Escape to the Hotel-du-Cap Eden Roc with a New Book Celebrating Its 150th Anniversary

“I really love each part of the history depicted in this book and feel that each period remains important,” says Philippe Perd, general manager at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. “The ‘Grande Dame’ is just as youthful and lovely today as she was in 1870. What bearing, what elegance, what beauty and what a fantastic human story! I have had the immense privilege of being part of this story for 15 years now and will ensure that it continues unaltered for the next 150.”

While the guest list has changed and past visitors like Marlene Dietrich, the Kennedys, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and Cecil Beaton have moved into the annals of history, the hotel property is no less soigné. The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc is without fail the most in-demand accommodation during the annual Cannes Film Festival, and many of the movie industry’s most celebrated stars clamor for a room. (Some even had to look elsewhere when they ran afoul of the hotel’s pay-in-advance, cash-only policy, which was retired in 2006.)

And like most “ladies of a certain age,” the hotel has underwent its own series of improvements, including a ten-year renovation in 2007. Last year, Patricia Anastassiadis masterfully overhauled the two restaurants while chef consultant Eric Frechon revisioned the menu at Louroc. This past winter, the entire façade was refurbished.

“Throughout our 150-year history, we have focused all our permanent efforts to preserve the timeless legend of the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, its elegance and familial atmosphere, while also integrating the newest technology and modern facilities for all our guests to enjoy,” Perd tells Galerie. “For each of our renovations the challenge consists in respecting our history while anticipating the future. The reputation of this legendary establishment has been forged thanks to the competence and savoir faire of our outstanding staff, whom I like to refer to as ‘crafters of paradise.’” 

While 2020 was the hotel’s 150th anniversary, the celebration shows now sign of slowing in 2021. In addition to the book’s launch, the landmark hotel is also unveiling Villa Sainte-Anne, a new five-bedroom villa once belonging to the original hotel owner, Antoine Sella. Now the Oetker Collection, which oversees the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, has bought spent two years refurbishing the property as a private accommodation to guests. Plus, the resort is teaming up with Christian Dior to unveil a new parfum, christened Eden-Roc, concocted by François Demachy and inspired by the Hotel du Cap.

“This fragrance marks the union of two icons of French heritage and elegance for whom innovation and tradition are closely linked,” says Perd. “François Demachy has succeeded at turning a dream into reality with this unique fragrance that so incredibly resembles the location. As I would say, we are always changing, yet always the same.”