Lonely Planet Review
Within its galleries and museums, Nice harbours some exceptional art. At this boutique hotel you can sleep amongst it too - half of the 57 rooms feature walls of Impressionist murals and the other half are the wonderful and often wacky work of experimental contemporary artists.
A wild mix of styles, each of the artist-designed rooms is a one-off. Up the spaceship lift with NASA-style voice-overs, check out Charlemagne Palestine's creation (number 52), a shrine to both Ganeshi, the divine Indian elephant, and Babar, Ganeshi's French children's comic book counterpart; with an altar of soft toys. Or Claudio Parmiggiani's cube-shaped room (number 57), where a low bed and slim-line clamped-on lamps are the only furnishings within its entirely gold, glimmering walls and ceiling (a recessed alcove conceals a mini bar, streamlined tables, and a minimalist bathroom with opaque glass). Art apart, there's also an exotic private garden with a birdcage and a swimming pool, a Zen fitness room and meditation area in the attic, a sauna, free wi-fi and online computer, plus access to the private beach, Le Sporting Plage.
Review by author
Catherine Le Nevez