24 Hours at the Majestic Barriere Hotel

I arrived to this hotel without any expectations as I had a rateof 75€ per night for a Two Bedroom Deluxe Suite, which would normally cost approximately 3.000€ per night. Of course breakfast was included. As always you have some second thoughts if they do not accept this rate, so it is always better to ask experts. So did I and insisted to get the Suite at the booked rate. 

At arrival we were warmly welcomed and accompanied to the Lobby. After check-in, which was very fast and kind, I was greeted by the Asisstant Manager and told that the room was ready at 2.00 pm. So we went to the Rue Antibes, the more affordable option to the La Croisette.

When I returned to the hotel at 4.00 pm I was asked for a confirmation and a very kind front desk employee showed me to the luxurious Suite. Unfortunately it was an old Suite and not like expected in the new part of the hotel, but who is discerning at this unbelievable rate? After a few minutes we got a tray of welcome amenities including Macarons, Chocolate, bottled water, apple juice and a fruit plate. The view was so impreesive that we bought some food in a local goods shop and had dinner on one of the most impressive terraces we have ever stayed at, of course with Lounge Music from the Fouquet's Restaurant and beside the breath-taking views over La Croisette and the Palais de la Festival. This might sound like a Fairytale ... in fact it was supposed to be the highlight of the trip (which was topped by the lovely and superb Byblos Saint Tropez)!

The music got more silent around 11.00 pm and when we went to bed at midnight there was nearly mo noise from the terrace on the pool.

The suite itself was about 90 square metres with two bedrooms, both with spacious bathrooms ensuite and of course sea view terraces, too. The bathroom was really old-fashioned with only two large towels, hotel-own toiletries and a very small toilet room where you had to keep the door open while seating on the toilet. The worst of all was, that turndown-service has been forgotten and when they came, after I called them, they just brought chocolates and put the bed in correct order - no water, nor did they replace the towels or toiletries.

Breakfast was very disappointing for this kind of category, the normal price, reputation and location. The breakfast is served until 10.30 am but the buffet was not replaced although there were still many guest in the restaurant at 10.45. This would have been a nice touch. 

When we checked out we received a totally correct bill and a very competent female staff (sorry I did not see the name tag) was doing the check out. The bellmen did a great job and were very kind, too.

In fact it was a really great experience but when I have to pay the normal price, I would insist to get a new room or stay at another Luxury Hotel on the Croisette.

Anyhow I would like to thank the Management of the Majestic Barriere Hotel for the nice amenities, the warm welcome and hosting me at this special price. Our above written review is our personal opinion and hasn't been influenced.

24 Hours at Le Mas Candille

This amazing little place of pure tranquility and romance is just on the hill above Cannes. When we left the train station of Cannes we were driven directly in a completely different world, through very narrow streets until we reached the municipal Mougins. A large gate opened and we were chaffeured to the main area of Le Mas Candille.

The arrival was smooth and pleasant although we felt a bit lost in the reception area as the staff is sitting and there are no seats for guests on the front desk. after check-in we got a short tour to the room, which was located in the newer building La Bastide. The room was very generous (I think it was a Deluxe room as it was overlooking the Grasse village) and we even had a huge terrace with an impressive view. Th bathroom is kind of the same style throughout the property, while each bedroom is designed in a different style - which makes the stay even more interesting.

A very nice gesture, and quite unusual to us, was the Cocktail reception on the main pool, where the General Manager, Mr. Silver (the owner) and the Sales Manager were welcoming the guests personally. Therefore we also had the pleasure to meet Mr. Silver personally, one of the most passionate and coolest hoteliers we have ever met. You really feel, when you are talking to him, that Le Mas Candille is a passion for him and that he is doing it with heart and soul. That's also what makes this hotel very different from the Grand Hotels on the Croisette.

Throughout the night we could hear simply nothing, which was also a great plus and the reason why we kept the window open all night. The beds were really heavenly, I feel that I have to mention that I will try to get the same blanket at home. The bathroom of our wonderful Room was very generous with separate shower and tub (what i really appreciate!!) and luxe Molton Brown toiletries AND an amazing view over Grasse as well.

To be honest, my absolute favourite place was the main pool in front of the summer restaurant, followed by the Hydrotherapy Pool at the Shiseido Spa. I think this is also a great opportunity to tell the hotel that we illegally used their Hydrotherapy pool at 10.00 pm, but we could not resist the beauty of the resort, the view and the fact of swimming under the stars.

Unfortunately we oversleept breakfast at their 1 Michelin starred restaurant, which is kind of sad, but another reason to come back to my "little peace of pure Heaven". I guess that this small hideaway is an excellent alternative to the Terre Blanche resort, which I will test in one week. The view really exceeds all expectations at Le Mas Candille.

We would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Silver for the generous invitation to test the "Le Mas Candille". Our stay was completely sponsored by the owners. Our above written review is our personal opinion and hasn't been influenced.

Insider's Getaway - Villa Marie

If you ever wished to spend your holidays on the French Riviera or more precisely in the town of Saint Tropez, you might be impressed of this hidden gem.

Located on a wonderful hill, overlooking Saint Tropez and Ramatuelle, the Villa Marie is just the ideal place for all those seeking for peace, harmony and the pure charm of the Provence. With just 42 rooms and suites it offers an intimate feeling of a private country house. The complimentary shuttle service brings you to the center of Saint Tropez within 10 minutes. The famous beach of Pampelonne is just 4 km away from the Villa, but you will immediately feel of holidays when relaxing in the picturesque garden or on the cool shaped outdoor pool.

There is no room like the other, with different fabrics and little touches everywhere you look - this is a real boutique hotel like it can only be found in Southern France.

Beside the wonderful architecture you won’t miss the undoubtedly excellent service, too. Feel free to book your journey to one of Saint Tropez’s finest hotels. http://www.villamarie.fr