Photography: Westminster Hotel Nice
Westminster Hotel & Spa Nice
Reviewed by Joeri Van Overloop
Set the scene
You will spot it first from the Promenade des Anglais, its Belle Epoque façade catching the sun and promising an unforgettable journey back in time. Step through the large revolving door of the Westminster Hotel & Spa in Nice and you're greeted with a tastefully decorated lobby area that reflects the hotel's connection to its earlier years, while still maintaining modern comforts.
Every corner tells a story here at the Westminster. From the gentle classical music wafting from the speakers, to the beautiful hand-painted frescoes and antique mirrors gracing the walls, you can almost feel the elegance and gentle pace of life back in the 19th century. But don't worry - this isn't dusty history. The hotel is alive and humming, blending the old with the new in the most delightful of ways.
What can we expect in our room
The rooms have a certain je ne sais quoi that fills your heart with joy and your Instagram with envy. Starting with comfort, every bed is a cloud-like haven, draped in high thread count linens. The decor screams elegant French chic vibe, blending modern design with antique fixtures, which whispers tales of the historic glamour of the French Riviera.
Now, that's just scratching the surface. Dive into the unending list of nuances that tickle your senses. From the subtle fragrance of lavender wafting through the room to the stunning views of the azure-blue Mediterranean sea from the balcony - it's nothing short of breathtaking. If you're a tech wizard, you'd fancy their high-speed Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs which never allow for an idle moment. And for those who appreciate the finer details, comforts such as plush bathrobes, a tasteful selection of French wines in the minibar, and a perfectly curated room service menu are sure to be highlights of your stay.
How about the food and drinks at the Westminster Hotel Nice
At the Westminster Hotel Nice, food and beverage demand their own spotlight, bringing a delightful sensory excursion to your stay. The hotel's Le Duc restaurant invites you in with its beautiful sea view and tantalizing menu. Experience a whirlwind of flavors as you indulge in the masterfully prepared dishes, embodying everything you'd imagine about French gastronomy. The menu is always evolving, keeping in line with the season's bounty, ensuring a fresh and innovative culinary adventure on each visit.
The W Bar is the perfect spot to wind down after a day of exploring Nice, with its selection of craft cocktails, local wines, and comprehensive assortment of spirits. The hotel also boasts an extensive afternoon tea, featuring sweet pastries, scones and an array of teas, fit for refined yet casual get-togethers. The best part – each of these refreshing concoctions comes with an equally breathtaking view of the Baie des Anges.
What is the service like
Every corner reverberates with the polite hustle of a team that is clearly passionate about providing exceptional service. They are well-versed in a range of languages, ready to assist guests from around the world. Questions or requests? They've got you covered, and with a smile. And yep, they've nailed that delicate balance between being readily available and respecting your space.
And the little things? They've thought of them all. You might find your room impeccably cleaned each day with fresh towels and toiletries. Need something from room service in the wee hours of the night? No worries, they've got a 24-hour room service set up. Need advice on exploring Nice or securing tickets to local attractions? They're more than happy to guide you. It's like having your own personal concierge throughout your stay.
What’s the neighborhood scene like
Walk just a few steps and you'll find yourself at the Promenade des Anglais, Nice's famed seafront street. Adorned with palm trees, populated by rollerbladers, and filled with the bracing sea air, there's no better place for an evening stroll.
In addition to the azure Mediterranean Sea, around the hotel, you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice with a myriad of fancy boutiques, high-end restaurants and tucked-away designer stores. The Cours Saleya Flower Market, a bustling spot during the day, is a stone's throw away from the hotel. It transforms into a lively dining scene as the sun sets. Soak in the local ambience, where fragments of French conversations mix with the clinking of glasses, laughter, and the occasional accordion serenade. That's just a taste of what the Westminster’s neighborhood scene is all about.
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What’s the backstory of the Westminster Hotel & Spa Nice
The tale of this charming hotel began in the late 19th century, when it was a private mansion owned by a wealthy Englishman. Swiftly becoming the rendezvous spot for European nobility, it was converted into the grandeur of the Westminster Hotel in 1880, keeping its essence true to the Belle Epoque period.
