ROYAL
BARRIERE (*****L): Well
worth the trip to Deauville, this is the most luxurious palace hotel in
Normandy. Erected in a sumptuous 1900 architecture for the golden
ages Glamour starts when stepping into the lobby. Grand, glamourous, this caravanserail has been totally preserved in its original style. Thick antique carpets, wood paneled walls slightly darkened along decades by voluptuous cigar smoke... What a feeling! The concierge and its two officers stands on the left, behind a desk on which leaned generations of kings and millionaires; within a few hours, this expert and friendly team called us by our name, when the hotel was totally full. The brochure said: « At Royal Barrière, each guest is a star »: amazingly true! Opposite is the reception, with a all ladies staff. This all makes a much relaxed, informal atmosphere. Ideal for holiday making. The 220 rooms and 31 suites remained in their glittering splendor. Many of them have been recently refurbished by the much acclaimed designer Jacques Garcia: with dark furniture, heavy fabrics. This rich decoration concept is tailored made for the Anglo-Saxon and Russian visitors, looking for that sort of opulence. French and latin visitors might prefer the original rooms: with flowered wall coverings and fabrics. Our room (# 414) escaped from Garcia's influence: we found it homey, relaxing, and conveniently large. Much refined, with its remarkable marble bathroom featuring a bronze lion statue over the tube (regular and VIP guests might receive Hermès cologne in their toilet kit) . French doors opened to a great, unspoiled ocean view: we had sofas and a small table on the balcony. Ideal for relaxation, this was the dreamed place for breakfast and room service. Internet is provided on a complimentary basis in the public areas; it comes with a fee in the rooms. There is a lavish, well designed Fitness Centre, free and accessible by hotel guests only. It is equipped with sauna, Turkish bath, exercising and stretching room, and a relaxation room with water beds. This rich equipment is completed by a bar corner, with mineral waters of the best brands, tea and coffee facility, and fresh apples available with the hotel compliments. The summer swimming pool is accessible for a EUR 20 fee / day, allowing the client to use a sofa, and to order complimentary «granité» from the open-air bar. Charging for the pool might sound shocking for some guests; it has been imposed by the quite limited space, while the reservation system assures the sunbathers to get their sofa booked in advance when and where they prefer. The SPA Diane Barrière is regarded as the most exclusive in Deauville. Two restaurants. The «Côté Royal» is grand. Somehow impressive. This is where we had our breakfast with much style, in a very British atmosphere (during our summer stay most of the guests came from UK, featuring also some upper class American); it seemed to us -maybe just a feeling- that the French (wealthy Parisian and local show business) tend to prefer the Normandy Barrière. The best restaurant remains L'Etrier. With one Michelin star, it is more intimate, with a large terrace and its wonderful Champagne piano Bar frequented by the jet-society. Chef Eric Provost is al alchemist, using regional products from Normandy and providing the best menu we had in Deauville. The rates were surprisingly lighter than we would have imagined for such a unique, top luxurious hotel (about EUR 250 - 500 per night). Many packages available. Important gamblers using the casino Barrière -just right the street corner- might apply for special conditions via the Groupe Lucien Barrière. Anticipating staff and management. You would hardly find anything to criticize in the Royal Barrière ». Member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Closed mid November to December 28, and January 03 to mid March. Our
favourite
hotel in Deauville, among the most legendary palaces in the world.
ROYAL
BARRIERE: Boulevard Cornuché, BP 74400, 14804 Deauville Cedex
NORMANDY
BARRIERE (****L): The
legendary hotel in Deauville. World famous, the Normandy
is called a palace by many; a luxurious charming hotel by others.
