Bag a bijou hotel for the weekend in Nice
Our pick of the best boutique hotels in 2016, on any budget
A quest for the perfect balance of authenticity, serenity and style. The city of Nice is the perfect spot on the French Riviera for a weekend break, with a relaxed beachy feel, a thriving port and a gorgeous old town of narrow cobbled streets, markets and cafes.
Being home to the main Cote d'Azur international airport means that travel is quick and easy, and a fantastic choice of boutique hotels helps make that weekend feel even more special. Here are some of our favourites...
Cap Estel Hotel, Eze
Sip champagne in decadent surroundings
Nestled in the heart of the Riviera between Nice and Monaco, Cap Estel Hotel is a true haven of elegance and effortless cool with its crisp, modern architecture and sultry surroundings of Mediterranean palms. The hotel’s interior blends the contemporary with the classic; white-washed walls and rich, decadent furnishings in stylish fabrics and antique leather.
Head outside and you will discover an infinity pool that drops off into the Mediterranean and lined with loungers for long days in the sun. A small private beach awaits you below the main building, along with stunning views over the blue azure tones of the sea.
At just 12kms from Nice’s historic town centre, this beautiful boutique hotel in Eze is the ideal location for those looking to escape the bustle of Nice in the summer, but still be within a short distance of the town’s outstanding selection of beaches, restaurants and attractions.
Bastide Valmasque B&B, Biot
Sweet enough to keep you coming back for seconds
A champion of cool design and unparalleled service, Biot’s Bastide Valmasque B&B is a small but (very) well-appointed space that could compete with any boutique hotel. Known for their home-made jams and freshly squeezed orange juice, this charming B&B is ideally situated close to the Biot golf course. Perfect for those couples who enjoy a round of golf before lunch but then want to enjoy all the amenities of a city nearby.
With only five bedrooms, each guest room is unique and decorated in a specific colour scheme, all with their own charm. If you fancy not only sampling the delights of Mediterranean cuisine but trying your hand with a cookery course then this B&B is for you. After making a visit to the local Provencal markets you will prepare and cook a complete meal and enjoy a delicious lunch together.
Windsor Hotel, Nice
Quirky accommodation in the heart of the city
Discover a different kind of space and place with the Windsor Hotel; a truly unique experience where contemporary art installations meet traditional frescoes and contemporary artists are celebrated. Whether you prefer something 'out there' or the pastel shades of a romantic setting, or even the bold posters of modern art, this boutique hotel in the heart of Nice has something to suit.
Outside the tropical garden offers a tranquil moment among the bamboo, bougainvillea and fruit trees. A small heated swimming pool leaves you feeling as though you are in a lush jungle rather than the centre of a city and the sounds of the birds, sometimes enhanced by the music of Michel Redolfi's installation, create a magical atmosphere.
Le Grimaldi Hotel, Nice
A ‘du jour’ style of yesterday, today and tomorrow
This gem in the heart of Nice, is a rare find. The coupling of Le Grimaldi Hotel's blend of Italian style and French chic offers you a warm atmosphere and authentic luxury of the French Riviera. Recently renovated this boutique hotel is situated close to the city centre, Old Town, beaches, Place Massena and the flower market.
The building is in the charming belle epoque style which offers you an insight into the history of the city and to the glamour of the late 19th and early 20th century when the Cote d'Azur was a popular destination with royalty and the rich. Celebrities continued flocked to Nice and the stunning Promenade des Anglais throughout the latter part of the 20th century.
The modern decor harks back to a more glamorous time with muted tones and damask style wallcoverings matched with antique dark wood furniture.
Chateau Eza Hotel, Eze
A prime address for luxe and gourmet
If admired for nothing else, Chateau Eza Hotel's prime location clinging to the side of the ancient rock walls of Eze makes it an excellent choice for visitors looking for up-scale accommodation. The thousand-year-old Medieval village more than 400 metres above the Mediterranean Sea offers splendid views over the Cote d'Azur and along to the Cap Ferrat peninsula. The hotel Chateau Eza offers 12 luxurious rooms and suites, each of them uniquely designed in the tradition of the castle.
The quality of service and hospitality offered by the hotel ensures an intimate atmosphere and virtually round-the-clock care that discerning clients have come to expect from a luxury boutique hotel. And to top it all off the gourmet restaurant offers exquisite cuisine, and breathtaking views to match.
Of course, this list is just scratching the surface of the wonderful hotels of this Riviera city.
