Top Hotel Room: Hotel Negresco Nice

Written by Susan Lanier-Graham

January 21, 2011

Hotels and Resorts | Destinations | Europe | France | Travel

Wander With Wonder contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon or other affiliate links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See our Disclosure Policy for more information.

Hotel Negresco in Nice, France is, hands down, the most unusual, unique hotel I’ve ever stayed in anywhere in the world.

Hotel Negresco Bedroom. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

The stately hotel on the French Riviera overlooking the Mediterranean touts itself as a “hotel-museum” and I completely understood that when I saw it. This amazing building was constructed in 1912 and it is a memorial to every period of French art and history — all in one place.

When I first arrived, I knew I was in for a unique experience. I stepped off the elevator on the fourth floor and was greeted by black and purple striped carpet, red walls, yellow brocade drapes, and a shadow box with life-sized mannequins dressed in period garb.

My room was something from Marie Antionette’s era. There were two twin beds. The headboards, foot boards, and swag over the beds were in a red brocaded fabric, which matched the heavy curtains at the windows. The walls were covered in a turquoise satin. I was thrilled that I had a waterfront room with a breathtaking view of the coast.

Bathtub in my room at Hotel Negresco. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

None of the room’s quirkiness prepared me for the bathroom, however. My toilet, tub, and sink were all a very bright, very shiny, very sparkly turquoise. I discovered that the other ladies traveling with me had similarly dazzling bathrooms, in shades of red, gold, and pink.

All of Hotel Negresco was dazzling and I walked around in amazement. There was an art gallery, a grand salon, and a Regency-style dining room. Another dining venue, La Rotonde, had a carousel theme, complete with wooden horses and circus lights.

My stay at Hotel Negresco was memorable for so many more reasons than the bizarre decorations in the hotel. I had an incredible dinner, drank some fabulous French wine, slept amazingly well, and enjoyed a professional yet exceptionally friendly staff.

Hotel Negresco 4th Floor Lobby. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

Hotel Negresco
37, Promenade des Anglais
06000 Nice, France
+33 (0)4 93 16 64 00
http://www.hotel-negresco-nice.com

Written by Susan Lanier-Graham

Founder and publisher Susan Lanier-Graham is an award-winning travel writer and author of more than 75 books. For more than three decades, she has explored the world in search of unforgettable “wow moments,” from the jungles of Thailand and the temples of Egypt to wine regions, coastlines, and hidden gems closer to home. Her work blends immersive storytelling with practical insight, helping readers experience destinations more deeply. Based in Spearfish, South Dakota, Susan covers travel, food, and wine with a focus on meaningful experiences. She is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), and is a Certified California Wine Appellation Specialist (CWAS).