My dear travellers and lovers of unusual journeys, welcome to the new hotel review on the Mr.M blog. When we travel somewhere, hotels represent some of our home away from the one we are used to, while for some people it is a place to stay the night. On the other hand, there are hotels that become part of the travel story itself. Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa belongs to this second, much rarer group. As soon as I entered, I was greeted by a surprise. On the table was a handwritten card, signed with the name Roberto Boscolo. In it, the Italian family welcomes me to “their Italian home” and promises a stay guided by the vision of Fatto con amore, which in translation would mean “done with love”.
That detail says more than any star. This five-star hotel in the heart of Nice unites two souls. On one side stands French Belle Époque elegance. On the other hand, there is warm Italian hospitality. In the following, I will guide you through every corner of this building. I will share with you the impressions from the room, from the spa center and from the restaurant Angelo. Finally, there is a short guide through Nice and the famous Cote d’Azur.
BOSCOLO NICE HOTEL & SPA: A LUXURIOUS STAY IN THE HEART OF NICE
The Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa hotel is located at 12 Boulevard Victor Hugo. It is one of the most beautiful and quiet streets in the city center in Nice. A row of greenery provides shade even during the hottest summer days. A red flag with the Boscolo sign flies over the entrance. Next to it stand the French and Italian flags, as an announcement of what awaits you inside.
The location is, in my opinion, one of the biggest advantages of this hotel. The main pedestrian street, Avenue Jean-Médecin, is just a few steps away. The famous Promenade des Anglais and the sea can be reached in ten minutes on foot. The old town and Massena square are equally close. The railway station is about seven hundred meters away, and Nice airport is only seven kilometers away.
The facade immediately catches the eye. The color of the sand and the rich stucco give off the spirit of the beginning of the twentieth century. Wrought iron balconies and curved skylights add elegance. The green canopy in front of the entrance softens the severity of the stone. Standing on the sidewalk, I felt I was entering a part of Nice’s history, not just another hotel. This is precisely why this building acts as a monument and not as an ordinary building.
HISTORY OF THE HOTEL: FROM “HOTEL DU RHIN” TO THE BOSCOLO BUILDING
The story of this magnificent building begins back in 1913. It was then designed by Charles Dalmas, the most respected architect of Nice’s Belle Époque. He left behind about a hundred houses and about twenty hotels. The Hermitage Hotel, the Winter Palace and the Royal Hotel on the Promenade des Anglais bear his signature. Rich guests asked for luxury, and Dalmas presented them with stone transformed into art.
The building was initially named “Hotel du Rhin”. The project was initiated by the Swiss hotelier Baumgartner. Over time, the owners changed, so the building became known as Hotel Atlantik. It is interesting that the original appearance had a dome associated with the name of Gustave Eiffel. It disappeared during later renovations.
The real turning point came in 2000. Then the Italian family and company Boscolo bought the hotel. This was followed by a thorough renovation signed by a group of famous Italian creators. Among them are Maurizio Papiri, Massimo Iozza Gini, Sergio Minorello and Simone Micheli. The works combined old and new in an unexpected way.
The result is a rare combination of two worlds. The exterior has remained true to the Belle Époque style and today bears the label “Historical Hotel Nice”. The interior, on the other hand, has become bold and contemporary. White color, marble and modern art dominate the interior. It is this contrast that makes Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa so distinctive.
BOSCOLO NICE HOTEL & SPA: LOBBY AS A GALLERY OF MODERN ART
Entering the lobby leaves a strong impression. Everything is white, from the marble floor to the walls. Such minimalism seems almost museum-like. However, the space is not cold, but pleasant and bright. The sun’s rays through the high windows further enliven the whiteness.
Two large sculptures of horses immediately attract attention. They are made of metal strips and appear to be in motion. In the background stands a large figurative canvas under glass. Next to it is a white concert piano. That scene combines classics and avant-garde in the same breath.
Boscolo is known for his love of art. Sculptures, paintings and carefully selected pieces of furniture accompany the guest at every step. Even the smallest details show that commitment. I read somewhere that the doorknobs are shaped like a white rose, which perfectly describes the spirit of the house. This level of attention is rarely found even in top hotels.
The interior staircase has a special charm. White wrought iron winds its way up through several floors. Knitted lampshades cast a warm light. I stopped there for a moment, just to absorb the atmosphere of the old, elegant building. I thought how many travellers had passed through the same stairs in more than a century.
WHY THE EXCLUSIVE ROOM WITH TERRACE MADE MY STAY UNFORGETTABLE?
