Lonely Planet Review

Built as a ritzy casino and cabaret venue in the Riviera's roaring '20s halcyon days, only the soaring 1929 colonnaded facade remains, with the otherwise brand new edifice now housing a glam 21st-century hotel and adjoining (but separately run) casino for latter-day Great Gatsby types.

The Palais's centrepiece is an elevated indoor/outdoor Grecian mosaic-tiled swimming pool. The pool is overlooked by a Buddhist-style bar and Asian-influenced restaurant, Le Padouk (named for the gleaming exotic timber used on the floor); all of which is spectacularly recessed behind the massive pillars of the majestic Art Deco facade. Because of that facade, until you reach the uppermost 9th floor, the views of the Med are actually better from the lower floors (views from the 8th floor are completely blocked). Still with that new carpet smell, the decor is modern and masculine, and most of the 188 rooms have separate bath tubs and showers, though a few with baths only have hand-held but not overhead showers. All but 10 have balconies. For all-out luxury, there's also a fitness centre, hammam (baths), sauna, and private beach; plus free high-speed cable Internet, wi-fi and a business centre.