Famous for its Promenade des Anglais, Nice is a must-see destination on the Côte d’Azur! The seaside resort boasts a high-quality hotel offering. We were charmed by the top-of-the-range services offered by certain establishments.
What would you choose between a night in a Belle Époque building, a breathtaking sea view, or a spa area? Discover our selection of the best 5-star hotels in Nice and the surrounding area, and enjoy outstanding services.
In this article, you’ll find our useful tips for an exceptional luxury experience.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Hotel Anantara Plaza Nice (downtown Nice)
Why stay there?
Inaugurated in 1848, the Anantara Plaza Hotel is housed in a magnificent Belle Époque building facing the Promenade du Paillon, Jardin Albert 1er and Place Masséna. Ideally located in Nice, it boasts a number of top-of-the-range facilities that enabled us to enjoy our stay in the best possible conditions. In fact, it’s one of our favorite establishments in the resort!
This exceptional place also won us over with the quality of its welcome. Customers are treated like royalty. The staff are very attentive. The restaurant totally won us over, with its incredible sea-view terrace.
A detailed review of our night at this hotel will be available soon.
Luxury touches we love
- Access to our partner’s private beach,
- The superb restaurant with outdoor terrace and sea view,
- Spa and wellness area,
- Refined, comforting decor,
- The gym with Technogym equipment,
- Different views of the city.
Beach
There is no beach at the foot of the hotel. However, you will have access to Ruhl Plage, which is a partner of the hotel. What’s more, you’ll be only..:
- 5min walk from Plage du Centenaire,
- 5min walk from Carras beach,
- 7min walk from Beau Rivage beach,
- 7min walk from Plage des Ponchettes.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Carré d’Or.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: partner private beach, sea view restaurant, PRM access, terrace, spa and wellness center, gym, airport shuttle, room service.
- Parking: yes, with valet parking.
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
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- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
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- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
2. Hôtel Le Negresco (downtown Nice)
Why stay there?
A veritable institution in Nice, Hôtel Le Negresco is a legendary place where art is particularly honored. Nearly 6,000 works of art, dating from Louis XIII to the present day, are on display on both sides of this sumptuous palace!
This establishment is also the embodiment of the French Riviera and French refinement. It boasts 2 exceptional gourmet restaurants (one of which is Michelin-starred) located within the hotel itself. In fact, our experience at Restaurant La Rotonde will remain etched in our memories. We dined under a starry, fairytale ceiling! It was an enchanted interlude that transported us out of time. We think it’s a must-see in Nice!
Luxury touches we love
- The many works on display throughout the facility,
- Belle Époque architecture and elegant decor,
- The 2 gourmet restaurants, especially Restaurant La Rotonde,
- Access to the hotel’s private beach with beachfront restaurant,
- Spa and wellness area,
- Creative activities for children,
- The hotel’s Boutique Jeanne.
Beach
Plage du Negresco is just a few meters from the hotel. Just cross the Promenade des Anglais to reach it. What’s more, you’ll be only..:
- 5min walk from Forum Beach,
- 9min walk from Florida Beach.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Carré d’Or.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: private beach with sea-view restaurant, 2 gourmet restaurants, spa area, PRM access, terrace, gym.
- Parking: yes.
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
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3. Hotel La Réserve de Beaulieu (20min, Beaulieu-sur-Mer)
Why stay there?
Situated on a small cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, this hotel offers an idyllic setting with a breathtaking view of Beaulieu Bay. We were seduced by its splendid Belle Époque architecture, its inner courtyard, its wellness center, and its swimming pool bordering the coastline.
Dinner at the Restaurant des Rois (1 Michelin star) was just as enchanting! Our sincere congratulations to the pastry chef. Chef Julien Roucheteau’s graphic cuisine transported us. The hotel features a 2cd restaurant, La Table de la Réserve, awarded a mention in the Michelin Guide. In fact, these 2 excellent restaurants feature in our article on the resort’s best restaurants. Not only will you enjoy an exceptional stay here, you’ll also delight your taste buds!
Luxury touches we love
- The historic Belle Époque building,
- The seaside pool,
- The 2 restaurants: 1 gastronomic and 1 bistronomic,
- The spa center and its luminous setting,
- The breathtaking sea view.
Swimming pool and beach
The hotel boasts a magnificent outdoor saltwater pool on the seafront.
There is no beach at the foot of the establishment. However, you will be at only:
- 5min walk from Plage des Fourmis,
- 15min walk to Plage Petite-Afrique.
Practical information
- District: Downtown Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
- Family rooms: no.
- Facilities: outdoor heated saltwater pool, spa (hammam, sensory showers, treatments, Jacuzzi), gym, garden, terrace, bars.
- Parking: private and paying, valet parking.
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
4. Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat (25min, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat)
Why stay there?
We couldn’t forget to mention the Grand Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a legendary luxury establishment! Built in the early 20th century, it has welcomed famous guests such as American actress Elisabeth Taylor and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
Overlooking the sea, the palace boasts a host of facilities, as well as an impressive range of services and activities (swimming pool, spa center, cooking classes…). 2 of its excellent restaurants, including Restaurant Le Cap (awarded a Michelin star), offer a magnificent setting in the heart of lush gardens.
