Next stop on our December trip to Europe was to Nice, France. Nik and I have been there twice before and for this trip, we stayed one night at the famed and historic Le Negresco hotel.
Getting to Nice
Nik and I took a direct train from Ghent to the Brussels airport to catch a Lufthansa flight to Nice. This was our first time at the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and used it to check things out should we fly there in the future on La Compagnie with Koval the dog. The airport was clean and seemed pretty empty at the time we arrived. We exited the airport and took the bus to the hotel.
Related: Our Experience Flying La Compagnie, an All-Business Class Airline to Paris
Staying at Le Negresco
Opened in 1913 by Henri Negresco, Le Negresco was built to attract wealthy clients. It’s located on the Promenade des Anglais with its famed pink dome. Henri went off to World War I and the hotel was used as a temporary hospital. After the war, the clientele did not return and he died bankrupt in 1920.
During our April 2023 visit to Nice, Nik and I had drinks at The Bar, Le Negresco’s intimate wood paneled bar. At the time, we talked about one day staying at the Negresco and sure enough, for this trip, we were able to book a one night stay using Chase Ultimate Reward points. (We stayed our other two nights at Hôtel Le Grimaldi.)
Related: Our First Trip to Nice, France in Sept. 2022
Nik and I had a pretty basic room that was very comfortable. Much to my surprise, the furnishings were more updated than I expected. I thought the room was going to be tacky and decorated like Grandma’s house. Our windows didn’t give us much of an exciting view. The bathroom was a good size with the toilet in its own room. There was a full tub and a shower stall. Take a look at the room tour:
The Art of Le Negresco
The Negresco didn’t become the elegant place it is now known as until the 1950s when the Augier family purchased it. Jeanne Augier reinvigorated the hotel with luxurious decorations and furnishings, including a vast and outstanding art collection. The hotel attracted famous guests from all walks of life including musicians, artists and actors.
Each of the landing areas outside of the elevator had different and elaborate decorations.
As dog people, the hallway leading to our room had some paintings that we absolutely loved.
The Le Versailles Bar
As a guest of the hotel, where it feels less awkward walking in to a bar at this hotel, we enjoyed drinks at the Le Versailles bar. Interestingly, it’s only open until 6pm and luckily our friends were able to meet us for a drink.
The focal point of the bar is one of three official portraits of Louis XIV (Sun King) painted by French painter Hyacinthe Rigaud. The other two portraits are at The Louvre and Versailles. This painting has become the most recognizable portrait of the king.
Related: Our Visit to the Palace of Versailles
Royal Reception Room
In the middle of the hotel is the Royal Reception Room. Under a beautiful dome, this room is the heart of the hotel and was once a grand ballroom. Walls all around it have various pieces of art mounted and since we were there at Christmas time, the room was decorated for the holiday.
As I conclude this post about staying at the Le Negresco, I feel like I barely touched on its rich history. We’ll just have to go back! If you have ever been to the Negresco, what did you think of it?
