Hôtel du Petit Palais

“Home in Nice. Superb hotel. Wonderful staff. Excellent breakfast. 7 min walk to nearest bus stop. 10 mins to Masséna.”

My wife and I booked this trip at very short notice. Only a week or two before we actually arrived in Nice. Regardless, we’d done extensive research on where to stay in the run up to actually making it happen. There are many properties in Nice, but what we wanted was a true Cote D’Azur experience... more

My wife and I booked this trip at very short notice. Only a week or two before we actually arrived in Nice. Regardless, we’d done extensive research on where to stay in the run up to actually making it happen. There are many properties in Nice, but what we wanted was a true Cote D’Azur experience. Like Philippe mentioned to us on our last day, France is notable for its hospitality - and I can say with full confidence that Petit Palais takes that idea and elevates it to another level. Being a Villa in the Belle Epoque architectural style, no one room is the same. But this being a very special trip for my wife and I, we were clear on wanting a view of the coast where possible with a sit out balcony to enjoy our mornings and evenings. From the moment we booked our stay with Petit Palais, Simon went above and beyond to ensure this was the case. The room we have stayed in has fulfilled our expectation and then some. It’s not what I would call ‘cosy’. It’s properly luxurious in that French villa style whilst providing for modern amenities. Top class air conditioning, an extremely comfortable bed, superb amounts of storage for suitcases - this means the room can be enjoyed to its fullest instead of being a suitcase landmine - and a wonderful balcony along with a retractable parasol. Just outstanding. The bathroom was clean and very well maintained. High quality toiletries, no chips or bruises on the marble/fittings etc. Matches the standards of the room. Having not done a proper holiday in France for almost 24 years - my hope was a breakfast that would harken back to the last trip as a child. Done and done. The staff were superb, the amenities were on point and food itself exactly as I wished for with a bit on top. The baked goods of the day were a particular highlight. And what was really lovely is that nothing felt like a conveyor belt. The restaurant staff went about their morning but gave everyone the time and space to take it slow and soak in the garden dining space. Couldn’t have asked for more. My only item left on the checklist for next time is a proper bit of relaxing time by the pool and in the pool. Just for clarity, the hotel is MORE THAN HAPPY to open the pool out of season - it’s just that the water is cold. So we will be back during the summer months when time permits for this. A word on the pool, it could potentially be a little snug in the peak seasons, but as a general plunge pool - perfect size. It’s not meant for laps. It’s meant for drinks and relaxation. Does exactly that I’m sure. Something that is extremely important to us is walkability. Whilst this isn’t right on Promenade Des Anglais, this an actual strength. It’s in a quiet part of a very safe residential area. Musee Chagall is the nearest bus stop 7 minutes away. Roland Garros is around 10 minutes away. Masséna is a 10 minute bus ride from both. The beach is then 5 minutes from there. Alternatively if the weather is good, it’s a 25 minute walk down hill from the hotel and uphill to the hotel. Nevertheless, it’s not difficult at all and worth taking a stroll through. Peaceful and serene. The neighbourhood is lovely. We’ve had a great 4 days in Nice. The hotel staff have been so warm and generous from the get go and could not have done any better for us. Genuinely. Please book directly with the hotel. You’ll be taken care of to your heart’s content. We know where we will be staying on our return visits to Nice. This is a home. A full 10/10.

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