Discover the French Riviera's ultra-luxury hotel that is so high-end it's been awarded 'palace' status - but is it REALLY fit for a royal?
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The French Riviera, also known as the Côte d'Azur, is unmatched when it comes to its beautiful weather and stunning coastline - so it's no surprise that celebrities and royals flock there in the summer.
And you might just spot them at Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons hotel which was given a 'luxury palace' status from the French government in 2011 - and it's easy to see why.
In France, the 'Palace' distinction surpasses a five-star rating and is an outstanding recognition given to hotels that embody the best in luxury and hospitality, including incredible service, historical significance, and unique characteristics.
So what makes this hotel so special? And is this 'palace' really fit for a king or queen?
Discover the French Riviera's Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat hotel by Four Seaons - it's so high-end it's been awarded 'palace' status - but is it REALLY fit for a royal?
The hotel's Club Dauphin features a 33 metres-long sea-water heated infinity pool surrounded by panoramic sea views
Pulling into the grand driveway, the view is immediately striking - and while some of the most exclusive hotels might feel imposing or daunting, the welcome here is warm and genuine and the service impeccable.
The building is set within seven hectares of Mediterranean gardens, and sits at the tip of Cap-Ferrat with bursts of purple bougainvillea and incredible views of the sea.
In the 1800s, the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat was a wilderness of rocks and vegetation. King Leopold II of Belgium discovered this unique property and fell in love, buying up most of the surrounding land.
In 1895, he sold off nearly seven hectares for the construction of the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat. Opened in 1908, the hotel featured two wings built at an open angle. In 1909, a loggia dining room and a central bay-windowed Rotunda were added, following a design by Gustave Eiffel, creator of the Eiffel Tower.
The hotel began attracting a clientele of royalty, dignitaries and artists. During World War I, the building was converted to a hospital, but returned to normal operations in 1922.
A few weeks after the beginning of the WWII in 1939, the hotel was boarded up and remained close for six years.
To celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2009, the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat saw a metamorphosis with refurbishments and additions.
Located just 12km from Nice, it might just be possible to spot the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio or the Beckhams aboard superyachts which can be spotted across the horizon.
The King Bed Palace sea-view room will leave you in awe - with the layout bigger than most London flats.
The room comes with a huge terrace big enough for a royal banquet, a glorious marble bathroom and giant bed that will give you the best night's sleep of your life (the staff even ask you for your bedding preferences ahead of your arrival).
Some of the hotel's suites even boast their own private pool.
Every whim has been catered to, with a fully stocked bar and impressive double closets.
The hotel walls are adorned with signed photographs of the famous people who have stayed here since its 1908 opening, including Roger Moore, Liza Minnelli, Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and Elizabeth Taylor.
And for every tiara-loving queen, this hotel has its own Fred diamond store in the lobby, as well as a Dolce And Gabbana boutique - Kitty Spencer's designer fashion brand of choice - and glass cabinets housing coveted Hermès handbags.
While every royal-in-waiting might love the allure of room service, you might prefer to order a frozen Aperol Spritz at the hotel's Club Dauphin, where you will find a 33 metre sea-water heated infinity pool surrounded by panoramic sea views.
If the steps down to the pool are a little too much like hard work, then ride down in the hotel's own funicular.
Some of the hotel's suites even boast their own private pool set among beautiful greenery
Located just 12km from Nice, it might just be possible to spot the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio or the Beckhams aboard the superyachts which can be spotted across the horizon
The King Bed Palace sea-view room will leave you in awe - with the layout bigger than most London flats
There are three restaurants in total, including La Véranda which dishes up plates of lobster risotto decorated with edible flowers, tagliolini and blue lobster 'Al Peperoncino' and beef fillet with olives and mashed potato.
Gourmet cuisine is served in the restaurant Le Cap which has 1 Michelin star, while a more relaxed food selection is on offer at the Club Dauphin grill restaurant.
At night, couples can be seen falling in love under the stars while dining and sipping on Krug champagne or chilled pale rosé.
And for those who may have indulged a little too much the night before, the hotel boasts an award-winning spa offering five lavish treatment rooms, massage tables with views to die for and a spa garden.
Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is just 19 km away from Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat. A taxi costs around £35 one-way or the hotel is more than happy to provide a private transfer service with advance booking.
So is this hotel really deserving of its 'palace' status? Absolutely. Now where's my crown!
TRAVEL FACTS
The King Bed Palace sea-view room costs around £3,700 per night in August with a Panoramic suite costing around £12,000 per night.
To book or for more information, visit fourseasons.com or call +1-800-819-5053
Daily Mail
