Le Negresco Hotel

We popped into Le Bar du Negresco for a few Negronis and a couple of lobster brioche rolls, and ended up having a memorable time. The bar has that grand, timeless feel and classic Riviera charm that makes Hotel Negresco so iconic. The Negroni, made with Vermouth La Quintinye Rouge, Campari, and Gin Generous Organic, was smooth, balanced and refined. I liked it enough to add Vermouth La Quintinye Rouge to my collection at home. The lobster brioche rolls were delicious, and the service was kind and professional without hovering. One more tip: follow the red carpet up the stairs to the toilets. They’re an experience in themselves. A wonderful place to stop for cocktails in Nice.

The service made this a very disappointing stay, and it fell well short of what I’d expect from a hotel at this level. The place was overcrowded, and even basic things had to be booked in advance. All the hassle made it hard to feel welcome or relaxed, as if every service had to be fought for. They charged €65 extra for parking, which felt completely unjustified and ridiculous for the price paid. What bothered me most was the lack of attention to guests. My luggage was left there, and they didn’t properly help load it into the car, despite presenting that as a service they provide. That kind of assistance should be standard at a hotel positioning itself as high-end. The hotel seems more concerned with its image and putting on a show at the entrance than looking after the people staying there. The hospitality and organization were both very poor, and it wasn’t worth the money. I wouldn’t return.

Le Negresco is an unbelievably beautiful hotel in Nice, on the French Riviera, with history, fame, a great location, restaurant and bar, and amazing décor. But service at the front desk and bar had some real issues. The tall hostess at the bar was cold, disinterested and not gracious, with a poor attitude. A young hostess with dark hair was the opposite, a star. She got us a table we liked and refreshed our champagne when she passed by. She was kind, friendly and welcoming. Tom the Bellman was outstanding and our favorite of many great staff members. Several others were wonderful too: the woman who checked us in, the young woman who made our reservation the night before, and the gentleman who checked us out. But when I asked the front desk woman for a slightly late checkout because I wasn't feeling well, she was horrifically rude. Her boss, the front Desk Manager, was even ruder. After I asked for a 1 pm checkout, he said, “you need to be out by 1 pm.” There were so many great employees, but those two at the front desk and the tall bar hostess were terrible. They seemed to have a false sense of their own importance. Guests should be welcomed and treated graciously. I don't think those three would last in Monaco or Paris. Management doesn't seem to know they have these problems.

The sea view and Riviera charm make Le Negresco an unforgettable splurge. Perched on the Promenade des Anglais, this Belle Époque landmark feels like a museum of art and history. Each room has its own look, with beautiful antiques and period furniture creating a lively, opulent atmosphere. Hospitality is first class, with high-end spa facilities and excellent food at Michelin-starred Le Chantecler. The price is premium, and the historic windows aren't soundproof, which comes with the old-world character.