Le Negresco

The best of the best!! The only place to stay in Nice.

This is a classic 5-star hotel in Nice, but sadly, it left us underwhelmed. The rooms are meant to reflect different periods of French art, which was part of why we booked this hotel. However, we found the rooms too eccentric, with very loud, “screamy” colours. Our room wasn’t ready when we arrived at 15:00 sharp, so we had to wait 30 minutes. The staff were kind but seemed indifferent about the delay, and didn’t even offer something simple like water or a drink at the bar while we waited. We asked the concierge about bike or car tours in Nice, and she told us kindly that none were available. When we searched online ourselves, we found five different options. When we finally got our room, it was decorated entirely in bright pink and lime green. We felt a little embarrassed to ask, but eventually requested a room in more neutral colours. They found us a better one, which we were very grateful for. Unfortunately, we then discovered the air conditioning wasn’t working. A technician came, but it still wasn’t fixed. Throughout the day, we were repeatedly told it would be taken care of, but it never was. When we returned from dinner that night, the man at reception simply assumed it had been fixed, without checking, and told us he couldn’t do anything else about it. It’s honestly hard to accept that in 2026, a 5-star hotel with this kind of reputation doesn’t have working air conditioning that guests can adjust themselves. We were offered no compensation or apology, though we didn’t ask for any either. I feel for the staff, since it’s clear they’re being asked by management to gloss over problems with the rooms and air conditioning. When you book a hotel like this, and given the price, you expect a smooth, positive experience from the moment you arrive. Unfortunately, that wasn’t our experience.

I cannot speak highly enough of the incredible staff here. I was sat in front of the beach when a man began to harass me, he then began to follow me, I was so scared and the first building I saw was the Negresco Hotel. I walked in and was greeted by an incredibly kind and friendly gentleman called Tom. I told him I was scared and being followed, the offered me a drink and a seat, he asked for the description of the man and went outside to look for him. When the man then followed me into the hotel, Tom ensured that I was in an area that he wouldn’t see me, he offered to take me to a bar through a separate entrance or to leave the hotel through a private entrance. Feeling scared, I chose the bar option. As I sat crying Tom was so kind and caring, even apologising for the situation which I found incredibly sweet. The men then left the hotel, I sat in the bar where every staff member was so incredibly kind, caring and reassuring. The waiters and the beautiful lady at the front of the bar were so kind. Nothing was too much trouble. They offered to call the police, which I declined, however they chose to do so as he was still lingering in the area. They moved me into a separate room to speak with the police confidentially. I never imagined that I would’ve gone into such a beautiful hotel, underdressed and in such an emotional state and be treated so kindly. The bar manager Jonathon was also amazing. The gentleman who managed the whole situation ( I believe the hotel manager, I apologise I have forgotten his name) couldn’t have been more professional if he tried. The staff asked me to call my friend to come and collect me to ensure I was safe. Upon my friends arrival, they welcomed them into the bar with me. They invited us to return later that evening for drinks, which we happily did. The staff were all so kind and remembered us. Tom really went out of his way, he came to find us at the end of his shift to say goodbye and to welcome us back at anytime. I will never forget Tom saying to me “This is what we are here for, the good times and the bad”. I would love to one day stay here as a guest, I can guarantee that I will be returning to the bar in the future. They have amazing live musicians on during the evening. The drinks offering and the whole service is world class. Thank you to every single staff member that helped a very scared young woman yesterday. I wish I could do more to praise you all. Tom, you are a credit to the hotel, thank you for everything you did for me.

Food Great as was all F & B service. They charge €75 for a sun bed on their beach…that they dontttell you about till you get there.🤷‍♂️ Arrival by car was an issue but very helpful porterage. Ground floor smelled of drains. Accommodation….. definitely NOT 5 star…they have refurbished the room I stayed in very poorly… bathroom was actually a total slip hazard…shower didn’t work properly..far too small… it was done on the cheap hoping that the hotel’s historic name would ensure success . We didn’t like the room it was dark yet even after paying BIG money they wanted extra cash for a move …and we made the booking direct Gym equipment was good but the room could not take more that 2-3 people 🙈 Reception good Concierge good. Would we stay again….NO…as it’s about a hotel bedroom and this was poor….real pity. One lift that took ages‼️‼️ Needs to accommodate a present day traveller not museum clients.

Nice was our first stop on my birthday trip in the French Riviera, and I wanted to start with the best! We were given a lovely suite, right above the Negresco sign, with 2 balconies - one looking towards the sea, one towards the city. We had a lovely welcome note, card, bottle of rose, chocolates and herbed nuts. Our concierge made all of our reservations for restaurants, drivers, and beach clubs in advance. Our bed was incredibly soft and comfy, as were our bathrobes and slippers. Complimentary boxes of water daily. Plenty of room in the bedroom, bathroom, and living room. Loved our daily breakfast buffet, as well as our visits to every bar and restaurant! Le Chanticler is a fabulous experience! Our one criticism is the lack of WiFi - we had to either lean out on the terrace or go to the bar to check emails or go online. But that was a small price to pay for the beauty, art, and history all around us. My daily visits to the crystal encrusted blue octopus sculpture made my heart smile.