Built in 1912, the Normandy Barriere soon became a landmark hotel and one of Deauville's most recognizable establishments, not only due to its sheer size but also because it's an exemplary piece of traditional Normandy architecture. An almond-green, semi-timbered facade with quaint dormer windows and ornate pinnacles sets the tone for the grand elegance within, where polished wooden columns support beautifully crafted ceilings decked with numerous crystal chandeliers. The ambience is one of timeless luxury, attracting well-heeled tourists and -- during the American Film Festival -- more than its fair share of movie stars, many of whose photos graces the hotel's wall of fame.

The hotel is located in the center of Deauville, just off the Eugene-Cornuche Boulevard that runs parallel with the town's long stretch of sandy beach. There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area, and the iconic Casino Barriere de Deauville is right across the street. The convention center that hosts the annual American Film Festival is just next door, and Deauville's tennis club is across the road. The Trouville-Deauville train station is 15 minutes away on foot and Deauville's Saint-Gatien Airport takes about the same amount of time by car. Paris is a two-hour drive away without traffic.

The hotel has an impressive 290 rooms with traditional decor, some of which have pleasant sea-facing views. Many rooms are finished with Toile de Jouy patterned wallpaper or floral fabrics, while some higher-level rooms have half-timbered walls. Furnishings are largely antique, or at least in the antique style, and many rooms are illuminated by a centerpiece chandelier. All the in-room amenities you'd expect from a luxury establishment are present, including flat-screen TVs, safes, and high-end toiletries. The bathrooms in some rooms are lackluster and a few rooms could use a refresh.

The hotel has two restaurants -- La Belle Epoque and Caviar Moments -- both of which offer fine-dining in elegant surroundings. There's also a more relaxed bar specializing in its own cocktail creations and a courtyard for an alfresco experience. The indoor pool isn't huge, but it is flooded with natural light during the day from its retractable curved-glass roof. Other health facilities include a wood-paneled fitness room, a sauna, a coin-operated tanning bed, and a steam bath. There is also a large children's playroom, which is unusual for this type of hotel, while grown-ups can try their luck at the casino opposite, improve their backhand at the tennis club next door, or explore the area on bicycles that can be borrowed free of charge.