Thrifty Traveler isn't exactly known for reporting on Hollywood gossip … but when it comes to HBO's hit, travel-adjacent show The White Lotus, we just have to make an exception.
It's rumored that the upcoming season will be set in France, but it's unclear exactly which ultra-luxe hotel will play host. Given the show's partnership with Four Seasons Hotels, there are three different properties to choose from: Four Seasons Hotel Megève in the French Alps, Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat on the French Riviera, and Hotel George V, located in the heart of Paris.
In prior seasons, the show has always been set in warm-weather locations on the water:
- Season 1: Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
- Season 2: San Domenico Palace, Taromina, a Four Seasons Hotel
- Season 3: Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand
With the opening credits showing waves ominously crashing into the shore, it's unlikely they'll stray too far from the coast for season four. Plus, creator Mike White reportedly isn't a fan of the cold, making the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat the clear front-runner. Maybe the cast and crew will even cash in some SkyMiles to fly Delta's new nonstop flight from Boston (BOS) to Nice (NCE) for filming!
If this property does end up being the site of next season's show, it ought to be pretty picturesque. Perched on a hill above the Mediterranean Sea, Cap-Ferrat features more than 14 acres of private gardens, a Michelin-starred restaurant, a lively pool club, and sea views from Nice to Monaco.
Base rooms here start around $900 per night, but soar to $3,000 (or more) during peak summer season. But odds are, we'll see the show's characters staying in one of the hotel's suites or private villas instead.
Villa Clair Soleil can be had for a cool $23,000 per night during peak summer season, for example. This two-bedroom villa comes with its own private pool, fully-equipped kitchen, and personal attendant. I can't wait to see how entitled whichever character gets to call this place home will be.
Of course, nothing is set in stone – they could throw us a curveball and opt for a city setting this time around. The Hotel George V and its Eiffel Tower views would certainly make for some nice visuals and give the show a chance at fresh storylines.
This Art Deco property is nearly 100 years old (relatively young by European standards) and is ideally located in the Golden Triangle, just off the historic Champs-Élysées. With 244 rooms, three restaurants – with six Michelin stars among them – a private wine cellar, marble courtyard, pool, and spa, the characters certainly wouldn't be “roughing it” here.
Unsurprisingly, nights at Hotel George V don't come cheap – like at least $2,000 per night cheap … and that's during the low season. If you're looking to stay here in peak summer, expect to see rates of $3,500 or more for a base room, and north of $15,000 for a suite.
In fact, the hotel's biggest and best Penthouse and Royal Suite don't even show a price online; instead, they direct you to call and inquire about availability. As the saying goes, “If you have to ask the price, you can't afford it.”
While it's likely the longest shot of all, Four Seasons Hotel Megève wouldn't be a bad choice and would definitely give the show some new flair. I can only imagine how pent up everyone would be when a sudden snow squall leaves everyone trapped indoors for days on end.
Of course, the show wouldn't have to be set during the winter ski season. The hotel, located in the heart of the French Alps on the slopes of Mont d’Arbois, is also a popular summer vacation spot with some of the most renowned golf courses in the Alps located nearby.
Rooms here start around $2,500 per night during the ski season, but are much more reasonable during the summer – often $700 or so. There are also a handful of suites that offer more space and added luxury that typically go for $20,000 per night during the peak-winter months.
Some fans of the show are speculating that this property will be the one because several weeks are blocked off on the booking calendar in late March and early April. While it's true that these hotels often shut down for a few weeks during filming, the Four Seasons Hotel Megève closes every spring and fall between its peak seasons, so I wouldn't count on that being a giveaway.
Bottom Line
The White Lotus season four is reportedly heading to France, with three different Four Seasons Hotels to choose from. While nothing is for certain, Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat on the French Riviera appears to be the most likely host.
Featured image courtesy of Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel
