The definition of luxury is “the state of great comfort and extravagant living.” Luxury for most of us has different meanings and expectations. We all may not agree on what we consider luxury. Some may think a luxury hotel is a large well known and branded hotel adorned in marble with first class service. A spot where you will find only the rich staying in pure opulence and grandeur. Others find luxury in the small and stunning architecture and history of a boutique hotel.
The Hotel La Perouse in Nice, France belongs to the Small, Luxury Hotels of the World brand and is a small boutique hotel and in my opinion, luxurious.
When traveling in Europe I don’t know about you, but I prefer small inns and hotels that give us as travelers an authentic feel of the country, culture and the people.
I recently had the opportunity to spend a few days at Hotel La Perouse before boarding a cruise ship out of Nice. When pulling up to the hotel, you will find the entrance is a very non-descript door in the middle of several buildings, don’t let that fool you. The actual hotel sits nestled against the hillside with the Tower Bellanda right next to the hotel. When looking at the photo above, the entrance is in the middle of the buildings on the street level, but the actual hotel is the golden yellow building behind, up against the limestone hill.
La Perouse has 56 rooms, a spa, small fitness room, jacuzzi on the sundeck and a nice private pool. The location is perfect for those who want to walk all over Old Town, explore the alleys, cafe’s and shops. You will have easy access to public transportation and the port is nearby.
The rooms are good size, very comfortable and well furnished. The bathroom is marble and the shower had amazing water pressure. Some rooms offer a balcony, some have views of the limestone hills and the suites offer stunning bay views.
The sundeck is located on the rooftop with plenty of seating areas with unobstructed views, the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with indoor seating or seating on the patio, along with a nice bar. The food was excellent with a nice selection of dishes. We had breakfast daily and I can tell you the breakfast was wonderful. They offer coffee, teas, juices; waffles, fresh fruit, quiche and a lovely pastry table with fresh french croissants.
The entire hotel staff works very hard to make your stay perfect. They are friendly and so happy to help you with whatever you may need from directions, map of town to restaurant recommendations.
From the hotel you can easily stroll along the new pedestrian walkway along the bay, into Old Town with little cafe’s, shops and a fresh flower, fruit and vegetable market.
This is my top pick for hotels in Nice, France. Our stay couldn’t have been any better.
I would like to offer a few extra tips for those of you that haven’t been to Nice.
Tip #1: I know so many of you love to search and book your travel and hotels online and that is your choice. But let me offer some friendly advice ~ use your travel consultant and here is why. Many consultants have preferred hotels that they work with and have built relationships with the staff and management. When placing their clients at these hotels they will work to get you some additional amenities during your stay. These amenities may include Welcome Champagne, Welcome snacks in your room, or breakfast daily and possibly an included lunch or dinner once during your stay. You won’t receive these amenities online.
Tip #2: If you are in town for a few days before or after a cruise, don’t try to schlep yourself with your luggage to or from the port. Have your travel consultant book a transfer for you, or the hotel if you booked direct with them. While the port is close, it is not an easy walk and not easy to pull all of your bags across and down the streets to get to the hotel. If your driver meets you right at the port, they will maneuver security to get you to the front door of the hotel. Drop your bags, so you can get out and exploring quickly.
If heading to the ship from the hotel, it is the same story. You will find it a bit difficult to cross the streets, maneuver yourselves with bags into the port with security. The driver will drop you right at the ship, making life extremely comfortable and easy.
Enjoy Nice and Hotel La Perouse,
Until next time,
Terri