Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel opens on the Côte d’Azur

Following a two-year renovation project, one of the Côte d’Azur’s most stately landmarks has reopened as Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel.

Set on the Promenade des Anglais overlooking the sparkling French Riviera, Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel heralds a new era of glamour for the heritage 19th Century property, which opened in 1848 as Nice’s first luxury hotel.

A two-year renovation project has resulted in 151 rooms and suites, a new Anantara Spa, and a rooftop restaurant and bar with panoramic views of the Baie des Anges and Old Nice.

Design Notes

David Collins Studio, local architect Jean-Paul Gomis and TBC Studio were tasked with the refreshed concept, which merges classic Belle Époque era elegance with contemporary touches.

Guest rooms and suites are inspired by their oceanfront setting, with marble, pastel tones, Mediterranean textures, and timber and gold accents. Accommodations come with either ocean or garden views.

A 75-square-metre Presidential Suite on the fifth floor has a private terrace ideal for entertaining with views of the Baie des Anges.

Dining

On the hotel rooftop, SEEN by Olivier is the signature restaurant offering contemporary Mediterranean cuisine from Portuguese chef-entrepreneur Olivier da Costa. Niçoise ingredients accent many of the dishes on the menu, such as black truffles from the nearby village of Le Rouret and fresh catch from local waters.

Les Colonnades is the hotel’s caviar and champagne lounge with interiors said to be inspired by Nice’s tropical gardens and ocean. Fresh seafood, light bites, and wine by the glass are served alongside Afternoon Tea à la Niçoise.

Local Experiences

Anantara’s program of guest experiences makes the most of the surrounding French Riviera resorts of St Tropez, Monaco, Cannes and Alpes-Maritimes.

The In the Footsteps of Coco Chanel tour takes guests to discover the creative life of the French fashion designer, with a tour of one of France’s oldest wineries at Château de Cremat and a visit to Coco Chanel’s official residence in Nice.

For those who would like to get hands-on, a glass-blowing experience in the French countryside sees guests transferred in a classic Citroën 2 CV to the Medieval village of Biot, where they will learn about this fascinating craft and have a chance to try it themselves.

Room rates at Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel start from €350 (about AUD 542) per night.