If a celebrity is headed to the South of France, you can probably guess where they’re going to be hanging their (v chic) hats: the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Known as one of the world’s most elegant, exclusive, and expensive hotels, this 5-star resort is where the rich and famous have stayed and played along the French Riviera for more than 150 years. It’s not easy to get in—actually, it’s notoriously difficult to snag one of its 118 rooms and well-equipped suites, especially during the peak season as an, ahem, normie. But if you can get a reservation, it’s a one-way ticket to joining the It Crowd.
Originally built in 1869 as a place for writers to unwind and seek inspiration, the sprawling chateau (no, like it’s built on 22 acres of coastline) opened as a hotel in 1889, immediately catering to ~society’s elite~. It’s been a summer hot spot ever since for anyone with chunks of change to blow, from Pablo Picasso to Beyoncé. And when I say “chunks of change,” I’m talking serious cash: The most luxurious suite, the Eden-Roc, which has a 200-square-meter terrace overlooking the water, goes for up to $12,000 per night, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
BOOK THE HOTEL DU CAP-EDEN-ROC
If you scroll through your Insta feed or flip through your favorite magazine (ours, duh), chances are almost every famous face you see has stayed at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc at some point in their careers—especially if they’re in the entertainment industry. The seaside escape has hosted the Kardashians, the Hadids, the Kennedys, the Hiltons, the Richies (you saw Sofia Richie got married to Elliot Grainge there last month, right?), and every model and movie star in between, whether for a luxe lil vacay, a fabulous event (like the annual amfAR Gala, which raises money for HIV/AIDS research), or while in town for the annual Cannes Film Festival, which is a short drive away and is actually happening rtfn. (ICYMI, the 2023 festival started on May 16 and runs through May 27, and the red carpet lewks have been incredible.)
While the hotel is known for being super private—part of why celebs love it so much, obv—many photos have been snapped of stars enjoying the property over the years, swimming in the heated pool carved into the rocks, strolling down the now-iconic front steps, gallivanting through the nine acres of lush gardens, and refueling at the three restaurants and six bars. One look and you’ll see why guests return year after year. And lucky for you, we’ve got a peek inside for you to peruse. Scroll down and prepare to get wanderlust. BTW, you might as well play the Succession theme song while you’re at it…let’s just say it’s fitting.
THE QUICK HITS: HOTEL DU CAP-EDEN-ROC EDITION
Location: Antibes, France • Built In: 1869 • Cost Per Night: Starting at $1,153 • Number of Rooms: 118 • Season You’re Most Likely to Spot a Celeb: Spring (during the Cannes Film Festival) • Bougie Perks: Tennis lessons (there are five courts!), a beauty salon, 33 seaside cabanas (including one that features a spa and one that features yoga classes), water sports, yachting, private plane and limousine services • Don’t Leave Without Ordering: The 20-euro side of fries • Swankiest Space: The new Dior-themed spa (because why not relax in designer style, right?) • Most Iconic Photo Spot: *That* gorgeous pool overlooking the Mediterranean
The Celebrity Guests!
What do you know, it’s Alessandra Ambrosio looking every bit the supermodel she is while visiting for this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Those diving boards you see in the background? I-c-o-n-i-c.
Yes, I also want to be this version of Emily Ratajkowski on a yacht in the Med in 2018. And yes, she was there for the Cannes Film Festival too.
Sofia Richie rocking Chanel days before her wedding to Elliott Grainge, which took place on the hotel grounds. According to the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc website, you have to rent out the entire property for a wedding, so their (many! famous!) guests stayed at the hotel for the long weekend.
The plunging one-piece! The red lipstick! The glass of white wine! 2018 Kendall Jenner knew what she was doing.
Not everyone can say they’ve jumped off the famous rocks at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc into the cleeeeear blue waters below. But Bella Hadid can.
So many families have spent their summers at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc—from the Kennedys to the Bryants.
The Rooms!
No, this is not a royal palace. It’s just one of the hotel’s ocean-view rooms. Looking at that desk setup, I can see why this place was originally designed to be a writer’s retreat….
I just know I would sleep like a baby with this chandelier above my head. And those Louis XV furnishings? To die for.
Behold: the rooftop terrace attached to the iconic, celeb-adored Eden-Roc suite. As you can see, it features an outdoor living room. Also, just out of frame is a stunning private hot tub.
Of course, the Eden-Roc suite is gorgeous on the inside as well, as you can see in this gorge photo of the ~salon~. Give me a glass of champagne and I could stay there forever.
The Amenities!
Looking for a beauty treatment in a seaside cabana? No worries, the Dior Spa can accommodate that.
Picture this: You’re getting a glorious couples massage with a Dior blanket keeping your toes toasty. Bliss.
Sit on the terrace of the Eden-Roc restaurant and enjoy views for daysssss. It’s open for breakfast and lunch only, but that’s okay because you’re gonna want to be sitting here while the sun is shining, obv. You can do the buffet for 120 euros (!).
The Eden-Roc Grill is open for lunch and dinner and has a fish-heavy, Mediterranean-inspired menu. Depending on your mood, you can go bougie with grilled lobster or stick to a classic cheeseburger.
The Grounds!
Imagine driving up to this long driveway studded with palm trees to the front door of one of the most exclusive hotels in the W-O-R-L-D. Just imagine it. (Or, you know, just keep looking at this picture.)
If this pool could talk, DeuxMoi would probably be out of business.
In case you forget the name of the swanky place you’re in after gulping down one too many Aperol spritzes at the pool bar. Warning: An Aperol spritz will set you back 39 euros. Do with that information what you will.
Yes, you can arrive by limo (as I mentioned, the hotel offers private limo and plane services), or you can arrive by boat, pulling up to the dock you see here.
Voilà! The hotel’s 22 acres of coastline in all their glory. The French Riviera never looked so refreshing.
Hannah Chubb is the associate lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things home, travel, food, health, career, and more. She spends pretty much every hour of every day curating the internet for the best new products, trends, and travel destinations. You can typically find her looking for houses she can’t afford on Zillow or Airbnb, planning her next meal before she gets to the restaurant, or taking all of the Justin Bieber classes over and over and over again on Peloton. Follow her on Instagram.
