Former convent in Nice turned elegant and timeless hotel with luxurious simplicity

Hôtel du Couvent / Nice / France

The story of Hotel du Couvent started all the way back in 1604. It was not a hotel back then but a convent that was created by the nuns of the Order of Saint Claire. In the 1980:s this site was vacated and for some time it was a headache of the local council. What to do with this historic, unique site? In the 2010:s the major of Nice reached out to hotelier Valéry Grégo (who is the man behind Le Pigalle in Paris where I have stayed before) to ask if he would consider sinking his teeth into this potential hotel project. The major was looking for someone who could honor the past of this building while also creating a destination hotel that would pull people into Nice, when most just use this town as a pit stop or entry point when traveling along the Côte d’Azur. Grégo was reluctant at first but when he visited the site he felt he had no other option but to step in and preserve this unique place. And that is how Hotel du Couvent was born.

Hotel du Couvent opened in 2024 after a ten year restoration and is a real treat of a hotel. It is located in the old town of Nice, a part which is all about narrow lanes, snaking past rows of old, colorful and somewhat rugged houses leaning so tightly against each other so the streets below are left in constant shade.

When you enter through the old convent doors, you are welcomed into the reception area, directly to your left, where you are offered a drink before you’ve even had the time to sit down. Once you are done with the check-in procedure you are accompanied to your room and this is when you really get the sense of the size of this site, and the beauty of it, where it sits at the foot of local landmark Castle Hill.

Our room was located in the main building and was a subtly designed space, where the walls had been painted in two different hues. The heritage had been respected, so there was a kind of reverence, a simplicity that was fitting without feeling dated or lackluster. The direct opposite. The design that has been created by Festen and Studio Mumbai is tasteful, elegant and timeless. With a twist of convent de-luxe.

In addition to our beautiful room, there is so much to discover at this 88-key hotel, like the hammam, workout facilities,, the lush hilltop garden with outdoor swimming pool and of course a restauran and bar. There is even an onsite bakery where all that is served for breakfast is prepared and a herbalist shop, where a local herbalist creates teas and tinctures with herbs and plants from the garden. This is the first time I have ever come across a hotel with a herbalist and it feels so on point for Hotel du Couvent. Unique and classy al the way.

Welcome to Hotel du Couvent! When entering the hotel gate, the inner courtyard opens up to you like a warm embrace.

I love all old features, like these vintage light switches.

Our room had a very sombre, subtle look which feels like a nice hommage to the history of this building.

The style of the bathroom is totally on point. I love the marble and the vintage faucets and how they fit with the overall look.

I love this! The two-color wall, the original stone floor, the vintage wooden bench and the wild hotel garden.

The hill and the garden belongs to the hotel

M strolling around, exploring the extensive garden.

At the top of the hill there is a pool where you have all of Nice at your feet.

As soon as you exit the hotel you are in the middle of the old town of Nice, with its narrow streets and colorful, somewhat rugged-looking houses.

M back at the hotel, entering through the old convent gate.

Hurring up to the pool to catch the last rays from the water.

M heading out for a drink before dinner.

Breakfast at Hotel du Couvent must not be missed. It is a delicious affair.

If you, like us, are serious about your coffee, I can recommend Café du Cycliste, that is located a short walk from the hotel. A bike café with a great vibe.

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…appreciate the sense of discreet luxury. If you like hotels with a rich past that has been gently transformed into an urban oasis with subtle yet elegant design, you are going to love, love, love Hotel du Couvent.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the contrast. You walk along the narrow lanes and alleys of Nice’s old town, full of tourists, lined with restaurants and small shops, and then you enter through the portal to the hotel and it is like you are transported to a totally different location. The tranquil inner courtyard with its fruit trees, the U-shaped building opening up towards you like a warm embrace and to the right you have the gardens reaching all the way to the top of Colline du Château. I love these kind of contrasts between location and hotel.

What not to miss when staying here…

…is to make the most of every hour staying at this hotel. This is the kind of hotel where you really don’t want to leave. Of course it is great to go for a walk through the old town of Nice, maybe have a dip in the sea, an ice-cream or something to drink, but then return to the hotel and just hang out in the garden, lounge by the pool and savor every moment.

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