The Normandy Barriere is a striking and swanky hotel with a whopping 290 rooms. It's located in an enviable position in the heart of Deauville overlooking the seafront. On-site dining is excellent and facilities are impressive, though they lack any real wow factor. Some rooms are worn and lack air-conditioning, but many have lovely sea views. All in all, the Barriere offers a high-end experience at a grand old hotel at rates that won't necessarily break the bank, but for no-holds-barred luxury, check out its sister hotel, the Royal Barriere.

The 19-room Ivan Vautier Hotel is a luxury boutique built around its renowned restaurant. Set on a somewhat drab, residential street away from central Caen, location certainly isn't its selling point -- though rooms are smart and appropriately high-end with excellent bathrooms and amenities. The spa area is good enough for the caliber of hotel (with steam bath, sauna, and hot tub) but the restaurant is, of course, the highlight and the food certainly won't disappoint. Overall, the hotel is swanky without quite hitting seriously upscale, but reasonable rates do tend to reflect this. 

The 34-room La Ferme Saint Siméon is a high-end, luxury hotel housed in three charming period buildings in lovely gardens overlooking the sea and an industrial area across the estuary. Situated on the tranquil heights of Honfleur, the town center is a short stroll away as are local beaches. Rooms are nicely finished with a refined rustic charm and marble-clad bathrooms, while the spa and restaurant are both well up to scratch. Standard room rates are reasonable for an upscale property, though beware that prices escalate for upgrades.

La Petite Folie is undeniably special. It's a luxurious B&B in a charming mansion with a few high-end apartments spread over two nearby 14th-century buildings. Interiors are particularly impressive, and each room has been lovingly and distinctly styled with luxury touches. The property is set right in the heart of Honfleur, within walking distance of local attractions and restaurants. Beware that there's no elevator (in keeping with historical preservation laws), and stairwells can be steep. Parking is limited. Rates may be high for a B&B, but are reasonable for a hotel with such class and attention to detail.

Le Manoir Des Impressionnistes certainly makes quite an impression upon first sight: the 18th-century manor house surrounded by pretty gardens and ancient woods could easily be the subject of a postcard or a magazine cover. Its setting on a hill overlooking the Seine estuary is quite special, too, and some rooms enjoy lovely sea-view sunsets. The on-site spa in a converted farmhouse is well received, as is the restaurant that uses locally sourced ingredients. There's no pool, but rates are nevertheless reasonable for such charming package.

There's very little to find fault with at La Maison du Parc, with its lovely gardens, beautifully maintained townhouse, five superbly finished rooms, and excellent fresh continental breakfast. It's located in a quiet neighborhood, a short walk from the town center and its amenities. As the Maison du Parc is a bed and breakfast, don't expect much in the way of facilities -- there's no pool, spa, or business center. Rates are a little higher than at your average B&B, but this place is well above average.