Hôtel Negresco marks the Promenade des Anglais in Nice with its pink dome and neoclassical façade facing the Baie des Anges. Opened in 1913, it has hosted Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Elton John and the Beatles. In 2026 it works as a luxury hotel and hotel-museum: owner Jeanne Augier's private collection — more than 6,000 works — is spread across salons, corridors and rooms, covering more than five centuries of art. A 10-minute walk away is the Cours Saleya market; for classic Riviera seafood, book lunch at La Mère Germaine in Villefranche-sur-Mer. Rooms start at around €380 in low season — confirm rates on the official website.
Henri Negresco, Jeanne Augier and the collection
Henri Negresco, a casino director in Nice, opened the hotel in 1913 with architecture by Édouard-Jean Niermans. The Salon Royal has a skylight signed by Gustave Eiffel and a 4.6 m Baccarat chandelier — originally commissioned for Tsar Nicholas II, never delivered because of the Russian Revolution. The First World War turned the hotel into a hospital; Negresco went bankrupt, but the building survived.
Jeanne Augier bought the Negresco in 1957 and, over decades, turned it into a hotel-museum. Each room was individually decorated — from Renaissance to pop art — and works rotate between floors according to restoration and new acquisitions. Collection highlights:
- Classic: Portrait of Louis XIV by Hyacinthe Rigaud — one of three original versions in the world.
- Modern: Niki de Saint Phalle, César, Dalí, Jean Tinguely.
- Rooms: 128 units, each with its own visual identity — no two alike.
Augier died in 2019 at 95, leaving the hotel to a foundation that maintains the art-preservation policy. The Negresco remains independently owned — it belongs to no major hotel chain.
Restaurants, bar and beach
Le Chantecler (Michelin stars) serves modern Provençal cuisine with local produce — advance booking recommended. La Rotonde works as a brasserie inside an 18th-century carousel, with sea views — more accessible menu, good for families. Le Bar du Negresco has live jazz at night and classic cocktails.
In spring and summer, Negresco Plage offers a private beach with loungers and bar service — book ahead in high season. Sea-view rooms have triple glazing to reduce Promenade noise; for absolute quiet, request a room facing the inner courtyard.
| Category | Practical Information (Nice 2026) |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address | 37 Promenade des Anglais, 06000 Nice. |
| 🚇 How to Get There (Access) | Take tram line 2 from the airport or city centre and get off at Alsace-Lorraine. The hotel is a 5-minute walk away. |
| ⏰ Hours (Check-in/out) | Check-in from 3:00 p.m.; check-out until 12:00 p.m. Reception 24 hours. |
| 💰 Average Price | Rooms from €380/night in low season; €750 – €1,500+/night in high season (summer). |
| 🔗 Official Website | hotel-negresco-nice.com |
Practical tips
Art tour: Guests can ask for context on works in the corridors — allow about 1 hour with the hotel team. Non-guests access the lobby and Salon Royal by dining in the restaurants or bar.
One-day route: Morning walk on the Promenade des Anglais, lunch at Cours Saleya (flower and local produce market), drink at Le Bar du Negresco at dusk. Save an afternoon for La Mère Germaine in Villefranche — 20 minutes by train or car.
Parking: Valet parking and covered garage for a daily fee. Inform the hotel when booking if arriving by car — spaces limited in high season.
Families: La Rotonde has a children's menu; connecting rooms available. Babysitting on request via concierge.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can non-guests visit the art collection?
The main lobby and Salon Royal are accessible to clients who dine at the restaurants (La Rotonde, Le Chantecler) or Le Bar du Negresco. Upper-floor corridors are restricted to guests, for privacy and security.
2. Does the hotel have parking?
Yes — valet parking and covered garage for a daily fee. Inform the hotel when booking, especially in summer.
3. Is the Negresco suitable for families with children?
Yes. La Rotonde has children's menus; connecting rooms and babysitting via concierge. The museum atmosphere does not exclude children — La Rotonde's carousel is often a highlight for younger guests.
Combine with guides on this site
To keep exploring on this site, these guides pair well with this article: Promenade des Anglais, Cours Saleya and La Mère Germaine.
Editorial note: prices, opening hours and booking conditions in this guide are references checked against official and institutional sources in July 2026. Confirm on the official website before your visit, as details may change.