Named after the Duke of Westminster who once resided there, its halls echo his lifestyle of elegance and classic luxury. Having hosted eminent personalities through the years, this storied establishment has quite a few tales to tell. Still reticent about revealing its secrets, it gently whispers them to the guests through its charming decor and age-old splendor.
Price Range
Pricing at the Westminster Hotel & Spa in Nice varies according to the season, the room type chosen, and even the day of the week you decide to spend. During the peak holiday season, be prepared to shell out something between €150 to €400 for their luxury rooms. Off-peak rates, on the other hand, are relaxed and more forgiving to your wallet, often falling within the more manageable bracket of €100 to €250 per night.
Amenities & Facilities
First off, you've got to check out the wellness area at the Westminster Hotel. Because, here's the thing, they've pulled out all the stops. True to its name, the Westminster Hotel & Spa Nice provides a top-notch wellness facility that blends the charm of the Belle Époque with modern comforts. Slip into the relaxation mode with a soothing massage, drift weightlessly in their spa, or get your heart pumping in a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Let's not forget the swanky modern rooms equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary WiFi. Yes, you heard me right, complimentary Wi-Fi! So yes, you can scroll through Instagram in bed, or heck even post a boomerang of the stunning sea view from the comfort of your surroundings. 'Cos let's face it, some digital TLC is all we need after a long day. In addition to these, you'll also find a minibar for when unexpected cravings kick in, an espresso machine for your coffee dose, and a safety deposit box just in case.
How to get to the Westminster Hotel in Nice
Navigating your way from the airport in Nice to the seductive charm of the Westminster Hotel & Spa is a breeze. If you fancy hopping on public transport, simply catch bus 98 and enjoy the scenic trip down the Promenade des Anglais. Once you get off at Albert 1er Phocéens, it's just a short five-minute stroll to the hotel. Buses run every 20 minutes, giving you the flexibility to soak in the French Riviera ambiance before heading to the Westminster.
Now, if you prefer a quicker and more personal ride, hailing a taxi might be the right move. A swift 15-minute drive will transport you directly to the hotel's doorstep. Taxis in Nice are known for their courteous drivers who are often more than willing to strike up a conversation about the many hidden gems this iconic city has to offer.
What Customers Have To Say
We stayed just one night but was a positive experience.
Room seaside is a plus!
Breakfast is delicious and with all kind of food.
Restaurant offers tasty seafood and the service is perfect.
We also used the SPA with a pool, jacuzzi, hammam and sauna.
The hammam was not working but the waiter discounted our fee (appreciated).
The hotel is truly stunning in every way. Its location is perfect, you have an opportunity to nip out for a night swim at any point, the beach is just on the other side of the road. Inside, stunning interiors, marble staircase, transparent lift, red carpets and belle époque hall - you might as well be back in 19th century.
The service was impeccable. You must understand that you are in France, therefore avoid coming with attitude that “they must speak English”; in fact, my French is at most quite basic / intermediate, yet on every attempt, I tried to communicate in French and staff tagged along, allowing me to practice the language. Whenever we requested anything, bottle opener, wine glasses, extra hangers - it was delivered and provided immediately.
The room was beautiful, had a large bathroom with a bath, separate toilet, built in wardrobe and a balcony with sea view and city view, despite us not booking a sea view - side view was perfect as it allowed us to see the Mediterranean Sea without the noise from the Promenade. If I had to mention one improvement point, it would be air conditioning, as it is really gentle, so you must remember to shut the balcony to keep the heat out - during the night, it was perfectly fine though and temperature was just perfect.
Now, to tackle the negative reviews:
- spa must be reserved in advance and it is available for an extra fee and you are warned about it at every stage during the booking and at the check in, so any reviews that mention “I was surprised to find out …” - no, you were just not paying attention and it is not the hotel’s fault, it’s yours,
- yes, there are no beach towels available - so what? Take what’s in your room, there are the same towels and while you’re away, they’ll bring the new ones in and then you can swap them - you get the gist.
This was a truly amazing stay and this hotel deserves so much praise - cannot recommend it enough.
Contact:
Address: 27 Prom. des Anglais, 06000 Nice, France
Phone: +33 4 92 14 86 86
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed within this article are the author’s alone, not those of any travel/leisure company, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.