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A Hotel Guide to Saint Tropez (Before the White Lotus Effect)

The moment The White Lotus announced Saint-Tropez as the filming location for Season 4, we all knew exactly what was coming. We’ve seen this story before: Thailand’s Four Seasons Koh Samui saw bookings surge 350% after Season 1 aired, and Sicily experienced a massive tourism boom following Season 2’s debut at San Domenico Palace in Taormina. The White Lotus effect is real, measurable, and about to transform Saint-Tropez’s already competitive hotel landscape.

If you’re planning a trip to the French Riviera’s most glamorous destination, now is the time to book. The best hotels in Saint-Tropez fill up months in advance during peak season — add the White Lotus spotlight, and you’re looking at unprecedented demand. The show doesn’t even air until 2026, but hotels are already seeing increased interest from travelers wanting to experience the magic before everyone else catches on. This guide covers everything you need to know: how to get to Saint-Tropez, the best luxury hotels to book right now (including where The White Lotus is actually filming), and why waiting until the season airs could mean missing out entirely.

Getting to Saint-Tropez

Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is the closest major airport to Saint-Tropez, located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) away. It’s the most convenient option for international travelers, with direct flights from major European cities and seasonal connections from North America.

The drive from Nice Airport to Saint-Tropez takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic — summer weekends can add significant time, so plan accordingly. For the most seamless arrival experience, book a private transfer in advance. Your hotel can arrange a private car service, or you can book through Daytrip, which offers door-to-door transfers with English-speaking drivers. Daytrip also gives you the option to add sightseeing stops along the way, which is perfect if you want to break up the journey with a visit to Cannes, Antibes, or a coastal viewpoint.

Where To Stay in Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez offers an impressive range of luxury accommodations, from historic palaces perched in the hills to intimate boutique properties tucked into residential neighborhoods. Whether you’re drawn to the energy of the village center, the tranquility of a private beach, or the allure of Michelin-starred dining, these hotels represent the finest places to stay in this legendary French Riviera destination.

For those traveling in groups or seeking more space and privacy, I’m also curating a selection of the best luxury villas and vacation homes that offer the ultimate Saint-Tropez experience with your own private retreat. Stay tuned, and be sure to subscribe to our newsletter, The Suite Spot, so you can receive your copy of our Villas & Homes Guide to Saint-Tropez.

Château de la Messardière

Perched high above Pampelonne Bay, Airelles Saint-Tropez, Château de la Messardière is a 19th-century hilltop palace set within 13 acres of landscaped gardens, offering some of the most sweeping Mediterranean views on the French Riviera. Recently restored to Palace status, the 86-room hotel blends Belle Époque grandeur with contemporary refinement — a cinematic setting that has made it the official filming location for the upcoming season of The White Lotus. From its panoramic terraces to its pine-shaded paths, the property feels both secluded and unmistakably Saint-Tropez.

Guests can expect a full spectrum of ultra-luxury amenities, including multiple destination restaurants (notably Matsuhisa Saint-Tropez by Nobu), an expansive Valmont spa, five pools, and chauffeured transfers down to the hotel’s exclusive Jardin Tropézina beach club on Pampelonne. While the palace itself is a destination, its hilltop location places guests minutes from both the beaches of Ramatuelle and the historic port of Saint-Tropez — ideal for travelers seeking Riviera glamour with privacy, space, and a sense of old-world spectacle.

Book Château de la Messardière

Hôtel de Paris Saint-Tropez

An icon of the village since 1931, Hôtel de Paris Saint-Tropez sits directly on the Place de la Gendarmerie, anchoring the historic heart of town with understated five-star elegance. Its Art Deco–inspired façade and storied past reflect the evolution of Saint-Tropez itself — from sleepy fishing port to international playground — while its central location places guests steps from the harbor, designer boutiques, cafés, and the famed Pampelonne beaches just beyond town.

The hotel’s crowning feature is its rooftop terrace and pool, offering panoramic views across the Gulf of Saint-Tropez — one of the most coveted vantage points in the village. Dining unfolds at Les Toits, a refined rooftop restaurant, and Pationata, which celebrates Mediterranean flavors in a chic courtyard setting, while the Spa by Clarins provides a serene counterpoint to the town’s summer energy. For travelers who want to be fully immersed in the rhythm, glamour, and social life of Saint-Tropez, Hôtel de Paris delivers a front-row seat with timeless appeal.

