Hôtel Belles Rives

Historic Charm and Atmosphere: The property’s historic significance and connection to F. Scott Fitzgerald create a unique ambiance. Guests often mention the elegant decor, piano music in the evenings, and the relaxing, old-world charm of the hotel.

Invited by the friendly hotel manager to leave a few kind words at Tripadvisor, I am happy to repeat, what I already wrote after my first stay at this gem in the Southern French hotel industry in March 2024: This is pure luxury, and the most charming vibe I've enjoyed in a long time. Since Juan-les-Pins - otherwise also very charming - is not really welcoming these days, because La Pinède and the whole beach / boardwalk have been under construction for more than 2 years now (let alone the monster construction site of the Hotel Provençal, which has been around for 30 years or more?), a haven of beauty and quietness, of delicious food and elegance indoors and on the beach, is just what it needs to make a visitor happy. I can't praise enough the super-friendly concierges and valet team, the staff of the (breakfast) restaurant and on the beach, the receptionists, and everybody working at the Belles Rives. All seem keen to make their guests feel at home (and pampered). As if we were friends, who are joining F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda for a few cozy days and evenings in a very mediterranean vibe. Food quality - breakfast, lunch and dinner - is excellent, too. I loved the details (a book as a welcome gift, from the shortlist of the F. Scott Fitzgerald Award, fruit, fresh water and a nice note left by the housekeeper). And I loved my room: I got upgraded from sea view to direct sea view, a very lovely room on the 3rd floor with a wonderful panorama. As I said in the beginning: I've been at the Belles Rives before (2 or 3 times), and I will definitely be back.

I went to the bar on 2 consecutive evenings. Outside, overlooking the Med is truly glorious. However, the service is awful. So many staff just walking around doing seemingly nothing. On the first night, 15 minutes after been shown to my table, not so much as a menu was offered to me. After asking for one 3 times, I eventually got up and got one from inside myself. Waiting a long time to pay my bill. On the second night, again, had to ask multiple times for the menu. I only ordered mocktails and ordered a 'Sunset' for the road - after 20 minutes, 2 glasses of Sancerre arrived, clearly for another table. Needless to say, my 'Sunset' never materialised... absolutely zero customer service. Beautiful setting but that's about all.