Nice: The Hotel Negresco

The Promenade des Anglais in Nice is a fitting Côte d’Azur address for the five-star Hotel Negresco. Since its opening in 1913, this belle époque gem has welcomed royalty and celebrities like Princess Grace of Monaco, The Beatles and Salvador Dali. A visit to La Negresco’s Bar for a pre-dinner cocktail gave me the perfect excuse to explore the public areas of this luxury seaside hotel.

Hotel Negresco, Nice

Guests approaching the hotel entrance on the Promenade des Anglais are greeted by a sculpture of jazz great Miles Davis by Niki de Saint Phalle.

Hotel Negresco Entrance on the Promenade des Anglais

Miles Davis, by Niki de Saint Phalle (1999)

While sipping on a Green Melon in La Negresco’s Bar I admired the fine walnut panelling, 16th century tapestries and collection of art. June’s ‘cocktail of the month’ is made with Midori melon liqueur, Martini Bianco white wine, Monin vanilla syrup, pineapple juice and lime juice. The tasty drink, served exclusively at the Negresco, was reasonably priced (22€) for such a grand setting.

Green Melon at La Negresco's Bar

In fact the Hotel Negresco is a listed historic building. The feature I was most eager to see was the extravagant chandelier with over 16,000 Baccarat crystals, designed for Tsar Nicholas II of Russia by Gustave Eiffel (yes, the same man who built the famous tower in Paris). When revolution broke out in 1917 the Tsar could no longer take delivery of the chandelier and it found a new home beneath the Royal Lounge’s glass dome.

Royal Lounge, Hotel Negresco

The Glass Dome and Chandelier

Another piece by Saint Phalle adds a whimsical touch to the classic décor of the lounge. Nana Danseuse (Jaune), one of a series of Nana sculptures, kicks up her heels and appears to be headed for a refreshing dip in the nearby Baie des Anges, Bay of Angels.

Nana Danseuse (Jaune), by Niki de Saint Phalle (1995)

This summery cocktail, enjoyed with new friends at the magnificent Hotel Negresco, was a highlight of my stay in Nice.

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