This The plush turn of the century lobby, with its wood paneled Normandy Bar and sitting areas, made us a great impression. This is where the action goes, night and day, in Deauville. Movie stars and showy representatives of the French show business mix with tranquil holiday making families. The reception staff is composed by courteous, well trained young ladies who make you feel at ease by their smiling and warm welcome. The Normandy Barrière is one of those fine hotels where we feel at home right away. It still has the elegance and style that one expects in this kind of Hotels. We stayed on the first floor, in a deluxe sea view room, with a balcony. Is it a favourite choice? We would say yes, for the view on the Channel. It nevertheless seems that regular guests tend to prefer the ground floor rooms (also oriented to the sea), with their private terrace garden, ideal for a family stay. The Presidential Suite has not a sea view: it is oriented to the much wanted Cour Normande: a bucolic garden, with its scissors cut grass and apple trees, which makes you feel like miles away, in a Anglo-Norman manor! This is the best place to observe the unique architecture, with its interlaced design of pastel green half timbering, stone checkering and turrets, which prints the « Normandy » in your memory for a life time. French daily newspaper Le Figaro considers the hotel as «The unique 300 rooms villa in the world». Which is somehow true. It also means that, with its configuration, the rooms -and even suites- are not that large. Intimate, cozy, warmly and elegantly appointed with «Toile de Jouy», antique furniture, beautiful marble bathrooms with a very elegant and complete toilet kit, they definitely reflect the atmosphere of a top class charming hotel. Not a palace. But isn't it this subtle balance which makes peoples -and Peoples!- consider the Normandy as their home away from home? You prefer the palace? No problem: leave your room, and come back to the lobby. The sparkling atmosphere of the bar (more than 120 brands of Whiskeys available!), where guests enjoy their glass around the piano in a great, so classy, ambiance, combines with the ritzy gourmet experience you will get in the La Belle Epoque» restaurant. This is where we had one of the best breakfast we had in our live. We have been so many times impressed by legendary palace hotels, then brought back to reality by a deceitful breakfast: there is a secret for that in that category of hotel. God knows why? This is by no means the case in the Normandy: the huge room opens to the Cour Normande, where many guests like to seat in Summer time. Like in an Agatha Christie Novel, smart families with educated kids glide -never rushing- to a mouth-watering, legendary buffet. The chef uses the freshest ingredients from the local markets, and his cakes are a pure delight. A waiter stands beside the buffet, pressing orange juice for the clients who certainly wonder how they could have ever accessed such a gourmet Paradise for only EUR 24! A bargain! The hotel itself is not as expensive as one could imagine: Summer rates start from approximately EUR 200 for a Classic Room, till EUR 366 for a Deluxe Courtyard. Suites are sold out at about EUR 600. A wide selection of extremely attractive packages is available, allowing the guests to enjoy the hotel plus a range of attractions (golf for instance) managed the Lucien Barrière group controlling all the most prestigious activities in Deauville and surroundings. The hotel is children friendly (with a kids club, and plenty of activities), and has a nice indoor pool and fitness area. The casino stands opposite the hotel. A
smart
and romantic, legendary landmark. NORMANDY
BARRIERE: 38, rue Jean Mermoz
GOLF
BARRIERE (****L): Located
on the heights of Mont Canisy, an idyllic hill overlooking Deauville (a
three minutes car drive), this lavish hotel stands on an
excellent
and very The 168 Art Deco inspired rooms and 10 suites are smart and homey: displaying a stunning view over the « green » and the countryside. We advise you to book those overlooking the Seine estuary. At the foot of the hotel, the small trees bordering the turquoise pool are a friendly setting for swimmers. During the summer, guests can relax over buffets and barbecues while making the most of the region's mild, soothing climate. The 27 hole golf Barrière Deauville (9 on one side and 18 on the other), designed in 1928 by the famous English architect, Simpson, is splendid. It offers quite a high level of difficulty, due to slippery fairways, fast greens and several bunkers but, according to the hotel management, can suit any handicap. Golf lessons can be arranged. It has a very pleasant bar restaurant Club House. Many people don't come here only for golfing: the hotel is also much reputed for its children's activities. Kids have got their activities room, and outdoor playground facilities. Rates vary quite a lot, depending on the season. It remains more than affordable, with many good value for money packages. The friendly and anticipating staff makes you feel at home in this heaven of peace between sea and countryside. The
ideal
place for those seeking sporty, relaxing holidays.
GOLF
BARRIERE: Le Mont Canisy, BP 63500 Saint-Arnoult,
REVIEWS
OF THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN DEAUVILLE
REVIEWS
OF THE LEADING PALACE HOTELS IN PARIS
   |
travellers,
replaced nowadays by the jet setters (featuring plenty of Hollywood
movie
stars), the well called « Royal » is an attraction on its own.
delightful
country mansion combines both definitions.
well
organized golf course. 