Hôtel Petit Palais was built in 1924, when a certain Madame Thomas commissioned architects Victor Martin and Charles Palmero to design a villa in the Carabacel district in Nice. Unlike most establishments that followed the Art Deco trend, the villa built highlighted the late Belle Époque style. Madame Thomas resided in the villa with her son and a housekeeper, immediately settling into her new home.

From a private residence, Madame Thomas opened the property as an exclusive pension for select guests in 1926, adding an air of exclusivity to the place. This year also saw the addition of a garage to house automobiles, which were then a mark of modern luxury. Among the names of prolific visitors who sought respite in the villa are the French stage actor and director Sacha Guitry.

Over time, it evolved into a full-fledged boutique hotel while maintaining its intimate and secluded ambiance. Hôtel Petit Palais offers a peaceful retreat with Belle Époque charm and panoramic views of Nice and the Bay of Angels.

While most of France was caught up in the Art Deco madness of the 1920s, Madame Thomas remained steadfast in her choice of late Belle Époque architecture for Hôtel Petit Palais. Through the help of architect Charles Palmero, who also designed the Martinez Hotel in Cannes, the hotel features a nostalgic and ornate look.

On the outside, the hotel uses soft-colored stonework, floral reliefs, and a sculpted exterior, which are all classic elements of the Belle Époque. A small pool area nestled among palm trees, flowers, and lush greenery creates a hidden paradise with views of Nice and the surrounding neighborhood.

Individual rooms retain the ambiance of a private villa, with period-style furnishings and soft lighting complemented by modern features and amenities. All rooms have soothing palettes with patterned wallpaper that match the bed linen. Some rooms also have large French windows that let in abundant sunlight and offer views of the sea, garden, or panoramic views of Cimiez.

Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast at Hôtel Petit Palais. While the hotel doesn't have an on-site restaurant, guests can enjoy a daily breakfast buffet for 18 EUR (21 USD) featuring a generous spread of freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, cheeses, yogurts, and cured meats. Seasonal delights include local tomatoes, best enjoyed between August and September. In June, don't miss the sweet and slightly tart apricots as toppings for your cereal and yogurt.

Guests can have their breakfast in the dining room, garden, or within the comforts of their room.

Availability: 7 AM to 10:30 AM

The hotel also has a bar, open from 1 PM to 11 PM, where guests can have a drink or two after a day out.

On-site dining may be limited, but the hotel is situated near some of Nice's best restaurants. You may ask the staff for personalized recommendations or assistance for reservations.

Hôtel Petit Palais offers a serene cultural retreat in the heart of Nice’s historic Cimiez district.

Take a refreshing dip in the outdoor pool (available from May to October) or bask under the warm sun on the lounges. A small gazebo located near the terrace, perfect for morning yoga, reading a book, or socializing with the guests. For dinner reservations, skip-the-line tickets, and recommendations for day trips, feel free to approach the hotel staff for their personalized recommendations and assistance.

Outside the hotel, a wealth of activities and cultural sights await guests. Go on a relaxing stroll along Promenade des Anglais or admire the works of art at Marc Chagall National Museum. For a blast from the past, explore the narrow cobblestone streets and pastel-hued buildings of the Old Town and find local souvenirs like handmade soaps or textiles.