France
Hôtel du Couvent, Nice
The Hôtel du Couvent began life – as you’d guess from its name – as a convent. Today, after a subtle and sympathetic renovation, you’ll find a cloistered retreat that embraces its history while taking care of your comfort and needs in the here and now. Terraced paths, fig trees, lavender gardens, and Roman baths capture everything that makes the Côte d’Azur so compelling: complete calm within minutes of an old and easygoing world.
LOCATION
The Hôtel du Couvent sits at the foot of the hilltop park that crowns Nice’s Old Town, with all the narrow, cobbled streets, markets, and Belle Époque architecture that you’d rightly expect. This will be right on your doorstep. So too is the legendary Promenade des Anglais, which stretches along the Mediterranean coast. An easy, breezy place for shaded strolls and access to the city’s best galleries and museums. You’re in the heart of everything.
YOUR ROOM
Every room and suite at Hôtel du Couvent has its own charms, with interiors that favor exposed stone walls, tiled floors, and softly earthen fabrics and finishings. In this, there’s an elevated taste of the old convent. Many of the suites include separate lounges and private terraces that unfold into the hotel’s gardens and the city beyond. Select suites come with optional butler service for those who want that extra layer of attention.
WHO IT SUITS
Couples will fall head over heels for Hôtel du Couvent’s intimate, grownup atmosphere. Candlelit dinners in the citrus-lined courtyard – as well as the wellness options with the hotel’s Roman baths and “movement” studio – will make for the perfect romantic rendezvous.
The Hôtel du Couvent also welcomes families, especially during school vacations when the team organizes programs for children aged four and up. Games, books, activities tailored to different ages, and special menus created by the hotel’s chefs will make a difference. Evening film nights under the stars will go down very well.
WHY WE LIKE IT
Hôtel du Couvent balances tranquility with access. You can spend your time reading under a fig tree, swimming laps in the pool, or talking with other guests at La Guinguette, the café framed by herbs and flowers. Meditate at the Movement Studio. Consult with the herbalist in the cloister for personalized remedies. Soak up the warmth of the Roman baths. And, when you’re ready to step out, Nice’s center is just beyond the garden gates.
Insider tip: the bread from La Boulangerie is exceptional—ancient grains, home-made yeast, with recipes that honor the convent’s traditions. For dinner, book a table at Le Restaurant du Couvent under the vaulted arches or on the citrus-lined terrace, where seasonal, garden-to-table cooking takes center stage. The natural wine cellar also deserves your attention.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability runs through everything at Hôtel du Couvent. The property operates with a genuine farm-to-table approach, sourcing fresh eggs and seasonal produce from its own farm and kitchen garden. You might see gardeners tending heritage vegetables that will appear on your plate later that evening. The wine list features only natural wines, free from additives or chemical interventions, offering a pure taste of the region. Real flowers fill every space, from public rooms to private terraces, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to nature. This isn’t sustainability as a talking point. It’s a way of life, honoring the land and the convent’s historic connection to cultivation.