Best hotels in Nice, Côte d'Azur

La Pérouse, Nice

Hotel La Pérouse is a true hidden gem in Nice, uniquely carved directly into the limestone cliffs of Castle Hill. Opened in 1936, the hotel takes its name from the intrepid 18th-century French explorer Jean-François de Galaup, comte de La Pérouse. Its dramatic, elevated position at the far end of the Promenade des Anglais offers a sense of privacy and seclusion that feels worlds away from the bustling city below.

“This secret treasure cuts into the cliff (an elevator takes you up to reception), and the best rooms—including Raoul Dufy’s favorite—not only have views of the azure sea, they also look down into an intimate garden dotted with lemon trees. All rooms have a breezy, bright inviting style that makes you think twice about leaving them for a drink at the patio bar or a dip in the cliff-side pool.”

Le Negresco, Nice

Hotel Le Negresco is a legendary Belle Époque landmark on Nice’s famous Promenade des Anglais, instantly recognizable by its iconic pink dome. Opened in 1913 by Romanian hotelier Henri Negrescu, the palace was designed to be a grand sanctuary for the world’s elite. It even served as a military hospital during World War I, with the founder generously funding beds for the wounded.

“For more than a century, the Negresco has been Nice’s most iconic hotel. Its flamingo-pink dome crowns the promenade des Anglais, its Belle Epoque facade turned towards the sea. Guestrooms—a mix of Louis XIV antiques and state-of-the-art bathrooms—have hosted each era’s most noted celebrities, from the Beatles and Salvador Dalí to Michael Jackson.”

Mama Shelter, Nice

Mama Shelter Nice, which opened its doors in 2024, is a vibrant addition to the French Riviera. Occupying a trio of historic buildings in the trendy Riquier district, the hotel is just a short stroll from the legendary Old Port. The interiors, curated by the brand’s design studio under Benjamin El Doghaïli, draw creative inspiration from maritime history and the works of iconic artists like Matisse and Picasso, featuring colourful frescoes and whimsical patterns throughout.

“The arty and modern Mama Shelter, complete with a rooftop bar, work spaces, pizza bar and restaurant, brings a youthful, eclectic vibe to the Riquier neighborhood.”

Hôtel du Couvent, Nice

Hôtel du Couvent is a breathtaking restoration of a 17th-century convent tucked away in the labyrinthine streets of Nice’s Old Town, known as Vieux Nice. Transformed by the Perseus hotel group, the property honors its monastic origins by preserving original stone walls, vaulted ceilings, and quiet courtyards that have stood for centuries.

“Hôtel du Couvent, in the heart of Old Town, is a beautifully restored former convent originally established in 1604. The walled grounds include a Roman-inspired bath, two acres of gardens and a restored herbalist shop, once run by nuns, that provides tinctures and teas, as well as herbs for the kitchen.”

Le Windsor Jungle Art Hotel, Nice

Le Windsor Jungle Art Hotel in Nice is a truly unique 19th-century landmark that functions as a living museum. Owned by the Redolfi family for over eighty years, the property transformed into an artistic destination in 1989 when the owner invited artist Joël Ducoroy to decorate "Room 83." This sparked a tradition where contemporary artists are invited annually to design unique, site-specific rooms, creating an ever-evolving gallery experience for guests.

“Don’t be fooled by the staid stone exterior: inside, owner Odile Redolfi has enlisted the collective creativity of several well-known artists to make each of the 57 rooms uniquely appealing. Some are frescoed and others are adorned with experimental chandeliers or photographic murals.”

Hôtel Palais de la Méditerranée, Nice

Hôtel Palais de la Méditerranée is a historic landmark located directly on Nice’s iconic Promenade des Anglais. Originally opened in 1929 and designed by architects Charles and Marcel Dalmas, the hotel was a playground for the rich and famous during the Roaring Twenties, hosting stars like Josephine Baker and Maurice Chevalier.

“This opulent edifice is spectacularly recessed behind the massive pillars of its majestic 1929 art-deco façade. Rooms are well-appointed and all have balconies, though it’s worth noting that the sea views tend to be obstructed by the façade’s pillars. It all feels indulgently upscale, with starchy tablecloths and starchy service to match.”

