambre Comfort Goelette, which was a dream. Cute, tastefully decorated with a hint of whimsy - design wallpaper, small objects that made me chuckle, and a sense that every corner had been curated with thought. The room was spacious, spotless, and everything worked perfectly. Air conditioning was top-notch (a godsend after sunny Antibes afternoons), and the shower? Powerful, pristine, and marble-adorned. Push-button on/off is a little quirky, but minor. The desk was perfect for a quick work session or scribbling thoughts into a travel diary. Windows open to a small balcony, curtains that actually block light (hallelujah), and enough charm that I spent suspiciously long staring at the wallpaper for inspiration.
Facilities? A delight. The hotel’s La Villa by Sothys Spa is a proper wellness oasis: outdoor pool, hammam, treatment cabins, all partnered with the iconic French brand Sothys Paris. Breakfast is a treat too: a nicely presented buffet with local breads, freshly cut fruit (a recent upgrade), and all the essentials for carb-loading before a day of exploring. Pro tip: arrive around 7:30 am for the freshest spread - later in the morning, things dwindle, but the atmosphere is still lovely.
Staff were warm, friendly, and genuinely helpful, which always elevates the stay. Local touches everywhere - artisan-made items, regional décor, and subtle nods to the area’s culture remind you that you’re somewhere special, not just in a sleek hotel room that could exist anywhere in the world.
In short, Hôtel La Villa Port d’Antibes balances modern comfort with playful personality, putting you in the heart of everything Antibes has to offer.
Final Thoughts on Antibes Stays
So, after my whirlwind tour of these three gems, here’s the lowdown:
If you want charm, coziness, and a touch of secret-garden magic, Hôtel La Villa Sainte Valérie is your vibe. Think leafy patios, whimsical décor, and that quiet, storybook feel where you could easily imagine yourself sipping tea in a hidden courtyard for hours.
If you’re after modern, seaside luxury with spa vibes and a splash of Cap d’Antibes glamour, The 1932 Hotel & Spa is the place. Sleek design, relaxing facilities, and that Riviera energy where you can lounge by the pool, enjoy a spa treatment, and take in the views - it’s like a mini holiday within your holiday.
And if you crave city-chic convenience with a quirky personality right near the Old Town, Hôtel La Villa Port d’Antibes is your go-to. Stylish, spotless, full of character, and just a short stroll to cafés, restaurants, beaches, and boulangeries - perfect for wandering, snacking, and people-watching without needing a taxi.
Basically, it all depends on your mood: secret garden, seaside luxe, or Old Town explorer. Personally, I adored the Port d’Antibes location for its walkability and local charm, but honestly, all three hotels have their own magic and leave you plotting a return trip before you’ve even checked out.
