At a Glance
Located only five minutes by car from the Place des Lices, Hotel Lou Pinet offers a quiet escape from the crowds of St. Tropez but is still close enough to enjoy shopping, dining and the beach clubs of Pampelonne.
Review
Situated in the hills above St. Tropez, Hotel Lou Pinet opened just in time for the 2019 summer season. The hotel is the newest member in the Maison Pariente hotel portfolio—you may recognize Crillon Le Brave in Provence as the other property operated by the Pariente family. With only 34 rooms and suites, Lou Pinet was designed to capture St. Tropez's bohemian charm and to feel more like a private family home than a hotel. Interior decorator Charles Zana was brought in for the architecture, and the garden was designed by the famed Mediterranean landscaper Jean Mus, a native of Grasse. The spa uses Tata Harper products and international restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi is behind Beefbar, the hotel’s chic restaurant.
The rooms are spacious and fresh. Many come equipped with a private garden and outdoor lounge further adding to the “at-home” feel. The retro-chic spirit of the 60s runs through the property’s aesthetic and many rooms sport unique décor accents such as hand-made tapestry headboards with colorful motifs and enameled Charles Zana lamps. The overall color palette consists of light hues with an occasional black highlighting, natural stone, wrought iron, sophisticated cane effects and linen and wood that come together to create a bright and cheerful atmosphere. There is no view of the sea from Lou Pinet, so rooms either face the hotel's gardens or its swimming pool. Tucked away in the garden, the large pool serves as the centerpiece of the hotel and is the perfect place to while away a summer day. At the bottom of the garden, you will find the spa, hammam and fitness center.
The hotel's restaurant, Beefbar — which can already be found in Paris, Monaco, Mykonos and Tulum—makes the hotel a dining destination in itself. The menu is centered around the finest cuts of beef (think Wagyu, Kobe, Black Angus Prime) alongside grilled fish, ceviche, pasta, salads and carpaccio. The hotel also has the Lou Pinet Bar, which acts as a meeting point for guests, particularly at aperitif hour. The outdoor portion of the bar is sheltered by a wooden pergola and faces a stone pine. At night, the garden is lit up with fairy lights and lanterns making for a sensational evening under the stars.
Who Should Stay
Couples and families with older children looking for a relaxed St. Tropez getaway close to the action of the town. The property has a compact footprint and is not for those who want ample privacy and space to run around.
Written by Kathryn Nathanson
