Picture a classic French hotel with a facade in Belle Epoque style, overlooking the Côte d'Azur and you’ll probably be imagining something uncannily similar to the Anantara Plaza Nice. A staple of the city’s touristic heart since 1848, the recently renovated 151-room luxury hotel combines five-star comfort and facilities with all the prestige that comes with its 175+ year history.
Why stay at Anantara Plaza Nice?
With its panoramic rooftop terrace and restaurant (more on which below), extensive spa menu, full concierge service and well-equipped rooms, the Anantara Plaza Nice gives the impression of no expense having been spared in the pursuit of customer comfort. Its location is another plus point, mere minutes from Nice’s famous Promenade des Anglais and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea and within walking distance of the shopping district and vibrant old town. That gives you the choice of enjoying a lazy day overlooking the city with carefully-crafted cocktail in hand, casually strolling next to the azure sea, or getting lost in the rabbit warren of the Vieux Ville.
Originally established as the Hotel de France in the mid-19th century, you can easily imagine the height of French society vacationing here in years gone by. It enjoyed an all-encompassing four-year renovation – a collaboration between award-winning interior design studio David Collins, local architect Jean-Paul Gomis and TBC Interiorismo Studio – before opening its doors under the current name in late 2022. The result is a property that successfully fuses calming minimalist design with the grandeur of its neoclassical origins.
What are the rooms like at Anantara Plaza Nice?
Most overlook the exotic foliage of the Albert 1er gardens, with the top few rows of rooms enjoying views of the Med – our spacious Premium Panoramic Sea View with Terrace was perfect for watching the sun rise over Castle Hill and fade away over the Côte d'Azur to the west. We were impressed by the room’s amenities, with extensive complimentary self-branded toiletries (including wooden toothbrush and toothpaste), easy-to-use espresso maker with four blends to sample, range of glassware and large casting-enabled Smart TV. The minibar was pricey but well stocked.
Interiors are designed with a tasteful palette of muted browns and greys, dark hardwood flooring and plenty of mood lighting. Similarly styled suites are also available, ranging from juniors offering only a little more space than a regular room, to signature suites with full separate living areas and sea-view terraces featuring sun loungers.
What is the food like at Anantara Plaza Nice?
There are two options while you’re here. Les Colonnades is in the Lobby, which is really just for drinks, afternoon tea and pastries. The spot worth talking about is Anantara Plaza’s luxury restaurant on the sixth floor roof, which also accepts reservations from non-guests. It’s part of the SEEN stable that has sister sites around the world (e.g. Brazil, Italy, Thailand) and is the baby of highly-decorated Portuguese chef Olivier da Costa – serving up a mix of Mediterranean and Asian-influenced dishes. Here we tried sushi to start, and the black Angus rib, which had been recommended by our room porter earlier that day. With salty parmesan fries, a fabulous Provencal red to go alongside and a scoop of housemade hazelnut gelato to finish, it was a fantastic meal to match the panoramic view over the sea, and Nice’s ridiculously pretty old town.
This spot also does a lovely breakfast, where bottles of chilling Prosecco are the first thing you encounter, before hitting a boulangerie-worth of picture-perfect pastries, freshly baked breads and handmade preserves. We counted six varieties of fresh juices to pick from, expansive platters of fruit and vegetables, muesli, cereals, smoked salmon, cold meats and a cheese cabinet with tempting wheels of Comté, Camembert and Bleu d’Auvergne. The usual hot items are all present, together with a la carte options allowing you to order eggs to your liking.
What is the service like at Anantara Plaza Nice?
After a delayed flight and in 30-plus degree heat, we were given a cold flannel and mocktail on arrival – a lovely touch. We can’t recall an occasion when passing through reception that there were fewer than three smiling, smartly turned out receptionists on duty. They’re backed up by a full concierge service, and cheerful room porters who are more of a laugh than you might find in nearby luxury hotels.
What are the facilities like at Anantara Plaza Nice?
There’s no swimming pool at the Anantara Plaza, although – if swimming’s your thing and you don’t mind it briney – guests have access to the nearby private Ruhl Plage beach. In the basement, however, there are spa facilities that offer a full menu of massages, facials, manis, pedis and other treatments. It also has a hammam (steam room), sauna and relaxation room, plus a 24-hour gym equipped with weights and machines.
What’s the area like around Anantara Plaza Nice?
Aside from the four-mile Promenade des Anglais, Nice is a relatively compact city – and the Anantara Plaza is right at its centre. We’ve already described its proximity to those waters of the Côte d'Azur, but it’s also mere minutes from the bustling heart of the city; the vibrant Place Masséna. Rows of restaurants and bars are just around the corner, with plenty of options for sitting with a happy hour cocktail and watching the world go by, while the old town with its historic opera house and daily Marche aux Fleurs market are only a 10 minute stroll away. For those in the city to shop, the hotel shares a street with high-end retailers like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga and Balmain. Need to get to Nice-Ville train station or out to the popular Henri Matisse or Marc Chagall museums? Suitable tram and bus stops are a moment from the entrance.
Why you should you book a stay at Anantara Plaza Nice
Flanked by Cannes and Saint-Tropez, Nice’s reputation as a destination for French Riviera luxury is well earned – and the Anantara Plaza fits that billing to a tee. From the can’t-do-enough-for-you staff, to 360-degree vistas from the roof of which you’ll never tire, it’s impossible to imagine you’ll be disappointed by a stay here. Be sure to book a room facing the ocean – ideally with a terrace or balcony – and enjoy the Côte d'Azur in style.
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