58 rue Herold, Nice, France | (618) 248-8274
Beautiful Belle Epoque design meets modern style throughout
Easy to get to major attractions via public transit
Train station is a five-minute walk from the hotel
Chic rooms have flat-screen TVs, kettles, and air-conditioning
Nespresso machines are in the lobby and in upper-tier rooms
Free pastries and coffee provided for several hours each afternoon
Guests get access to the other HappyCulture properties in town
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property
Showers and bathrooms run on the small side
Breakfast is nice but is relatively expensive
There's no full restaurant or bar
Hotel lacks a gym and spa
The three-and-a-half-pearl Villa Otero is located outside of Nice's old town in the city's Musician's Quarter. The most striking part of the hotel is its design, with Belle Epoque influences translated into the 21st century through the use of statement wallpapers, blue jewel tones, and vintage prints throughout. The 38 stylish rooms have flat-screen TVs, kettles, and big safes, but bathrooms are on the small side and some have tiny showers. Breakfast isn't included in the rate and it's relatively expensive, but free treats and coffee are provided every afternoon. There's little else to the property, but it makes for a decent base and a train station is five minutes away on foot. Those with children might prefer the family-friendly NH Nice, which is significantly cheaper and still central.
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Scene
Turn-of-the-century design brings the Belle Epoque into the present.
Eclectic and opulent, the boutique Villa Otero wows from the lobby with its design. Shades of blue from ocean to sapphire on the walls and upholstery accent a black-and-white checkered marble floor and pops of green from potted palms. The look is inspired by area villas from the turn of the 20th century and "La Belle" Otero, a Belle Epoque actress -- as seen in the lobby's period lamps and vintage photos. Although there are no common spaces outside of the lobby, the posh style and daily free afternoon treats make it an appealing spot to lounge. Guests are usually couples using the hotel as a base to explore the city, though there are triple rooms for the families who stay here.
Location
A little far from old town, but close to transit for access to city attractions
The hotel is located in the center of Nice's Quartier des Musiciens district, where streets are named after composers. It's a five-minute walk to the train station, 15 to 20 minutes to the Promenade des Anglais, and an 11-minute walk from the beach. The National Marc Chagall Museum is about 16 minutes by transit, or the same by walking. Some guests may find it inconvenient for reaching the old city, which is about 15 to 20 minutes by public transit. A bus to the airport leaves from the train station and gets to the airport in half an hour. Otherwise, the Nice Cote d'Azur Airport is just over a 10-minute drive away.
Rooms
Stylish, 1920s design gets a modern update
Each of the 38 guest rooms translates the hotel's Belle Epoque vibe into modern design, with traditional furniture, a beautiful statement wall with bird and plant wallpaper, vintage prints, antique-style phones, and pops of teal and chartreuse on the beds. The overall feel is elegant and posh, and everything is well-maintained. Bathrooms, though tiled beautifully from floor-to-ceiling, are very much on the small side, with a shower/tub combo or tiny shower. A full-size hairdryer and toiletries are provided.. Each room has air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV with a few English channels, and a laptop-size safe. Standard Rooms have kettles alongside coffee and tea, while Superior Rooms on up add Nespresso machines. Free snack and water are provided for guests upon arrival, too. Some rooms have a furnished balcony, and rooms near the back by the courtyard tend to be quieter.
Features
Next to no amenities, but there's a nice afternoon spread with sweet treats
Villa Otero is seriously lacking in amenities, as there are no full restaurant, gym, spa, or kid-centric features to speak of. However, they do provide a lovely free pastry-themed spread with coffee and tea from afternoon to early evening each day. Breakfast is served daily for an additional (and expensive) cost, but it receives positive reviews. Guests also get access to the seven other HappyCulture hotels in Nice, including use of their lobby Nespresso machines, phone chargers, umbrella loan, and luggage storage. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property for free. Parking nearby is available, though it's not free (common for area).
