WHAT'S IT LIKE? Starwood Hotels acquired the Le Méridien portfolio in November 2005 and since then the properties have been updated and reinvented to fit with Starwood’s cultural and artistic brand ideals. After walking through pretty cobbled streets and past beautiful French buildings towards the seafront I was initially disappointed to see the concrete block of Le Méridien Nice, but, once inside, its recent €8.5 million refurbishment does it proud. Reception is on the first floor in an open-plan bar, and the restaurant area has trendy décor and comfortable chairs for coffee meetings. The hotel has a prime position on the prestigious Promenade des Anglais and is the closest to the seafront. It has a private beach and health club and boasts great views of the ocean and the city.
WHERE IS IT? Ten minutes’ walk from the main train station and half an hour in a cab from the airport. The hotel is also within walking distance of the Acropolis Convention Centre.
ROOM FACILITIES There are six floors and room categories rise as you go up – for example, room 325 is a Standard room, 425 is a Superior, 525 is a City View and 625 is a Deluxe. The newly renovated Superior, Deluxe and Junior suites were designed by François Champsaur and have large balconies and views of the Mediterranean or the city. I was staying in a Deluxe room with a city vista, and the terrace was large and had two sunbeds. Standard rooms are smaller and have a combined shower and bath and no balcony or terrace. My room also had a round table and a large work lamp, which I discovered didn’t work but a technician sorted it out promptly.
MEETING AND BUSINESS FACILITIES There are ten meeting rooms, the largest of which can accommodate up to 600 people. Le Riviera room (210 sqm) has views of the Baie des Anges. Wireless internet access is available throughout the hotel at a charge of €23 for 24 hours or on a pay-as-you-go basis. There’s a business centre with four computers (€10 for half an hour’s internet use or €20 for an hour and a half).
RESTAURANTS AND BARS The rooftop La Terrasse du Colonial Café seats about 60 people over two levels and has panoramic views of the Baie des Anges. You can see the airport in the distance, with planes seemingly landing on, and taking off from, the water. The restaurant’s chef, Sébastien Giannini, started last summer and when I ate there the menu had low-calorie options and a chef’s lunchtime choice. For dinner I started with white cuttlefish fried in oil and garnished with Vialone Nano risotto and garlic chips (€16), which was stunning. For the main I can highly recommend the veal T-bone steak studded with sweet peppers and courgette flower fritters. The portion was huge but I couldn’t stop eating it and barely had room for dessert. The local Château Malherbe Côtes du Provence (€16 a glass) was a superb accompaniment. Breakfast is served on the lobby level between 7am and 10am. It has sofas and casual seating and, again, wonderful views.
LEISURE FACILITIES There is a heated swimming pool on the roof (open year-round, 9am-5.30pm) and a solarium. The gym is on the ninth floor and a health club offers spa treatments such as facials, balneotherapy and massages from Monday to Saturday. The private beach has sunbeds and water sports. If you fancy a flutter head to Casino Ruhl, which also hosts live acts and a cabaret show.
VERDICT A top-class hotel for business and leisure with superb views, location and service. The restaurant is a delight.
Fact file
ROOM HIGHLIGHTS Balcony rooms have stunning views, and the circular table makes a refreshing change from the dreaded desk.
HOW MANY ROOMS? There are 318, 184 of which were renovated last year.
PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in February started from €145 for a Classic room.
CONTACT Le Méridien Nice, 1 Promenade des Anglais; tel +33 497 034 444; starwoodhotels.com
Felicity Cousins
