Hôtel Barrière Le Royal

A traditional house of luxury just across the street from the Deauville beach

• High-floor rooms, even of lower categories, have great beach views
• The location down the street from the casino and across the road from Le Ciro’s and the beach
• Watching pedestrians stroll along the strip while lounging by the pool; great alternative to a day on the sand for longer stays

Since most of its accommodations have views of Deauville’s vast beach, the Hotel Royal Barriere’s draw really is its location. Despite a refurbishment to prepare for the 2011 G8 Summit, the property still has an old-world, almost buttoned-up sensibility.

The beachside entrance to the hotel is less than a block from the Lucien Barriere Casino and leads into a royal purple and red soaked lounge with a bar to the left and reception on the far end. The hotel feels as though the beach is near, but in the way that a 1930’s belted maillot swimsuit does: it's grand and classic, but aged and has an aesthetic that’s a matter of personal preference. Upstairs hallways feature wallpaper with stripes of deep green, maroon and gold. There are 217 rooms and 30 suites, and while they still have wallpaper in regal, floral or vertical stripe patterns, they generally feel more subdued than common areas do. Bathrooms are sleek and contemporary in comparison with solid colors, marble and, for most categories, a walk-in shower. The 30 suites are larger, most with views of the beach and sea and some have private balconies for enjoying the sunset over the water. This seasonal hotel has a small outdoor pool for guests as well as a spa, salon and gym. The hotel closes from November to March annually.

Guests who want to stay at Deauville's grande dame that is conveniently located near the beach and restaurants.