The Best Hotels in St Tropez for Every Traveller
Originally a 15th-century citadel, St Tropez became well known in the late 19th century thanks to influential residents such as writer Guy de Maupassant and painter Paul Signac. Other famous artists followed, attracted by the Mediterranean vistas and delights of Pampelonne Beach. During the 20th century, the town has been transformed from a small fishing port to the playground of the rich and famous, the luxury jewel of the French Riviera. These are the best hotels in St Tropez.
Hôtel Pastis
Boutique Hotel
In the busy port side of St Tropez you’ll find calm at Hôtel Pastis, which has its own pool and private garden and access to a secluded beach away from the summer crowds. Each of the 10 bedrooms is furnished in unique style and the walls are lined with artwork from the hotel owner’s personal collection, including pieces by Henri Matisse, David Hockney and Andy Warhol. Top service marks this hotel from the rest – though the hotel has no restaurant, they will provide children’s meals in the evenings to allow parents to go out for dinner.
Château de la Messardière
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
The Château de la Messardière has been a St Tropez institution since the 19th century. Just above the town, it provides sweeping vistas of the surrounding hills and the Mediterranean. The château has many stunning architectural features, including towers and turrets. The hotel is dedicated to pampering, with an indoor and outdoor pool, its own Valmont spa, numerous bars and even its own art gallery, all within 25 acres (10ha) of private land. Here you feel cocooned, away from the bustle of St Tropez but still close enough to all the main spots thanks to a 24-hour shuttle service.
Pan Deï Palais
Boutique Hotel, Hotel, Luxury
In the heart of St Tropez, near the port and the Place des Lices and hidden behind a plain wooden door on a small side street, is the boutique hotel Pan Deï Palais. Built in 1835, the mansion was once the home of an Indian princess. Its past is visible in the intriguing decor, which is inspired by old Indian fables. At weekends, the wonderful garden and pool area transforms from a quiet idyll to an exciting hub of music and dancing. Visit the hotel’s very own hammam afterwards to relax, or take a trip out on their luxury motor yacht.
Hôtel Sezz
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
Five-star Hotel Sezz is the epitome of luxury. The rooms here are called bungalows or cocoons, each with its own outdoor shower and some with their own plunge pool. Alternatively, you can stay in one of two villas here, each of which has its own swimming pool. Hotel Sezz has a Dom Perignon bar and the excellent Colette restaurant, fronted by Michelin-star chef Philippe Colinet. It also boasts a heated outdoor pool, spa, jacuzzi and a steam room, with views of the Provençal-inspired gardens. The hotel is about one kilometre (0.6mi) from the centre of St Tropez and roughly five kilometres (3mi) from Pampelonne Beach, both easily accessible thanks to the hotels shuttle service and free parking.
Cheval Blanc St Tropez
Hotel
Right on the harbour, with its own private beach and only minutes away from the centre of St Tropez, Cheval Blanc St Tropez, formerly La Résidence de la Pinède, is a crisp, white villa which wraps elegantly around its own courtyard and pool. Almost all the rooms have sea views with their own balcony or terrace. The hotel is also home to one of the best restaurants in St Tropez, the three Michelin-star La Vague D’Or, renowned for its fantastic food and outstanding service. There is also La Terrace, open for lunch with beautiful private grounds.
Villa Cosy
Boutique Hotel, Hotel
A little corner of paradise, right in the heart of St Tropez near the charming Place des Lices, the four-star Villa Cosy is an idyll of calm. It has 19 rooms and suites, each with its own private covered terrace, which look out onto the azure swimming pool. Breakfast is served on your own terrace, where you can enjoy coffee among the beautiful surroundings. One of the hotel’s most impressive features is the wine and champagne cellar, visible under the glass floor in the reception area.
Hôtel de la Ponche
Hotel
Once frequented by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Juliette Gréco and Brigitte Bardot, this hotel has long attracted icons of French culture. Now a five-star favourite with today’s glitterati, it is notable for its intimate size, personalised service and exceptional location overlooking the bay. The gourmet restaurant, with its small square terrace suspended above the sea, is renowned for its seafood, caught each day by a family who have been fishing here for generations.
Domaine de l'Astragale
Hotel
Just 200m (660ft) from the sea, this five-star resort has almost 50 rooms and suites, some with a terrace, balcony, solarium or jacuzzi, as well as six luxury villas. You’ve a choice of four heated swimming pools, tennis courts and table tennis. The on-site restaurant offers refined cuisine that can be savoured by the pool facing the garden, or on the patio.
Villa Marie
Hotel
High on a hillside above the bay, this five-star Italianate villa is surrounded by fragrant pine forest. The hotel has its own gardens filled with tropical flowers and the rooms are a mix of boho and romantic reminiscent of Tuscany. The Dolce Vita restaurant showcases the flavours of the Mediterranean, the heated swimming pool is carved partially from the rock and there’s an ocean-themed spa where you can indulge in a relaxing massage with hot seashells.
Hôtel des Lices
Boutique Hotel
A stalwart of St Tropez scene for some 50 years, this three-star hotel has expanded its offering to include villas and apartments. Located across three sites in the village, the design is light and contemporary with a nod to the region’s Provençal heritage. The star of the show is the outdoor pool at the heart of the main hotel, the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail as the sun goes down.
Hôtel Le Yaca
Hotel
This intimate five-star hotel is found in a beautiful 18th-century building in the heart of old St Tropez. The bedrooms are decorated with Hermès cushions, Asian paintings and marble bathrooms. Set within a Mediterranean garden, there is also a palm-shaded swimming pool and an elegant terrace where you can enjoy refined Italian cuisine. No wonder everyone from Orson Welles to Rita Hayworth and Greta Garbo have stayed here.
MUSE Saint-Tropez
Boutique Hotel
If the Romans had created a five-star holiday retreat, this is how it might have looked. Located in the hills above St Tropez, luxurious suites in Italianate buildings are spread over three acres (1.2ha) of romantic, rambling gardens. At their heart, a magnificent swimming pool feels fit for Caesar himself. The beds in the guest rooms are custom-made by Henryot, one of France’s oldest manufacturers, who once created furniture for the royal court at Versailles.
Caroline Harrap contributed additional reporting to this article.