The Contemporary Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel

The country of France offers an enriching exploration at your own pace, and if you so choose, it can be a dreamy escape into European luxury. It's in the city of Nice, in its most exclusive district that I explored a newly renovated landmark hotel.

Overlooking Le Jardin Albert 1er and Baie des Anges stands this beautiful historic nineteenth-century building. Inaugurated in 1848 in old-world elegance, this location was once home to the city's first luxury hotel in Belle Èpoque façade, Hotel de France.

Hotel de France was one of the most sought-after luxury hotels in the world for French, British, and Russian aristocrats in the early 1900s.

The Anantara Group's European renovation

In 2001, the Anantara group opened their first luxury property in tropical Thailand and, over the next 20 years would expand to other regions of the world. The owner of the group is well known for select renovations.

As they searched for their next project, they set their eyes on the former Hotel de France, and the building's revival began in 2019.

After delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel opened its doors in December of 2022 as the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel, ready to challenge world-famous French Riviera hotels like Le Negresco.

The property was renovated by London-based award-winning David Collins Studio, local architect Jean-Paul Gomis, and TBC Interiorismo Studio in a fresh, contemporary style.

With 151 elegant rooms and suites, Anantara Plaza Nice offers a wide range of modern luxury, delightful curated experiences, and even access to a private beach. The gorgeous views and history alone make it worth a stay.

Location, Location, Location

Today, the hotel stands in a central location in the city, close to luxury shopping and tourist attractions, including Place Masséna, Jardin Albert 1er, as well as Promenade des Anglais. It's also just 13 minutes away from Colline du Chateau and a 7-minute walk to Promenade du Paillon, a beautiful park built over the Paillon River. Across the street, you'll find Vieille Ville (Nice Old Town), which you certainly need to visit during your trip.

Some of the top brands represented in the area include Channel, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès, just to name a few. From high-end fashion to unique artisanal finds, I found quite a few beautiful pieces to suit me in this stylish corner of France.

My Anantara Plaza Nice Experience

Upon arrival, I walked up to two tall entry doors. They swung outward and were held by gracious Anantara doormen with their arms extended, bowing to lead me in. I felt important and welcome, and it immediately put a smile on my face. I couldn't wait to see what was inside. To my surprise, the lobby was full of pastel shades of contemporary art and decor with tropical appeal. For an artsy tropical bird like me, it was love at first sight.

No doubt, this hotel group gathered its inspiration from the tropics, where the Anantara group began - the tropics of Thailand.

I walked ahead to the reception for check-in and was escorted to Les Colonnades, one of the most spectacular tea rooms I've ever seen. The room featured tall marble columns, green velvet circular banquettes, and other Arts Décoratifs (Art Deco) inspired furnishing. It's no wonder the room doubles as a Caviar lounge by night, offering a variety of seafood, Champagne, and cocktails.

I was kindly asked what I would like to drink and opted for an exquisite afternoon tea. It was a unique hotel check-in experience! They certainly know how to make an introduction!

My Room

To my surprise, the same host who assisted me with check-in walked me to my room to give me a personalized demonstration of all the amenities such as how to use the unique tea kettle and coffee machine. Personnel at the Anantara are truly well-versed in the art of luxury hotel hospitality! As the kind gentleman stepped out, he drew my attention to the button perfectly placed next to the hotel door entrance if I needed any assistance.

My room was elegantly and thoughtfully designed, with an iconic Cote d'Azur view from a private balcony where you could see Jardin Albert 1er and Baie des Anges (Bay of the Angels). I immediately noticed these stunning views after I stepped onto the balcony.

I couldn't have asked for a more comfortable and stylish place to rest my head after a long day. As I unzipped my suitcase over the fine mattress linens, I gazed outside at the Baie des Anges. Perhaps, I was standing in a room where a great early 1900s aristo had once stood.

Anantara's Presidential Suite

As I learned more about this historic landmark, I realized I would need to return to experience their presidential suite. Situated on the top floor, it is the epitome of opulent living, embodying 21st-century luxury, with bold regal colors, modern chandeliers, Mid-Century Modern furnishing, and a private terrace with a panoramic view of Baie des Anges.

Breakfast

As it turns out, breakfast in bed isn't the best option you have when a rooftop panoramic view of the Riviera in a classical renovated luxury hotel is at your service! A perfect place to sip on a French coffee roast and bask in morning sunlight! The Instagram-worthy photos of breakfast and rooftop view alone are worth clambering out of bed for. The photos are sure to make all your friends jealous!

They serve international classics, local delicacies, freshly squeezed juices, and healthy dishes prepared to order. The staff are gracious, and their uniform attire transports you to a perfect world of European luxury. I cannot praise Anantara hospitality enough! I loved breakfast from start to finish and felt like royalty.

Hotel Dining

At night, sitting at the very top of this iconic hotel's panoramic roof terrace is the restaurant 'SEEN' by Olivier. You can choose to enjoy your meal indoors in corners hidden by Wisteria for an intimate dining experience or the outdoor section with stunning views. Helmed by Portuguese chef Olivier da Costa, there's everything from octopus carpaccio, elaborately prepared sushi, and lobster rolls to main dishes, including beef ravioli with candied kumquats. I opted for a beautiful assortment of fresh sashimi.

As I stepped off the elevator, I was greeted by the hostess. I then steered to my left, gazed at the bar, and walked the path into the restaurant. The bar is inspired by shells and finished with hand-carved brass and white gesso by British designer, Paul Swan Topen. This gives it a floral, exotic, and understated look.

As I walked towards my table, I noticed a custom chandelier hanging in the center, beautifully made from decorative woven mesh. I was enamored by the nautical style and creativity of the boat sails inspired design.

WORTH MENTIONING

A menu tailored to your tastes for private dining by Executive Chef Denis Gamard and Pastry Chef Guillaume Bousquet is definitely worth trying!

The Spa

While many of us hate to admit it, sightseeing can be tiring, especially after exploring a place like Nice with seemingly endless attractions. So, after a long day of filming, it was spa time.

I could perceive calming exquisite scents as I walked through the hallway. The Anantara Spa offers a long list of treatments with products from Thalion and Cote d’Azur-based CHO Nature, a family-owned business. I stepped into the sauna and felt a wave of instant relaxation. It was a wonderful way to end the day.

Would I recommend the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel?

I enjoyed staying at this gorgeous property as much as reminiscing about the experience. Given the unique ideal central location, the beautiful decor, incredible hotel hospitality, and delectable food on offer, what's not to love? I would stay here again and again. I rate it five stars across the board!