A legendary hotel, the Palais de la Méditerranée is immediately impressive with its white Art Deco façade that dates back to the 1930s. In these post-war years, the rich clientele returned to the Riviera and the Roaring Twenties, which were synonymous with pleasure, money and luxury. It was at this time that the project offering Nice its third 'Palais des Fêtes' (after the Jetée-Promenade and the city casino) was born in the form of the most beautiful casino in the world.
On 10th January 1929, the first public unveiling of this casino, which when lit up at night by the spotlights resembled 'a palace from Arabian Nights', took place.
In 1990, the casino was completely torn down. Only the main façade overlooking the Promenade des Anglais and the façade facing the Rue du Congrès were spared, as they had been classified as historical monuments on 18th August 1989. Rebuilt in 2001, the Palais de la Méditerranée finally reopened its doors in 2004 and is now well-known around the world as a hotel.
With its history and prestige, aesthetic expectations are high when you enter this monument on the Riviera. Behind the impressive Art Deco façade you will find a contemporary decor, a plush atmosphere, and classic chic surroundings.
Those looking for eccentricity and modern design behind the external white walls will be disappointed. The aesthetics are more simple and refined than ostentatious, and the charm of the place is immediately evident. With varying shades of brown and cream, wood panelling, white ceilings, pillars and marble floors, nothing is over the top. The style of the lobby is pure and elegant. Whether it be the lounge areas with leather sofas and coffee tables, or the lobby with the reception and access to the lift, each area has a comfortable, warm and relaxed atmosphere.
There are further communal areas on the third floor of the hotel. 'Le 3e' is a large space that holds the restaurant, the lounge bar and the terrace.
The restaurant offers an almost contemporary ethno-chic atmosphere with its brown wooden flooring, dark wood wall panelling brightening the red hues found on the second half of the walls, and velvet chairs, sofas and drapes. The subdued lighting enhances this intimate aspect, which seems more suited to dinner than lunch.
For customers who prefer natural light, fresh air, and a sunny environment, the restaurant has a magnificent terrace with an unrestricted view of the sea. When it is nice enough to eat outside, it is always full.
Opposite the restaurant is the lounge bar, which is also predominately decorated in red. However, while the restaurant has a slight African feel, here you will find yourself on a different continent, at the heart of India. The furniture, large sofas with bright cushions, decorative objects and tables transport diners to the land that was dear to Rudyard Kipling. Needless to say, everything is done with taste and class!
Also on the third floor, near the restaurant, there is a beautiful heated indoor pool. This extends to an outdoor pool, which shares the terrace with the bar and the restaurant. The indoor pool offers a more relaxed setting with its blue and white mosaic tiles and deckchairs around the edge, while the outdoor part offers a beautiful view of the sea.
'Le 3e' is also where you will find the fitness centre. This large gym, which is very light and decorated in wood, is equipped with Technogym machines for strength training, cardio, stretching and relaxation, toning, and weight loss. You'll be spoilt for choice!
Those who are less sporty can still take care of themselves by enjoying the hammam and sauna located in the relaxation area on the fourth floor, where massages are also available on request.
When it comes to seminars, conferences and prestigious events, the Palais de la Méditerranée has a wide choice of rooms. Fox Trot (77m²), Charleston (95m²), Paso Doble (77m²) and Bossa Nova (41m²) are four meeting rooms. The Bossa Nova room, located on the first floor, benefits from natural light and a private balcony.
For events that require slightly more space, the hotel has 3 seminar rooms, Cotton Club (249m²), Madison (230m²) and Salon Azur (400m²), and an auditorium, the largest room in the hotel at 820m², which is located on the first floor of the casino. This exceptional setting can accommodate up to 1,040 people and is suitable for fashion shows, weddings, shows and conventions.