Each year, thousands of visitors flock to Monte Carlo, Monaco, to get a taste of that luxury lifestyle – from perusing the super yachts that line the harbour, to dining at some of the very finest restaurants in all of Europe – and for casino enthusiasts, there’s no better place to spin some roulette than the famous Café de Paris and Monte Carlo Casinos. But this affluent destination is not the only place on the Cote d’Azur to offer excellent gaming prospects, and the glamorous neighbouring cities of Nice and Cannes are both home to some excellent hotels where gamers can relax, unwind, and try their luck against other serious players at their very own on-site casinos.
The excitement isn’t limited to the South of France, of course, with some fabulous luxury casino hotels scattered right across the country. So if you’re planning the kind of holiday where you can have a serious flutter each evening without leaving the comfort of your hotel, then look no further, as we’ve rounded up five of France’s very finest casino hotels – all of which promise the utmost in opulence from the moment you wake each morning.
Don’t forget to get some practice in beforehand on some of the new casinos and slot sites available online, as there will be plenty of other guests queuing up to give you a run for your money. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to head for the bright lights of Monte Carlo – then next stop, Sin City!
Le Pavillon de la Rotonde & Spa, Charbonnieres-les-Bains
This 5-star Le Pavillon de la Rotonde spa resort is located near Lyon, France. This chic boutique hotel comprises just 16 rooms, offering all-out comfort and an exclusive and intimate feel to your stay – a departure from the huge resorts of Vegas and Macau.
The hotel sits within an impressive park with waterways and amazing landscape, and combines beautiful architecture with tasteful décor to create an entirely unique place to stay. Foodies are well catered for here, and two Michelin star restaurant, La Rotonde and Brazerie Le Caz offer an unforgettable dining experience. For relaxation, just head to the extensive spa, which boasts a range of hot tubs and steam baths, with a jacuzzi and heated indoor pool to boot.
Of course, the bit you’ve all been waiting for is the hotel’s Lyon Vert Casino, which has recently been renovated and now offers an exclusive entertainment combination made up of numerous of slot machines, gaming tables and electronic roulette. The perfect place to while away an adrenalin-fuelled evening!
Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Nice
The Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée is centrally located in Nice, just a stone’s throw from Casino Ruhl and a few minutes’ stroll from Promenade des Anglais. This 5-star art deco style hotel is also within close proximity of Place Massena and Quai des Etats Unis, making it the perfect base from which to explore the city at your leisure.
All 187 air-conditioned rooms feature minibars and flat-screen televisions, offering the utmost in comfort throughout your stay – and most have their own private terraces, with panoramic views of the Baie des Anges.
With both indoor and outdoor pools plus a hammam and a sauna, here, it’s all about blissing out and making the most of your stay. Regional cuisine and Mediterranean dishes are served in the hotel’s restaurant, Le 3e, and guests can enjoy an evening drinks in the lounge bar before heading to the casino – which is well equipped with a range of slot machines and classic game tables such as roulette.
JW Marriott Cannes, Cannes
The 5-star JW Marriott Cannes is only steps from the city’s famous Croisette Beach. La Croisette itself is within easy walking distance, and guests can spend their time exploring the Museum of the Sea or wandering Forville Provencal Food Market – when they’re not soaking up the sunshine, of course.
With a cool 261 air-conditioned rooms in total, each is well-equipped with minibars and flat-screen televisions, with the highlight of the hotel a spectacular rooftop pool offering stunning views along the coast.
Enjoy a steak at the JW Grill Restaurant for dinner, then head up to the hotel’s rooftop bar, Le Panorama, for a nightcap. There’s a fitness centre for working up a sweat, too – plus a shopping gallery and glamorous casino where serious gamers could be in for a lucky night.
Hôtel Barrière Lille, Lille
For a spot of luxury in Lille, head to the 5-star Hôtel Barrière. Here, you’ll get beautiful city views from the comfort of your room, with some of the major sites of the city located in easy walking distance. Try the Lille Grande Palace for a spot of history, or take a 15-minute drive to the Pierre Mauroy Stadium if sport is your thing.
This stunning hotel features 3 restaurants, and a hotel theatre and a business centre – as well as a spectacular casino at which keen gamblers can try their luck against other seasoned pros. The standard here is high, so get some practice in before you go!
Guests at the hotel have free access to the spa and fitness centre, and all in rooms offer free WiFi and a flat-screen TV with beIN Sports and Canal+ channels. Les Hauts de Lille – the hotel’s on-site restaurant, serves up innovative French cuisine, while the cocktail list in the Escal’777 bar is well worth a browse.
Imperial Palace, Annecy
The Edwardian Impérial Palace is located in the pretty rural town of Annecy, just moments from the beach and the breath-taking Annecy Castle. Also in close proximity of Church of St. Francis and Palais de l Ile, there’s plenty to see here – but there’s so much to keep your attention inside the hotel, that you might not want to leave.
Make yourself at home in one of the 99 air-conditioned rooms, and enjoy some peace and tranquillity next to the windows, which open onto stunning lake and garden views. Or, if you’re feeling a little peckish, then head to the hotel’s restaurant, which features a bar with calming garden views.
The spa makes for a welcome treat, offering a range of sumptuous treatments for the ultimate in R&R. And, of course, a flutter in the hotel’s casino awaits by night, where guests can enjoy a range of different game tables, slot machines and more.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating