Le Negresco

With its prominent pink dome and its wraparound lettering, the Belle Époque gem that is Le Negresco might just be the most distinctive piece of architecture on Nice’s Promenade des Anglais; if you want a demonstration of what it is that made the French Riviera the world’s most famous luxury destination, there’s no need to look any further. While some of its peers have, to varying degrees, adopted minimalist and modernist elements, Le Negresco remains as ornate and opulent as it’s always been.

The doormen come dressed in flamboyantly colorful uniforms; the public spaces are adorned with artworks ranging from the 17th century to the present day. And the rooms and suites are packed with bold colors and an abundance of ornament; subtly high-tech comforts are present, but the atmosphere would be familiar to time travelers from a century ago.

Le Negresco’s Spa offers indoor relaxation to complement its swanky beach club, which is served by its own open-air restaurant. Meanwhile Le Chantecler is Le Negresco’s culinary pride and joy, delighting in the contrast between the kitchen’s modern gastronomy and the dining room’s decidedly 18th-century atmosphere.