Le Negresco — Attraction in Nice

Don't waste your money or your time dining at Le Chantecler restaurant at the famed Negresco. We booked dinner in Le Chantecler restaurant before leaving Australia. We had dined there many years ago and that meal was, and still is, the most memorable meal of our lives. We made a special trip to Nice from Barcelona just to re-live our previous memorable experience at Le Chanteler restaurant on 04 June 2023. We chose the "signature" 8 course degustation menu. We noticed that the restaurant had vacant tables, and in the 2nd restaurant section in which we were seated it was occupied only by couples (only 7 tables in total) and all diners were English-speaking. We were extremely disappointed with meals and service. The meals were served lukewarm (at best, and nowhere near hot ), and they did not have a WOW factor that we experienced last visit. The service was very very poor, and by Negresco standard - totally unacceptable.The waiter poured red wine in to my wife's glass even though she was drinkling white wine, and poured white wine into my empty red wine glass. And no, he did not apologise or change either glass after the errors! The service of the food was similarly terrible, and nothing like the service we had when we dined previously which had a pomp and ceremony and a WOW factor. All waiters in our dining section were "commis waiters" and at no stage did any Maitre D' or supervisor check to see if we were enjoying the meal. We had to get a waiters attention to refill our water. With our wines, we walked to the side table and got our wine, refilled our glasses and returned it to the side table. How could this ever happen in Negresco ? We did complain to the hostess when we paid the bill but she did nothing - no apology, or attempt to get the restaurant manager to speak to us. Her attitude left us with the impression that they get many complaints about the service and food and value. Even though the meal was 8 course, we were charged an additional 16 Euro for one expresso coffee. Unfortunately over time, and for a variety of reasons, many great restaurants become mediocre and rely on their past history and tradition to remain in business - it is clear that Le Chantecler is but a ghost of its former self and is relying on past history for business - the meals are not setting new standards, the service is disgraceful, and the absence of a Maitre D' highlights the restaurant's "don't care" attitude. Le Chantecler once gave us the best meal of our lives - it has now given us the worst dining experience of our lives when the cost of the meal is considered. We had also taken a Celebrity Cruise before going to Nice, and the food and service on the ship was far superior than Le Chantecler. Le Chantecler would not rate a 1 Michelin star, and at a cost of 620 Euro for 2 with basic wines. The best Guest Reviews of Le Chantecler are 12 months old or more, which shows how its standards have fallen. are If your definition of a great meal and service is based on the cost, Negresco is definitely for you - if you want a memorable 5-star meal with amazing service - Stay Away ! Which is apparently what the European residents and...

Best hotel in Nice, with one of the best restaurants. Fantastic ambience, each room is unique, and the service is usually impeccable.

My family has been staying here for decades and we know most of the staff very well. They are all exceedingly friendly to visitors and more than happy to answer questions, point you towards interesting sites in the city or nearby towns worth visiting, or tell you the history of Nice and the hotel.

The rooms are stunning and incomparable to any other hotel, not just in Nice but all of Europe. Each room is unique in decor and layout, and the art in the hallways and rooms is more akin to a visit to the Louvre than a stay at a hotel. Although some of the furniture is reproduction, a great deal of it is not and frankly belongs in a museum. The same goes for the art throughout the hotel, which is stunning. I could speak at great length at the different themed areas and the minute attentions made with color, decor, and materials used to furnish and decorate even their most basic rooms, but any of the numerous pictures of their rooms speak much more concisely and accurately.

The restaurants on site are also fantastic. La Rotonde has a good breakfast service as well as a great daytime menu (of which I highly recommend the tartare), and the Chantecler is a great Michelin rated restaurant featuring a fantastic tasting menu, as well as more traditional gourmet fare.

The only drawback, which may be a significant one for some, is that the internet connectivity at the hotel is abysmal. You may as well functionally consider the hotel to be without it in your consideration. The service itself is slow, reception is exceptionally spotty and prone to disconnections (and subsequent interruptions of service through logging in again.) It's just not usable for more than background services which can sometimes successfully bypass the login system and slowly upload or download data in the background.

But, one does not stay at The Negresco for the internet. You visit The Negresco because it is The Negresco, an incomparable monument, a stalwart institution to the highest levels of service and setting in one of the most beautiful places...

What a beautiful hotel, and what an experience! My husband and I stayed here for a couple days, (March 5th until the 7th), and we had a wonderful time.

We were treated very well and the incredible staff were so kind and lovely. My only regret is that we didn't spend more time here, which is something we're planning to remedy the next time we come to Nice ;)

As we were spending most of our days walking around Nice, and dining on-the-go, we didn't have the time to experience all the culinary delights the Negresco has to offer, but we did have the chance to visit the 'Le Versailles" bar and grab some light fare and a cocktail, which I came back for once again, called "Provencale Hugo". I was very pleased and enjoyed Le Versailles on every level; cocktail, food and exquisite service!

We also had the opportunity to order room service for breakfast on our first day, and on our second we went and enjoyed a buffet breakfast at the Rotunda. Both were exquisite with a variety of food choices I've rarely seen anywhere. Everything was of of the highest quality and was absolutely delicious!

We had a room looking out onto the sea, and the weather was perfect to keep the windows open for fresh air and to listen to the waves. Our room had everything we needed, and we were very comfortable. It was well maintained and kept clean all day. Everything was perfect!

Location-wise you cannot get better. Right on the Promenade des Anglais, and within walking distance to everything you need to see when visiting the beautiful city of Nice.

I cannot end this review without mentioning that this hotel is also a museum, and when you stay there they encourage you to walk around the floors to explore their incredible collection of artwork. You are essentially staying in a historical institution and museum when you are at the Negresco!

I cannot wait to come back soon for another visit. Do not pass up on the experience that is the Negresco! This place is...