Hôtel du Couvent, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nice

A historic stunner in Nice’s Old Town
VERIFIED LUXURY
The French Riviera is as much a destination for its glittering coastline as its jewel box hotels that have captivated everyone from royalty to Hollywood starlets to the European jet set. Earning the title of grande dame isn’t something a hotel is initially christened with, but Hôtel du Couvent, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Nice is setting a standard all its own.

The former 17th-century convent is hidden in plain sight in the center of Nice’s Old Town, off the bustling Place Rossetti. Once you step inside the oasis-like enclave, the sounds of the city fade and are replaced with a melodic chorus of cicadas — think more Provence, less Riviera ritz.

Encased by two-and-a-half acres of gardens blooming with roses and herbs, the 88-room hotel is spread across four buildings — two of which have been painstakingly restored over the decade-long renovation, original flooring and all. The result is a boutique hotel breathing new life into its historic setting in one of the most enviable locales in the city — best viewed from the infinity pool perched over the Old Town and iconic Promenade des Anglais.

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Our Inspector's Highlights

  • The antiques-filled rooms are spacious, starting at 247 square feet, and overlook the cloister, Old Town or gardens, with a select few featuring a balcony or expansive terrace hovering over the orange tree-filled courtyard. The two-bedroom Le Jardin Marguerite suite exudes villa vibes thanks to a private garden and an outside dining area complete with a fully equipped summer kitchen (a private chef and butler service are available on demand).
  • The subterranean Roman Baths’ circuit of pools is an homage to the ancient tradition and a serene way to start or end an experience at the spa, where you can unwind with a local herb-infused treatment.
  • Dining here goes far beyond farm-to-table — local eggs, fruits and vegetables are delivered daily from the nearby Notre-Dame farm and bread is crafted from locally sourced ancient grains and baked at the onsite boulangerie. One Saturday a month, the hotel’s courtyard hosts its own farmer’s market spotlighting local producers.
  • Garden herbs find their way into apothecary-inspired remedies and teas custom-crafted at the onsite herbal shop, a nod to the one the nuns operated here in centuries past. Soaps are every bit as exclusive, customized in collaboration with celebrated French perfumer Fragonard, whose perfumery sits in nearby Grasse.
  • The Nice hotel’s terraced gardens are lined with sun loungers, parasols, a plunge pool, and the pièce de résistance: a 20-meter lap pool with some of the best panoramas of the city.

Things to Know

  • Casual Le Bistrot des Serruriers has become a local hangout for evening drinks (the natural wine list is beautifully curated), while La Guinguette in the vegetable garden is a romantic spot for dinner under the stars in summer with live-fire cooking and a DJ serenading the terrace.
  • The Movement Studio is open 24 hours and includes a gym and daily complimentary classes like Pilates and yoga.
  • Among the few luxury spots on the Riviera that remains open year-round, the property is especially lively in summer when it hosts dance and music festivals. A complimentary kids’ program is also offered during summer and school holidays and includes everything from baking workshops and yoga classes to chef-prepped lunches and snacks; babysitting services can be arranged on request.
  • Since the hotel sits in a pedestrianized area, the valet service can scoop your car up from the Old Town entrance and whisk you right to reception in the comfort of an electric golf cart.

Amenities
24-hour room service
Bar
Beach
Fitness classes
Indoor pool
Kids Club
Meeting rooms
Outdoor pool
Pet friendly
Restaurants
Spa
Getting There
1 Rue Honoré Ugo, 06300 Nice, FRance
TEL33-0-4-12-05-55-61
TEL33-0-4-12-05-55-6
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
NCE (18-40 min)  
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