Elite Traveler Winter 2024/25

HOTEL CHÂTEAU DU GRAND-LUCÉ, BARON’S SUITE LE GRAND-LUCÉ, FRANCE Ornate gilded furnishings, parquet fl oors so highly polished you can nearly see your re fl ection, 17-ft ceilings and 18th-century Chinoiserie style canvas-covered walls — Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé claims that the Baron’s Suite is the most extravagant accommodation in all of Europe, and we might be inclined to agree. The unapologetically luxurious one-bedroom suite also features a private library, full to the ceiling with classic French tomes (and a writing desk, just in case inspiration takes hold); a fi neart collection; a marble-clad bathroom; and a petite lounge area. If you can bear to drag yourself away from your private quarters, take dinner at the farm-to-table Le Lucé restaurant, enjoy a stroll through the hotel’s 80 acres of gardens or lounge by the outdoor pool. Best for Grandeur From $5,560 per night. Contact Ludovic Poirier, directeur

general, ludovic@chateaugrandluce.com, +33 025 548 4040, chateaugrandluce.com

HOTEL DE CRILLON, A ROSEWOOD HOTEL, LES GRANDS APPARTEMENTS PARIS Proudly counted in Paris’ prestigious list of palace hotels, Hotel de Crillon is a mainstay on the city’s luxury circuit. Part of the revered Rosewood group, the grand building overlooks the Place de la Concorde (where, historically, all of the royal beheadings took place — in fact, given that the building was fi rst built in 1758, it would have been a prime place to watch said beheadings). Beheadings fi rmly outlawed, Hotel de Crillon now o ff ers 78 rooms and 46 suites — the most sought-after of which are Les Grands Appartments. Although technically two separate suites, these Grands Appartements can be conjoined to create one sprawling abode. Still need more space? A third bedroom can be added to create a three-bedroom apartment. Inside, grandeur in its fi nest form awaits: Expect paneled walls, glittering chandeliers, Drouault pillows and duvets, a formal sitting area and bespoke furniture. Best for Grandeur From $52,410 per night. Contact crillon.reservations@ rosewoodhotels.com, +33 144 711 500, rosewoodhotels.com

HOTEL DU CAP-EDEN-ROC, EDEN-ROC SUITE ANTIBES, FRANCE Perched above the cli ff s of the French Riviera, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has stood as a symbol of old-world glamour and exclusivity for over a century. For a tranquil escape, the Eden-Roc Suite o ff ers a 2,152-sq-ft terrace with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and Lérins Islands. Guests can unwind on plush lounge chairs, dine alfresco and enjoy evenings in their private hot tub under the stars. Inside the suite, nautical touches mirror the region’s coastal charm. Added perks include a courtesy limousine service and, for those who desire to explore the South of France by sea, Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is home to a private yachting dock. Best for Romance From $16,991 per night. Contact Alice Maybank, head of revenue management, reservations.hdcer@ oetkercollection.com, +33 493 613 901, oetkercollection.com Photos Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, Michael Spengler, Reto Guntli

HÔTEL DE PARIS MONTE-CARLO, DIAMOND SUITE - PRINCESS GRACE MONTE-CARLO, MONACO

If there is one place in the world that knows a thing or two about luxe living, it is Monaco. The tiny enclave is home to some of Earth’s swankiest hotels — not least of which is Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo. The top key here is the Diamond Suite - Princess Grace, a two-story, 10,581-sq-ft accommodation with views over the ocean. Paying homage to Princess Grace Kelly, the wife of Prince Rainier III, the suite holds precious artifacts and souvenirs once treasured by the royal fi gure herself. The two-bedroom suite’s decor is appropriately classy, with a creamy color palette highlighted by pops of gold. The piece de resistance, however, is the outdoor terrace; while away an afternoon here, poolside. In-room dining is a must, but do make a reservation at the hotel’s three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Louis XV - Alain Ducasse, for some of Europe’s fi nest haute cuisine. Best for Views From $65,250 per night. Contact resort@sbm.mc, +37 798 064 151, montecarlosbm.com