Book Hôtel de Paris Saint-Tropez

La Bastide de Saint-Tropez

Set just 10 minutes on foot from the heart of Saint-Tropez and nearby beaches, La Bastide de Saint-Tropez is a five-star Relais & Châteaux property that feels more like a secluded Provençal country estate than a typical hotel. Four traditional farmhouses and a gracious main mansion are nestled within lush Mediterranean gardens, creating an intimate oasis of calm just a short stroll from the village’s cafés, galleries, and boutiques. Across its 26 rooms and suites, light-filled décor and private terraces or garden access reflect the timeless elegance of classic French Riviera living.

Dining at L’Isoletta celebrates Italian-Mediterranean flavors with refined, fresh cuisine, while the poolside barbecue and garden terrace add relaxed, sun-soaked options during the warmer months. Guests can unwind at the Spa by Holidermie, which offers holistic treatments in a serene setting, or take advantage of the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service to Saint-Tropez’s village centre and beaches for effortless exploration of the coast and nightlife. With its blend of Provençal charm, attentive service, and proximity to both town and sea, La Bastide offers a quietly luxurious base for discovering Saint-Tropez.

Book La Bastide de Saint-Tropez

Hôtel Lou Pinet

Tucked into the quiet Pinet neighborhood just minutes from Place des Lices and the beaches of Saint‑Tropez, Hôtel Lou Pinet is a 34‑room five‑star boutique retreat that channels the bohemian spirit and laid‑back glamour of the Côte d’Azur. Designed by Charles Zana with soft Mediterranean tones, handcrafted details, and vintage‑inspired charm, each room and suite feels like a private villa chapter set amid fragrant gardens of lavender, rosemary and parasol pines — a serene contrast to the town’s bustling centre. At the heart of the property is one of Saint‑Tropez’s largest hotel pools, edged with loungers and shaded by trees, creating an irresistible oasis for long afternoons under the sun.

Culinary life at Lou Pinet centers on two standout experiences: Beefbar Saint‑Tropez, the celebrated restaurant by Riccardo Giraudi known for exceptional meats and Mediterranean‑inspired sharing dishes, and La Terrasse, a lighter all‑day eatery set against the lush garden backdrop. The intimate Tata Harper spa offers organic facials, hammam and wellness treatments in a grotto‑like setting, while the hotel’s relaxed bar and outdoor lounges invite guests to sip rosé or cocktails in the dappled shade. Though peaceful and residential in feel, Lou Pinet’s location keeps you within easy reach of village life and coastal attractions, making it a chic yet understated choice for travelers seeking both authentic Tropezian style and quiet luxury.

Book Hôtel Lou Pinet

Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez

Cheval Blanc St‑Tropez is the only hotel in Saint‑Tropez with direct beach access, setting it apart as a rare seaside sanctuary on the Bay of Saint‑Tropez. Designed by Jean‑Michel Wilmotte, the intimate Maison offers around 30–32 rooms and suites — most with private terraces or balconies framing Mediterranean views, pine forests, and the village skyline. Its location at Plage de la Bouillabaisse means guests step straight from the property onto soft white sand and enjoy an exclusive stretch of beach with beach chairs reserved for hotel residents, all within a short walk of the legendary village.

Culinary excellence defines a stay here: La Vague d’Or, helmed by three‑Michelin‑starred Chef Arnaud Donckele, is a celebrated dining destination weaving Provençal flavors with Mediterranean finesse. The Maison also offers refined poolside and terrace dining experiences. Wellness is equally compelling, with the Guerlain Spa providing signature treatments, hammam, and relaxation spaces tailored to the Riviera’s light and sea breeze. A heated infinity pool extending toward the water’s edge invites languid days under the sun, while personalized service and proximity to both beach and village life make Cheval Blanc both serene and centrally enjoyable.

Book Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez

Hotel Byblos Saint-Tropez

A legend of the French Riviera since 1967, Hôtel Byblos Saint‑Tropez remains one of the most iconic palace hotels in Saint‑Tropez, its pastel façades and maze of cobbled paths giving it the feel of a Mediterranean village in the heart of town. The property features around 87 individually styled rooms and suites, many with bespoke décor and private terraces, plus a handful of creatively designed signature suites by top designers. Lush gardens, a heated outdoor pool with a vibrant B. Lounge pool bar, and proximity to Place des Lices and the harbour make Byblos both a serene retreat and a central base for exploring village life. The hotel also offers complimentary shuttle service to its beach club on Pampelonne, Byblos Beach Ramatuelle, where guests can relax on white sands and enjoy Mediterranean beach cuisine steps from the water.