I stayed in the Exclusive Room with Terrace category, a special room with two terraces overlooking the avenue. It is one of the most pleasant categories in the hotel. The room is spacious and bathed in natural light. The light parquet floor brings warmth to the space. The high ceiling further enhances the feeling of freedom.
The colors are gentle and subdued. White and cream shades dominate the walls and textiles. Above the bed stands a sumptuous headboard in white rococo style. That baroque detail goes nicely with the clean lines of the rest of the room.
The bed was extremely comfortable. The bedding is soft, and the pillows with the Boscolo logo add a touch of luxury. A coffee machine was waiting for me next to the bed. There was also a small sitting area in the corner with fresh flowers. There were also welcome treats, as a silent greeting from the host.
The bathroom in the room followed the same elegant style. The walls and counter are made of light stone. The bowl-shaped sink looks modern and clean. A large mirror further expands the space. Boscolo care products were waiting for me on the counter. There was also liquid soap from the house line. Soft white towels were neatly folded. Everything exuded orderliness and attention to the guest. Namely, such details leave a lasting impression.
I woke up the next morning in no rush. I stretched in bed and immediately felt calm. The room is quiet, although it overlooks a lively part of the city. Thick curtains and quality windows preserve tranquility. It is this combination of space, silence and comfort that makes this exceptional room worthy of attention.
BOSCOLO NICE HOTEL & SPA: THE PERFECT START TO THE DAY ON THE CÔTE D’AZUR
The biggest advantage of my room at the Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa was the terrace. I opened the door and stepped out onto the wrought iron balcony. Below me stretched the tree-lined Boulevard Victor Hugo. The red Boscolo flag flew right next to the fence.
Morning coffee on that terrace was a special experience for me. I leaned on the railing and watched the city wake up. The sun was shining on the white facades of the surrounding buildings. In the distance, domes and roofs in terracotta colors could be seen. The air smelled of spring and that characteristic smell of the Mediterranean when you are by the sea.
The view also included palm trees along the street. Pedestrians walked lightly on the sidewalk below me. From the balcony, you can clearly see the rich decorations of the hotel’s facade itself. This scene perfectly combines city life and Mediterranean peace. Rarely where can one feel the spirit of a city so easily.
In such moments, you understand why Nice is special. I had both history and everyday life in front of me. Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa gave me a quiet corner above the bustling city. Therefore, it was difficult for me to leave the terrace and start exploring. Still, the city was calling, so I went for a walk.
BOSCOLO NICE HOTEL & SPA: THE LITTLE DETAILS THAT MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa stands out for its small signs of attention. It is they who turn the stay into a real experience. In the room, soft white slippers with the house’s golden sign were waiting for me. I put them on right away and felt right at home.
There was also a tray with macaroni on the table. They came in three colors and three flavors, arranged on branded Boscolo paper. Next to them stood boxes with the inscription “Buona Notte”. It is a small gift for a pleasant sleep, in the true Italian spirit. One remembers such gestures long after leaving.
There was also skin care. I received travel sets from the Japanese brand Forlle’d. Next to them stood Boscolo masks for the eye area. Such details show that the hotel thinks about every moment of the stay. Namely, the difference between good and top lies in the little things.
I especially liked the little notebook on the table. It read “My Nice Plan”, with space for notes. I used it to write down the places I wanted to visit. Morning coffee from a branded cup, with the house’s logo in the cocoa, was the perfect start to the day. Thus, even a small ritual acquires a special meaning.
WHAT IS BOSCOLO NICE HOTEL & SPA KNOWN FOR?
Many people wonder why this particular hotel is so popular. There are many reasons, and each one has its weight. First of all, there is a protected white epoch facade from 1913. It is part of the architectural heritage of Nice and bears the designation of a historic hotel.
Another reason is the bold interior. Famous Italian designers turned the interior into a gallery. White sculptures, large canvases and modern furniture are breathtaking. Thus, the inside of the classic building turned into a contemporary work of art.
The third reason is the wealth of content. Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa has a spa, a rooftop pool and three restaurants. Each guest can easily find their own corner of peace or pleasure. In addition, the Italian Boscolo family brings a special warmth. Their truffles, olive oil and grapes come straight from Italy.
Finally, there is responsible business. The hotel also carries the “Green Key” environmental label. This shows that luxury and care for nature can go together. All this makes Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa one of the most famous addresses in the city. No wonder guests are happy to return year after year.
