When you think of famous hotels along the French Riviera, spots like the Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat or the Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo come to mind. But there’s a beautiful old dame in Nice who deserves her flowers, too: Anantara Plaza Nice, which boasts a storied history as rich as the vibrant city it resides in. And with a few new contemporary touches, its legacy looks set to continue long into the future.
Why stay at Anantara Plaza Nice?
A long-time stalwart of Nice’s hotel scene, Anantara Plaza first opened in 1848 as the Hotel de France – a beautiful, all-seasons resort where France’s rich and famous would come to holiday. It’s had many names and iterations since then, but in 2022 it reopened under the Anantara banner after extensive renovations by the award-winning David Collins Studio in collaboration with local architect Jean-Paul Gomis and TBC Interiorismo Studio. What hasn’t changed is that grand Belle Epoch-style facade, the opulent amenities and a commitment to delivering world-class service to every guest that walks through the doors.
With 151 rooms to suit all types of luxury traveller, it’s clear no expense has been spared in giving this historic beauty the facelift she deserves. And now, Anantara Plaza is ready to charm a whole new generation of holidaymakers who have come to explore Nice.
What are the rooms like at Anantara Plaza Nice?
To say my room was a sight for sore eyes when I arrived after a long travel day would be an understatement – but it wasn’t until I opened the blinds in the morning that I really appreciated the true beauty of it. I’m staying in a Premium Garden View Room with Balcony, which looks out to the lush palms and ornate fountain of the Jardin Albert 1er (if I stand on my tippy-toes, though, I can just make out a glint of the sea). The cute and compact private balcony is a lovely and welcome inclusion, and the ideal spot to sip your morning tea while enjoying the faint breeze coming off the nearby water.
Inside, the vibe is understated glam. The colour palette is a muted blend of cream, grey and earthy tones, with a corner lamp that casts a soft, orange glow. There are panelled walls, a dreamy king-size bed with cushioned head, a small desk area with a lounge chair, and thick, plush curtains. I’m also impressed by the size of the bathroom – there’s plenty of space on the vanity to spread out all your toiletries, and the rain shower is so large it could host a party of at least three people. Add in a well-stocked mini bar, large Chromecast TV and comfy robe, and you’ve got everything you need for a comfortable stay.
What is the food like at Anantara Plaza Nice?
If there’s a crown jewel in Anantara Plaza’s sparkly crown, it’s the dazzling rooftop restaurant and bar. SEEN By Olivier (which is part of the global SEEN group that has sister venues around the world) is located on level six and offers panoramic views of the glittering Mediterranean Sea and the Old Town.
My first visit came during breakfast, and I literally gasped at the breathtaking vista in front of me as I stepped out of the elevator. The breakfast spread is just as glorious – think mountains of bread and pastries, fruit and freshly squeezed juices, cold cuts of meat, slabs of heavenly French cheese (like Camembert and Bleu d’Auvergne) and buckets of ice-cold Prosecco just waiting to be turned into a Mimosa. You can also choose from a number of cooked-to-order hot options, and I may have had the crêpes with fresh berries three mornings in a row because they were that good.
While I didn’t get a chance to dine here for dinner, the menu is laced with dishes that have both Mediterranean and Asian influences, like miso black cod and a 180g black Angus beef fillet. Whatever you do, be sure to pop up for a late afternoon drink – the cocktail list is impressive, but I can also vouch for a simple glass of bubbles to enjoy while taking in the sights of Nice from high above.
What is the service like at Anantara Plaza Nice?
It’s five-star service at every touchpoint here. The friendly porters offer a cheery “Bonjour!” upon entry and exit to the hotel; the restaurant staff are more than happy to provide a menu recommendation; and the team at concierge are swift and efficient. This was most noticeable (and appreciated) when I arrived at Anantara Plaza at 11pm after a 16-hour travel day that included two flights and a four-hour delay at Charles de Gaulle Airport. The entire check-in process was seamless, and I opened the door to my room to find a bottle of ice-cold apricot juice and a plate of raspberry friands – a very nice first impression of Nice.
What are the facilities like at Anantara Plaza Nice?
First things first: there’s no pool here. But look, when you’re staying a stone’s throw away from one of the Côte d'Azur’s most famous beaches, you probably won’t mind too much. Even better, guests at Anantara Plaza have special access to Ruhl Page, a private beach club that’s just a five-minute walk from the hotel. What it lacks in a pool, it more than makes up for with a dedicated wellness centre that boasts a hammam, sauna, relaxation room and 24-hour fitness club. Do yourself a favour and indulge in a relaxing treatment – the therapists are experts in deep tissue massage, rejuvenating facials and full body wraps using luxury products by Elemis, CHO Nature and Thalion.
What’s the area like around Anantara Plaza Nice?
The location of Anantara Plaza is a massive drawcard. As mentioned, it’s just a few minutes from the beach and the iconic Promenade des Anglais – which stretches for seven kilometres and is abuzz at all hours with walkers, joggers, cyclists and people simply keen to soak up the vibes. But head left out the hotel doors and you’ll quickly reach the black and white checkerboard that is Place Masséna, aka the beating heart of the city. Here you’ll find a smorgasbord of restaurants and bars, and it also links up with Avenue Jean Médecin, one of the main shopping strips. Venture an extra five minutes to enter the Old Town – a labyrinth of narrow streets that wind past popular attractions like the opera house and Marche aux Fleurs market. Nice is a super walkable city, but the excellent public transport system (which includes trams and buses) are easy to use for exploring anything further afield.
Why you should book a stay at Anantara Plaza Nice
There are myriad reasons why you should consider Anantara Plaza when looking for a place to stay in Nice. The spectacular rooftop bar and restaurant is a true showstopper – could this be the best sky-high spot in the city? It’s sure up there. The warm service is hard to fault, and the elegant interiors are classic and refined in a lovely nod to the hotel’s original heritage. Plus, the location – so close to the beach and the Old Town – ticks another box. This is Côte d'Azur accommodation at its finest, so lean in and enjoy.
Details
Address: 12 Avenue de Verdun, 06000 Nice, France
Price per night: Starting from €300 per night
Closest transport: Nice Côte d'Azur airport is a 20/25 minute drive