Le Negresco

"Why book? Anyone who travels to the Cote d’Azur should stay at least once at Le Negresco, an iconic independent property since 1913. The hotel has welcomed A-listers and cultural elite throughout the past century, from Salvador Dalí to Princess Grace of Monaco to Louis Armstrong and more. Don’t be misled by the stunning Belle Epoque exterior—inside, you’ll find an impressive art collection from a range of eras—Louis XIII to contemporary French. Set the scene When in Nice, there’s no better jumping off point than Le Negresco, perched on the baie des Anges or “Angel Bay,” overlooking the Promenade des Anglais. In fact, 80 percent of the hotel rooms feature views over the shimmering bay. It’s a 10-minute walk to the narrow streets of Old Town. The Matisse Museum, the Chagall Museum, and the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum are all within a two-mile radius. The backstory First opened in 1913 by Romanian hotelier Henri Negresco, the hotel was instantly a destination for European jet setters. After being commandeered into a hospital during World War I, the hotel was purchased in 1957 by Jeanne Augier, who restored the property’s former glory—and then some. Augier created a true “hotel d’art,” adorning the rooms and common spaces with over 6,000 pieces from her personal collection, from Chagalls to Picassos to original portraits of Napoleon III. With soaring ceilings, the entrance and the Royal Salon are sumptuous—there you’ll find a dazzling chandelier of 16,800 Baccarat crystals juxtaposed with a Nouveaux Réaliste Nana Jaune sculpture by Niki de Saint Phalle. Augier passed away in 2019 but the hotel continues her artistic legacy. The rooms Each of the 102 rooms and 26 suites has a completely unique design. Themes range from the Marie Antoinette suite, decorated in true Louis XIII fashion with a canopy bed with lush yellow-gold upholstery and Sèvres vases in muted tones (recently, the temporary abode of a certain Jenner sister during Paris Fashion Week), to the Parisienne suite, channeling a modern Riviera jetsetter spirit, with a giant “valise” headboard, clean lines and a monochrome color palette. Guests can request the vibe they’re after. Rooms have Nespresso machines and a selection of teas, and bathrooms are outfitted with products from the French brand Lalique. Sea-facing balconies offer some of the best perspectives for taking in the heart of Nice. Food and drink Dining options include Bar 1913, a historic space with original walnut panelling and Louis XIII portraiture, where diners can share plates and sip cocktails like the Legend royal Negresco, with Lehmann kirsch, raspberry syrup, orange zest, blanc de blanc champagne, and gold flakes (priced at a cool 35 euros). Inspired by a carousel, La Rotonde brasserie is decorated with horse sculptures and copious amount of gold, from the walls to the warm lighting. Dishes are refined and satisfying—a Friday lunch in February included an avocado quinoa salad with paper-thin radishes and chimichurri, roasted scallops with barley risotto and a chilly glass of the house brut champagne. Finally, the Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Chantecler, helmed by Normandy-born Virginie Basselot, offers a gastronomic experience, with dishes like foie gras “en cocotte” with stewed green asparagus and oyster mushrooms, or roasted duck breast in Chartreuse with sweet potato-foie gras purée. The spa Inaugurated in January 2024, N Le Spa is second to only the sea itself when it comes to rejuvenation on the Riviera. It features over 7,500 square feet of soothing space outiffted in Carrara marble, Nero Marquina marble, porcelain stoneware, and oak parquet flooring. The Finnish sauna, exquisite with pink marble backdrop, sits next to a spacious hammam, between which you’ll find a light snowfall to cool the skin after a sweat session. With options like Atlantic Ocean mist, the shower is over-the-top in the best way, and the heated swimming pool is gently illuminated, creating a peaceful lagoon-like vibe. The spa has a full body and facial treatment menu, with products by Toulouse-based Olivier Claire, Vinésime, and more. In the relaxation area, you’ll find gold-leaved baked goods curated by Chef Virginie Basselot. The neighborhood/area Le Negresco overlooks the Promenade des Anglais, a four-mile stretch from the airport to Old Town along the water, lined with hotels and restaurants and the Casino de Nice. It’s the heart of the city, home to cultural events, exhibitions, and the annual Carnival. Nearby, you’ll find the serene Albert I Garden, dating back to 1852, and the Place Masséna, one of the most famed squares on the Cote d’Azur. The serviceLike frocks you’d imagine in a storybook French castle, the staff uniforms hint at the level of service you can expect—very attentive, professional, and (sometimes a rarity in France) smiley. Guest services check in at least daily to ensure that rooms are stocked with everything desired. For families Negresco is a great option for families. Suites are spacious. The private beach club, with a restaurant and sun beds for rental, is just across the street. And the hotel offers art workshops for children ages four to 10. Eco effort Le Negresco has undertaken a concerted effort to become more sustainable. Since 2015, they’ve been certified as an “Ecolabel” hotel, an important environmental certification in Europe. Their efforts include choosing biodegradable, organic products, replacing plastic with plant-based products, and recycling food waste onsite. Accessibility The hotel has an exterior access ramp and two guest rooms to accomodate people with reduced mobility. All of the hotel's retails spaces (such as the Jeanne boutique) are wheelchair accessible. Anything left to mention? It’s remarkable how Le Negresco links the past and the present. Staying there, you feel immersed in the rich cultural history of the French Riviera—with all of the modern amenities you could ask for."