Byblos’s culinary and social scene is woven into Saint‑Tropez’s glamour. Il Giardino serves Italian Mediterranean cuisine beneath a pergola by the pool, while the rooftop Sky Bar offers cocktails with panoramic bay views. The legendary Les Caves du Roy nightclub continues to define Riviera nightlife, drawing a stylish crowd late into the evening. Wellness at Byblos centers on the recently renovated Spa Byblos by Sisley, with holistic treatments, hammam, steam room and relaxation spaces inspired by nature and timeless elegance. Between the garden‑to‑table restaurant offerings, chic lounges, and iconic nightlife, Hôtel Byblos blends classic Tropezian glamour with contemporary sophistication for travelers seeking both leisure and legendary Riviera energy.

Book Hotel Byblos Saint Tropez

Hôtel Le Yaca Saint-Tropez

Tucked into the heart of old Saint‑Tropez at the foot of the Citadel, Hôtel Le Yaca is an intimate five‑star hideaway set within a beautifully restored 18th‑century mansion just a short stroll from the port and the sandy curve of La Ponche beach. Behind a discreet entrance hidden among the winding alleys, this historic residence opens onto a lush Mediterranean garden and heated pool that feels more like a private villa’s courtyard than a hotel terrace, creating an oasis of calm in one of the Riviera’s most charming quarters. The property offers around 32–34 individually designed rooms and suites, each uniquely appointed with refined fabrics, bespoke furniture and private bathrooms, many with garden or village views that marry neoclassical elegance with modern comfort.

Culinary life at Le Yaca centers on Le Patio, a refined Italian restaurant by Chef Mirko Guastadisegni where seasonal Mediterranean flavors are served around the pool or in an intimate indoor dining room with black‑and‑white marble floors. The shaded garden setting with orange trees and parasols adds an air of relaxed sophistication to both lunch and dinner, making it a cherished spot for romantic evenings or leisurely meals after a day exploring the old town. The hotel also features a cozy bar and attentive service, plus seasonal shuttle access to Pampelonne beaches, blending discreet luxury with effortless access to Saint‑Tropez’s café culture, boutiques, and seaside life.

Book Hôtel Le Yaca Saint-Tropez

Book Now, Thank Yourself Later

The White Lotus effect has proven itself time and again. What happened in Thailand and Sicily isn’t just a temporary spike—these destinations experienced sustained tourism growth that continues years after their respective seasons aired. Saint-Tropez, already one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, is about to become even more impossible to book. The smart move? Secure your accommodation now, before the season airs and everyone else realizes what you already know: Saint-Tropez is about to have its moment in the global spotlight.

For a comprehensive guide to planning your Saint-Tropez trip, including the best beach clubs, restaurants, and things to do beyond these hotels, check out my Ultimate Guide to Saint-Tropez—a 30+ page eBook covering everything you need to know to experience this legendary French Riviera destination like an insider.

Beyond Your Hotel: Experiences Worth Booking

Half-Day Private Yacht Tour in Saint Tropez

On this private boat tour, you’ll get to sail onboard a Pershing 40 yacht and see Baie des Canebiers or Pampelonne Plage. This half-day tour includes snacks, soft drinks, water, and snorkeling equipment. During your tour, you can have the option to upgrade to add full catering, wine service, or watersports for a more elevated experience.

Full-Day Private Yacht Tour in Saint Tropez

On this private boat tour, you’ll get to sail onboard a Pershing 40 yacht for the full day and see Baie des Canebiers or Pampelonne Plage. This full-day tour is provided by the same operator mentioned above, and includes snacks, soft drinks, water, and snorkeling equipment. This full day boat tour is an amazing way to spend the day in Saint Tropez, and the boat comfortably fits up to 8 guests total.

The Ultimate Guide to Saint Tropez

Our Ultimate Guide to Saint-Tropez is a comprehensive 30+ page eBook packed with insights and detailed advice based on firsthand experience. Inside, you’ll find recommendations for the best hotels, beach clubs (plus how they actually work), restaurants, things to do, and essential tips to know before you book. If you’re planning a trip to Saint-Tropez, this guide will save you hours of research so you can focus on the exciting parts of planning your getaway.


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