Boscolo Exedra Hotel, Nice

The Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa, formerly known as the Boscolo Exedra, is a striking example of Belle Époque architecture. The building was originally designed in 1913 by the renowned architect Charles Dalmas. Once known as the Hôtel Atlantique, the property has undergone several transformations over the decades, eventually evolving into the high-end, contemporary luxury destination it is today while still preserving its historic, ornate facade.

“Crusted with curlicues, swashes and balconies, this magnificent belle-époque mansion looks like the architectural equivalent of a wedding cake. Despite the old-world exterior, inside is one of Nice’s sexiest, smartest design hotels.”

Hôtel Suisse, Nice

Hôtel Suisse is a distinctive, Italian-style gem perched right at the foot of Castle Hill in Nice. Its history is quite fascinating; while the original establishment was founded by Edouard and Barbara Hug nearby in 1866, the hotel eventually moved into this iconic building at the Quai Rauba Capèu. Notably, the literary legend James Joyce stayed here in 1923, and it was within these walls that he began writing his complex masterpiece, Finnegans Wake.

“Charging modest prices for a spectacular view from the top end of the seafront, where the promenade winds around to the port, the acclaimed Hôtel Suisse far outclasses most other hotels in this price range, although be prepared for a small reception area and a très petit elevator.”

Hotel Villa Victoria, Nice

Hotel Villa Victoria is a refined place in the prestigious Carré d’Or district of Nice. Situated on the beautiful Boulevard Victor Hugo, this Art Deco-style hotel offers a peaceful retreat while remaining right in the heart of the city’s vibrant scene. Its most striking feature is an expansive 600 m² private garden, a rare and tranquil "secret paradise" that provides a lush, floral escape from the urban hustle.

“Following a full renovation in 2013, Villa Victoria sports colorful rooms with funky wallpapers and bright fabrics. But the main draw is the courtyard garden.”

Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Nice, France.

Garden Hotel, Nice

The Nice Garden Hotel is a peaceful, family-run retreat housed in a classic 19th-century townhouse. Located in the heart of the city's prestigious Carré d’Or neighborhood, it offers an intimate experience with just nine individually styled rooms. The property is a hidden gem that feels worlds away from the busy streets, thanks to its lush, walled courtyard garden filled with orange trees and blooming bougainvillea.

“Behind heavy iron gates hides this gem: the nine beautifully appointed rooms – the work of the exquisite Marion – are a subtle blend of old and new and overlook a delightful garden with a glorious orange tree. Amazingly, all this charm and peacefulness is just two blocks from the promenade.”

Ikonik Jean Médecin, Nice

Ikonik Jean Médecin is a chic, 4-star boutique hotel located in the bustling heart of Nice. Housed in a beautiful, classic Haussmann-style building, the property strikes a balance between historic French architecture and a contemporary, bohemian-inspired interior design. It serves as an urban sanctuary, offering a relaxed and modern atmosphere that contrasts perfectly with the vibrant energy of the surrounding city.

“Open since 2022, Yelo resides on Nice’s grandest boulevard. Minimalist bedrooms are blessed with fine linen, natural light, and ultra-fast WiFi, while some overlook the buzzing street below. And there’s a big sofa-filled communal lounge full of co-working guests.”

Hotel Massena, Nice

Hotel Massena is a charming boutique property located in the heart of Nice, famous for its grand *Belle Époque* façade that captures the timeless elegance of the French Riviera. While the exterior honors the city's rich architectural history, the interior—recently overhauled by designer Armelle Beslay—offers a striking, modern contrast with contemporary art-deco flourishes.

“The plush Hotel Massena, which occupies an ornate 1906 Beaux Arts building, has also benefited from an ambitious recent renovation. The lobby exudes bachelor-pad chic — red velvet chairs, black leather couches, abundant mirrors — while the sleek rooms mix Mediterranean colors with black-and-white photos of classic cinema and music legends.”

Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Nice, France.