Hotel Windsor Nice

With its lush gardens and art-focused aesthetic, it's no surprise that the Hotel Windsor mostly appeals to couples and tourists. The lobby is spacious and modern, filled with temporary art exhibits and antiques, with plenty of comfortable seating and large glass doors that overlook the verdant garden. The hotel has splashes of art everywhere, from murals in the rooms to prints in the stairwell. The oasis-like gardens have terraces with mis-matched tables, chairs, and loungers. There isn't any party scene to speak of, but the hotel's restaurant serves its fairly extensive menu in the stunning garden during the summer, creating a convivial atmosphere. In winter, the restaurant's dark paneling, fireplace, and candlelight makes for a cozy scene. The spa offers a wide array of pricey massages and body scrubs, but the environment is rather rudimentary -- basically a massage table in the middle of a white room. 

Set on a quieter street in the picturesque heart of Nice, the Hotel Windsor is located just a short walk from the city's main attractions, including Le Vieux Nice -- with its narrow streets full of cafes, bakeries, churches, shops, and restaurants -- and the city center. It's located between the famous Boulevard Victor Hugo, with its famous buildings with intricate and beautiful facades, and the shops and parks of Rue de la Buffa. Check out the open air Cours Saleya, with its famous fruit, vegetable and flower stands; the Chapelle de la Miséricorde, a Baroque church dating back to 1740; and the Palais Lascaris, an important musical instrument museum. The hotel is just a five-minute walk from the Promenade des Anglais and the beach. It's a 15-minute drive from the Nice Cote d'Azur airport and a 10-minute walk from the Gare de Nice train station. The hotel has parking for a fee, and it should be booked in advance.

Each of the rooms at the Hotel Windsor Nice has been uniquely decorated by a different artist, and many have frescoes contributed by well-known artists, including François Morrellet, who's known for his work with geometrical abstract art. As such, each room varies is size and style, but all are modern and comfortable, although some feel a bit older than others. Some have private balconies.The Morellet Room is one of the smallest rooms, decorated all in white, with yellow lines angled across the floor and walls. The room contains two double beds pushed together, two deep oval chairs, a large closet, and blackout shades covering two large glass doors overlooking the spectacular garden. The modern, all-white bathroom contains a soaking tub, hand-held shower, square modern sinks with plenty of counter space, but dim lighting. By contrast, the Chambre à Fresque is larger, with a white and beige color-scheme with splashes of black, and a large fresco of a desert-scape behind the bed. Two large glass doors lead to the narrow garden-view balcony, with glass table and chairs. Two large closets, a writing desk, and two wicker chairs complete the room. The modern bathroom has an oval sink with less counter space, and a handheld shower.The Rauba Capeu Room is one of those that lacks a private terrace, and its decor is dominated by the large, sunset-hued fresco of a park scene behind the bed. It's one of the more colorful rooms, with gray carpets, orange chairs, and exposed stone walls. The modern bathroom is gray and white tiled, and has a full standing shower, but no tub.Each room contains a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge with non-alcoholic drinks, and a safe. Make sure to ask for a "privilege room" if you want more space. Note that back rooms can be a bit dark because of the garden trees; street rooms are sunnier, but can get more noise. Be sure to choose your fresco or artist room carefully, as some decor is quite bold and may not suit your sensibilities.

The hotel's most memorable feature is a jungle of a garden filled with exotic plants, bougainvilleas, and trees, as well as a kidney-shaped swimming pool, and an enormous cage filled with colorful parrots. There are plenty of tables and seating from which to enjoy this oasis over a glass of wine or a meal. The farm-to-table restaurant's main room -- also the bar and breakfast room -- resembles a wood-paneled library and has a fireplace; the bar area has a piano and stained glass window. The restaurant serves a good selection of local cuisine, from fish to pasta to steak, and isn't too exorbitantly priced. Breakfast is not included in most rates, and is a bit pricey. The hotel does have a spa and small fitness center, but both are basic at best. The art throughout the hotel rotates regularly and events are sometimes held. There's free Wi-Fi.