BOSCOLO SPA & WELLNESS: 500 SQUARE METERS OF PURE RELAXATION
The heart of tranquility in this hotel is located in the ground floor Spa center. It covers about five hundred square meters. The design is signed by the famous architect Simone Micheli. As soon as you enter, you feel that you are entering another world.
The main impression is the indoor pool. In its center stands a white tree-like sculpture. Streams of water flow from its branches. They provide a kind of natural massage while you swim. Such a scene seems almost unreal.
A mosaic in shades of blue covers the walls and ceiling. Candles around the pool add warmth and calm. I lay down on the lounger and simply surrendered to the silence. The gurgling of the water quickly took away the tiredness of the journey. Time seemed to stand still for a moment.
The spa offers much more than a pool. There is a hammam, a sauna and a relaxation area. The salt wall, which glows slightly, has a special charm. The relaxation room, with its white lounge chairs and rolled-up towels, is ideal for complete relaxation. After an hour I came out completely refreshed. Therefore, I recommend every guest to spend at least one afternoon in this corner.
BCLUB ROOFTOP: A POOL WITH 360-DEGREE VIEWS
A completely different experience awaits at the top of the hotel. The roof terrace is called Bclub Rooftop. From there there is a view of a full three hundred and sixty degrees. In front of you are the city, the hills in the hinterland and a piece of clear sky.
There is also an outdoor swimming pool on the terrace. Comfortable sofas with red cushions are arranged around it. The white fringed parasols moved gently in the breeze. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a classy Mediterranean club.
This place is ideal for a break during the day. You can swim, sunbathe or just watch the city from above. In the evening, the terrace becomes a lively social place. With a cocktail in hand, the sunset over Nice seems unreal. I carried such a sight in my memory for a long time.
The set tables also invite you to have lunch or dinner. White tablecloths and glasses glistened in the sun. I sat by the edge of the pool and took in the view. Such a combination of luxury and relaxation is rarely found. That is why Bclub is rightly considered one of the symbols of the hotel.
LUNCH AT ANGELO RESTAURANT: A TASTE OF ITALIAN GASTRONOMY
Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa has as many as three restaurants with an Italian soul. There is the gourmet restaurant Angelo and the Italian bar Genesi. They are joined by the aforementioned Bclub roof terrace. I decided to spend lunch at the Angelo restaurant.
The ambience is warm and full of character. The tables are made of solid wood, and the plates are hand-painted. Such details immediately announce a real Italian table. The Boscolo family personally selects their ingredients, from truffles to olive oil. That’s why every bite bears the seal of origin.
I started with the truffle pizza. It was topped with mozzarella fior di latte and cherry tomatoes. The black truffle gave depth and a sumptuous aroma. It was a pizza you remember for days.
Next came the main course. I ordered a tadjata made from Charolais beef fillet. The meat was perfectly prepared, accompanied by parmesan cheese and a fresh salad. I washed everything down with the famous Angelo cocktail. That combination of flavors seemed almost festive.
I left the tiramisu for last. It was sprinkled with fresh berries and cocoa. I still remember that dessert with a smile. Lunch at the Angelo restaurant was a pure Mediterranean treat. Therefore, I highly recommend it to every guest.
NICE: A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE CITY
Nice is not just a city by the sea. It is also a living monument of European history. The city was founded by the Greeks around 350 BC. They named him after Nika, the goddess of victory.
For centuries, Nice has attracted travelers from northern Europe. In the nineteenth century it became a favorite winter destination. The rich aristocracy built luxurious villas and hotels. It is precisely from that era that the white epoch architecture of the city originates. That is why Nice is affectionately called “Nissa La Bella”.
That particularity has also received world recognition. In 2021, UNESCO entered Nice on the World Heritage List. The city received the status of “winter resort of the Riviera”. The protection includes the urban core of five hundred and twenty two hectares.
The Promenade des Anglais also belongs to that area. It also includes the posh districts of Simiez and Mont Boron. Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa is located in the heart of this protected complex. Therefore, staying here also means walking through real history. Every step through the center reveals a new story.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN NICE: FROM THE PROMENADE DES ANGLAIS TO THE OLD TOWN
Nice offers a lot for the curious traveller. I would start from the famous Promenade des Anglais. That famous promenade along the sea is about seven kilometers long. Many rightly call it the Champs-Élysées of the Riviera.
The Old Town is the next place I recommend. Narrow streets hide baroque churches and colorful facades. There is also a market on the Cours Saleya square. The smell of flowers and fresh food fills the air. That’s where I felt the real pulse of the city.
