Opened over a century ago in 1913, the Royal Barriere was one of the first palace-style hotels in Deauville and it has maintained its position as one of, if not the most, luxurious properties in the area. Interiors are relentlessly lavish, awash with red velvet furnishings, neoclassical statuary, and polished marble floors all illuminated by countless chandeliers dripping with crystals strung from lofty ceilings. Ambience is hushed and refined without being too stuffy -- the lobby positively encourages guests to linger and luxuriate in its sumptuous surrounds. The property primarily attracts well-heeled travelers and the occasional celebrity high-flyer.

The hotel occupies a prime position in Deauville's most desirable area overlooking the Eugene-Cornuche Boulevard that runs parallel with a long stretch of sandy beach one block away. The iconic Deauville Casino is just next door (and can be reached directly from the hotel via a small tunnel) and it's two blocks from the almost equally luxurious Normandy Barriere. The convention center that host the annual American Film Festival is also a couple blocks away, and the train station is a five-minute drive from the hotel.

The Royal Barriere has 228 rooms and 31 suites, all finished in classic upmarket hotel decor with warm tones and an array of patterned linens, wallpaper, and furnishings. Some rooms have balconies with superb sea views. All have well-stocked minibars and bathrooms come with robes and slippers. Wi-Fi is available for a fee.  Overall interiors feel old-fashioned and are showing signs of wear. 

The hotel has two restaurants -- the Cote Royal, which offers fine dining and breakfast in lavish surrounds, and l'Etriet, a more intimate restaurant and considered by many as one of the best in Deauville. There is a small heated kidney-shaped swimming pool to the rear of the hotel that's surrounded by lounge chairs and parasols, while the indoor spa includes a steam room, a sauna, and a gym. Bicycles are free to borrow from the hotel, and there are facilities for tennis, horseback riding, and go-carting nearby.