What it is

A 1920s grande dame with 187 seafront rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, and a Turkish bath.

What it isn't

Devoid of history. Yes, it’s been revamped to suit modern tastes, but that doesn’t change the fact that Charlie Chaplin once played in this former casino.

What we think

No surprise that purple and gold form the palette in many guest rooms here—they’re royal colors, for royal-worthy guests. Starter rooms are efficient, with everything you need for a cozy stay (coffee and tea set-ups, mini bars, and fluffy robes for raiding said mini bars). But it may be worth upgrading to a suite if you’d like to spread out; the Sea View suites are a whopping 1,130 square feet, with marble-lined bathrooms and balconies overlooking the ocean and glamazons bobbing in the swimming pool.

You're here because

Kids are pampered, too (often rare in French hotels), with coloring books at-the-ready and Petit Prince bath toiletries just for them.

The Moment

You’re already feeling high—literally—when you take your seat on the terrace at Le 3e restaurant. But then Chef Cyril Cheype’s wizardry hits the table before you, including buckwheat risotto with king prawns in Provence red wine vinaigrette, and you get even higher. “Another flute of champagne, s'il vous plaît?” This is living.

Restaurants & Bars

Le 3eme - Mediterrenian cuisine

Bar & Terrace Le 3eme

Location

A four minute drive from Nice-Côte d’Azur airport, directly on the Promenade des Anglais—a.k.a. the French Riviera’s cinematic main drag.