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Hôtel Negresco

Exterior

At a Glance

    Pros

  • for those interested in the past, this elegant hotel is a must
  • food at the famous Chantecler is

    Cons

  • breakfast is expensive (€30)
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Hôtel Negresco Review

This white-stucco slice of old-fashioned Riviera extravagance has hosted everyone from the Beatles to the Burtons and remains the icon of Nice today, accommodating well-heeled guests in elegant, uniquely decorated guest rooms replete with swagged drapes and fine antiques (plus a few unfortunate "with-it" touches like those plastic-glitter bathtubs). The landmark—built by Henri Negresco and opened in 1912—epitomizes La Belle Époque, thanks to its marble columns, gilded ceilings, and qualité du Louvre collection of old-master paintings and sculptures; yet the hotel has reinvented its attitude and affordability since a massive renovation. The entrance hall (and the welcome) has lost its stuffiness in favor of a lighter decor, while its awe-inspiring glass ceiling has been listed as a historic monument. Having earned two Michelin stars, Le Chantecler (open for dinner Wednesday to Saturday and Sunday lunch but closed January) ranks among the finest restaurants in France, with young superchef Jean-Denis Rieubland at the helm adding some modern touches to the menu, and drawing in younger crowds. La Rotonde—complete with a carousel of painted wooden horses and a Folies Bérgère chandelier—is an over-the-top setting for lunch and dinner; the impressive breakfast is served in the Regency Salon. For a touch of the Old Riviera, repair to the historic walnut-and-velour bar (the best on the coast) for a champagne cocktail.

    Hotel Details

  • 96 rooms, 21 suites.
  • Rate includes no meals.
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    Hôtel Negresco Review

    We just returned from a trip to the cote d'azur ad spent two nights at the Negresco. This hotel, in my opinion is mediocre at best. I found it and its history to be very interesting and unique, but for what they are charging, I would have thought the accommodations to be a bit more "refreshed". The interiors of the room are tired, towels stained along with walls and carpets. It's clean but just needs some updating. The breakfast buffet at the Rotunde is not great. I would have been very upset if it was not included in our stay. Some of the staff we encountered at the front desk and concierge were not that great either. For example, one day it was pouring rain and I asked the concierge how to get to St Paul de Vence via bus. He told me that I had to walk to the gare routiere which is clear on the other side of town. So we walked there, in the rain, waited for the bus and after three stops, realised that we could have caught this bus about two blocks from the hotel! Then another night it was late, around 930 and my husband and I felt like something light and unfussy for dinner so I asked a bellhop where we should go locally for a hamburger and he said very sarcastically that we should go to "Mc Donalds". I was not laughing as I was very insulted at his lack of willingness to help us. Because of these instances and general hotel feel I dont think I would recommend this hotel to any of our friends.

    by quiddity33, 9/23/09

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