The hill with the castle offers the most beautiful view of Nice. The climb is worth it because of the view of the rooftops and the sea. Massena Square is the heart of city life. The red facades and the fountain of the sun give it a special charm.
The cathedral and Avenue Jean Médecin should not be missed either. The first delights with its beauty, and the second calls for a purchase. Art lovers can also visit the museums in the Cimiez quarter. Works by Matisse and Chagall are kept there. Thus, there is something worthy of attention for every taste.
It is also worth taking a walk through the Promenade du Paillon park. It is a green oasis in the heart of the city. Shoppers will enjoy The Carré d’Or district. There are boutiques of famous world brands. After the tour, you will enjoy a break with a coffee in a square.
DAY TRIPS FROM NICE: CANNES AND MONTE CARLO WITHIN EASY REACH
The location of Nice is ideal for excursions. The entire Cote d’Azur is within reach. Cannes is located about thirty kilometers to the west. That film city is known for its famous festival.
Cannes is easily accessible by train or car. The drive takes about half an hour. A walk through Boulevard de La Croisette and a visit to the harbor are a real treat. The city exudes glamor throughout the year. Therefore, it is worth visiting outside the festival days.
In the opposite direction lies opulent Monaco. Monte Carlo is only twenty minutes away by train or by public bus. A famous casino and a harbor full of yachts await you there. The principality leaves the impression of a fairy-tale place.
Other nearby places are also worth visiting. The village of Eze offers views from a height and narrow stone streets. Menton is famous for its lemons and warm climate. Antibes hides the old town and the Picasso Museum. The village of Saint-Paul-de-Vance has been beckoning artists for decades. Grass is the perfume capital of the world. From Nice, you can visit all of them without any effort. This is why this city is considered the perfect starting point for discovering the south of France.
BOSCOLO NICE HOTEL & SPA: ESSENTIAL INFORMATION FOR YOUR STAY
Good preparation makes every trip easier. That’s why I’m giving you some useful tips. Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa is located in the very center of Nice. The sea and main sights can be reached on foot.
Nice airport is only seven kilometers away. The hotel is easily accessible by taxi or tram. The tram ride takes about half an hour. The train station is ten minutes’ walk away. Therefore, the hotel is also convenient for those arriving by train.
The hotel has over one hundred and ten rooms and suites. Categories range from comfortable rooms to spacious suites. My Exclusive Room with Terrace also offers a precious terrace. I recommend it to those who want a quiet corner above the city.
The best time to visit is spring and early autumn. Then the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are significantly less. Summer brings heat and lots of tourists. However, the rooftop pool then becomes a real oasis. Breakfast on the terrace of the Genesi restaurant lasts until noon. It is ideal for those who like relaxed mornings. The spa is worth booking in advance. That way you will definitely find a free appointment.
The hotel also carries the “Green Key” environmental label. This means careful use of water and energy. Guests are unobtrusively offered small, responsible actions. In this way, luxury also gets a touch of care for nature. Finally, set aside at least two or three days. Dedicate one day to the hotel and spa center itself. Use other days for Nice and surrounding excursions. That way you will get the most out of this stay.
WHY BOSCOLO NICE HOTEL & SPA IS WORTH A VISIT?
Staying in this hotel left a deep mark in my memory. The combination of French elegance and Italian warmth is rare. The Belle Epoque building from 1913 radiates a new glow today. Every detail exudes attention and taste.
The location could hardly be better. The center of Nice, the sea and excursions are within reach. The room with the terrace gave me peace and space. The spa center and roof terrace completed the experience. So I got both a vacation and an adventure for one stay.
I especially remember lunch at the Angelo restaurant. Italian flavors and hand-painted plates were the highlight. Along with that, there are small signs of attention at every step. It is they who make the difference between good and unforgettable.
I recommend this hotel to mature travelers with refined taste. I mean those who appreciate history, art and peace. Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa is not just a place to stay. It is a destination in itself, in the heart of the most beautiful coast in the world. Therefore, I myself will gladly return as soon as I have the opportunity.
If you are planning a trip to Nice, this hotel deserves your sincere attention. It is not just a place to sleep. It is part of the story of the pearl of the French Riviera. And I am happy that I became a part of that story, even if only for a short time!
See you soon, maybe again in Nice. Until then, let this text be your guide to one of the most beautiful hotel experiences in Europe.
With Love from Nice,
Mr.M
This post is sponsored by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and the Boscolo Nice Hotel & Spa, as well as other local partners who selflessly supported this project. This post is my personal and honest review of the destination experience.