Expect wholly revamped rooms, new dining venues, and a spa that merges French luxury with the brand’s Asian heritage.
The view from a Junior Suite with a terrace at Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel. (All photos: Anantara)
Holidaymakers who previously checked in to the four-star Hotel Plaza Nice on the Côte d’Azur would have found guest rooms that were looking a little tired and out of date. No longer. Fresh from an extensive two-year renovation, the Belle Époque gem has just reopened as Anantara’s first-ever French property. Now officially called the Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel, it overlooks the manicured lawns and fountains of Albert I Garden, a seaside park connected to the beachfront Promenade des Anglais. The 151 rooms include 38 suites, some of which come with sea-facing terraces and balconies. Aside from overhauled interiors recalling the neoclassical style of the original lodgings, the heritage property sports a completely redesigned rooftop restaurant and bar, while new additions include an Anantara Spa and multifunctional spaces.
Inside the 151 rooms and suites, pastel tones, marble, and plush furnishings are balanced with subtle accents of wood and gold. Guests desiring a bit more space will soon be able to book the 54-square-meter Baie des Anges Signature Suite, which features a spacious living area and a kitchenette, as well as a sea-facing terrace. Even grander is the fifth-floor Presidential Suite, whose own terrace is large enough to host private parties.
A drone’s view of the heritage hotel and the Avenue de Verdun.
Inside a 38-square-meter Junior suite with a garden view.
Alfresco seating at Rooftop Bar Seen.
On the rooftop, Seen by Olivier is the fourth such restaurant from Portuguese chef Olivier da Costa. As at the chic venue’s other locations in Lisbon, São Paulo, and Bangkok, the menu spotlights inventive cocktails and contemporary Mediterranean fare with a local spin. While soaking up sweeping views of the Old Town and the sea, patrons can order Niçoise specialties in addition to briny sea urchins and plump oysters from local waters. Over at Les Colonnades, the hotel’s caviar and champagne lounge, fresh seafood and wines by the glass await, as does a locally inspired afternoon tea experience.
Encompassing five treatment rooms, a hammam, and a sauna, Anantara Spa specializes in Asian therapies that use a custom-made collection of massage oils, sourced from the region around the perfume-making town of Grasse. Pedicures designed by celebrity podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez are another draw. There isn’t a pool on the property, but the 24-hour gym allows guests to stay in tip-top shape while on the road.
anantara.com; doubles from US$377, with breakfast
The hotel’s caviar and champagne lounge Les Colonnades.
A Deluxe Panorama room at Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel.