Luxury touches we love
- The 3 restaurants: 1 gourmet, 1 bistronomic, and 1 poolside,
- The award-winning spa offering top-of-the-range treatments,
- Gastronomic experiences in the company of a Michelin-starred chef,
- The seafront swimming pool with a breathtaking view of the bay,
- The historic Belle Époque building,
- Large green gardens,
- Club Dauphin and its private cabins,
- Tailor-made sports training in an exceptional setting.
Swimming pool, spa and beach
The palace boasts a 33m-long heated seawater pool. It can be reached by funicular.
It features an award-winning 750 m2 spa center with 5 treatment rooms, a VIP suite, 2 open-air treatment pavilions, fitness facilities and a 1200m2 spa garden.
There is no beach at the foot of the establishment. However, you will be at only:
- 7min drive from Cros Dei Pin beach,
- 10min drive from Plage des Fosses.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: outdoor pool, spa center, bars, activities (sports, cultural, relaxation…), cooking classes, children’s activities, 2 tennis courts, bike, yacht, private cabana and car rentals.
- Parking: no.
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
DISCOVER Nice
- Best things to do in Nice
- Where to stay in Nice: 15 best hotels
- Where to eat in Nice: 20 best restaurants
- The 12 best museums in Nice
- Best beaches
- Visit the Palais Lascaris
- Visit the MAMAC Museum
- Visit the Museum of Photography
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days – 3 days – 5 days – 7 days
- Rent a car in Nice (airport or train station)
- Most beautiful villages around Nice
5. Hôtel Royal-Riviera (20min, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat)
Why stay there?
We were won over by this 5-star hotel. Its imposing façade, visible from Plage des Fourmis, has an undeniable charm. This establishment stands out not only for its elegant decor. Indeed, it offers superb sea views, and a very pleasant exterior with a lush Provencal garden.
In a moment of pure delectation, we enjoyed a drink at the poolside Restaurant Jasmin Grill & Lounge. Gourmets will be delighted by the panoramic Restaurant La Table du Royal, where chef Geoffroy Szamburski makes the most of local produce. Other facilities include a gym, sauna and steam room.
Luxury touches we love
- The 2 restaurants: 1 gastronomic and 1 bistronomic,
- The Thalgo wellness center and treatments,
- The large outdoor pool,
- The hotel’s private beach,
- The breathtaking sea view,
- The lush garden.
Swimming pool and beach
The outdoor infinity pool is very pleasant.
The hotel has a private beach open from mid-May to mid-September.
Although located in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, it’s just 2 steps from Beaulieu-sur-Mer’s Plage des Fourmis.
Practical information
- Neighborhood: Plage de Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
- Family rooms: yes.
- Facilities: heated outdoor pool, sauna, steam room, gym, bars, treatments, private beach.
- Parking: private and free.
See photos, prices and availability – and book!
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Other luxury hotels in and around Nice
The Côte d’Azur boasts an impressive range of hotels. In fact, check out our article on the best 5-star hotels here.
In this section, you’ll find a complementary list of luxury establishments in Nice and the surrounding area.
In Nice
Here are some other 5-star establishments in Nice we’d also like to mention:
- Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée Hotel (Promenade des Anglais) – See prices, photos and availability.
- Hôtel du Couvent – a Luxury Collection Hotel (Old Town) – See prices, photos and availability.
- Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa (Quartier Jean-Médecin) – See prices, photos and availability.
In the vicinity
Nice is 25 minutes by car from Èze, 30 minutes from Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and 40 minutes from Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.
- Hotel Cap Estel (Èze) – See prices, photos and availability.
- Château Eza (Èze) – See prices, photos and availability.
- La Chèvre d’Or (Èze) – See prices, photos and availability.
- Domaine du Mas De Pierre (Saint-Paul-de-Vence) – See prices, photos and availability.
- Château Saint-Martin & Spa – an Oetker Collection Hotel (Vence) – See prices, photos and availability.
- Hotel The Maybourne Riviera (Roquebrune-Cap-Martin) – See prices, photos and availability.
Other high-end establishments in Nice
Discover our selection of 4-star hotels in Nice with features that have charmed us:
- Hotel La Villa Nice Promenade: former property of the Jacques Médecin family (French politician and mayor of Nice in the 20th century), it is housed in a traditional 19th-century building – see photos, photos and availability.
- Hôtel Villa Rivoli: housed in a former Belle Époque-style mansion, it welcomed us in a charming setting close to many of Nice’s tourist attractions – see photos, photos and availability.
- Hôtel Apollinaire: ideally located, we fell in love with the poetic ambience of this establishment with its uncluttered decor and a few touches of color and pattern – see photos, photos and availability.
For more inspiration, check out our article on the resort’s best establishments!
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE Côte d’Azur
- Inspiration
The most beautiful landscapes in 30 photos
Best things to do on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful villages
Best beaches on the Côte d’Azur
Most beautiful gardens
Best boat tours (coming soon)
Most beautiful islands
Secret places
- Practical advice
Successful travel on the Côte d’Azur (coming soon)
Rent a car in Provence – in Nice – in Cannes – in Marseille – in Aix-en-Provence.
Itineraries: 5 days – 1 week – 10 days
Weekend ideas: best-of – romantic – luxury – unusual
- Where to stay
Where to stay on the Côte d’Azur
Best luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur
Hotels by the sea
Best boutique-hotels
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
