The Fascinating Story of the Hotel Negresco in Nice

For over a century the striking Hotel Negresco has been the favourite holiday destination for celebrities, royalty, millionaires, and politicians.

This magnificent belle-époque building, instantly recognizable by its pink domed roof, stands proudly on the promenade des Anglais in Nice. The hotel celebrated its centennial in 2013. Five centuries of French history are visible (in the art and furnishings) in its fine suites, where portraits of Kings and Queens rub shoulders with more contemporary works by Sosno, Dali, Gruau, Moretti and Nike de Saint Phalle.

Comparable to an art museum, the Negresco boasts, among other rarities, an impressive stained glass dome designed by Gustave Eiffel himself, a double Michelin-starred restaurant and a gorgeous chandelier commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II.

From Dalì to Grace Kelly, from the Beatles to Liz Taylor, the list of internationally known stars that have graced the Negresco is impressive.

But what makes this iconic building even more special is the fascinating story that lies behind it—a story of ambition, tragedies, wars, charismatic owners, high-status guests and…pets.

It all started with the Bucharest-born Henri Negrescou. This industrious man had built himself a brilliant career within the hospitality industry and managed several luxury establishments in Paris, Montecarlo, and Nice. As director of the Municipal Casino in Nice, he envisioned a fabulous palace to attract the wealthiest of clients. All the great and good flocked into the French Riviera, to enjoy the modern amenities of the luxury hotel.

The scene changed dramatically during World War I, when the hotel was temporarily converted into a hospital. Negrescou, in his generosity, even offered to pay for the upkeep of one hundred hospital beds. By the end of the war, the passage of wealthy clients had dropped off and he was a ruined man. He died a few years later in Paris.

The Hotel was then sold to a Belgian company, but it was not until 1957 that it would regain its former glory, when Monsieur Jean-Baptiste Mesnage, a Breton butcher turned real estate developer, took over. Mesnage’s wife had recently become paralyzed following an operation gone-wrong and the Negresco appeared to be the only building in Nice equipped with a full sized lift that would allow the woman to go out in her wheelchair.

While taking care of his wife, Monsieur Mesnage spent the next 8 years renovating the hotel together with his daughter Jeanne and her husband Paul Augier.

The current and sole proprietor, since the death of her husband in 1995, is the charismatic Mme. Jeanne Augier. Mme. Augier: animal activist (the Negresco is a pet-friendly hotel) and art collector has taken the hotel to new heights. She still lives in a private apartment on the top floor of the hotel with her two dogs and continues enriching the hotel with the incredible art collection that she has procured over the years.

She can often be seen having dinner at the Chantelier Restaurant (Michelin two-star) and she still enjoys chatting with her clients and employees.

A widow with no children, Mme Augier has always wished for his beloved Negresco to keep its original soul and remain an independent French-owned hotel. For this reason, she has turned down several purchase attempts, including one from Bill Gates to whom she allegedly answered that the Hotel was not for sale.

To ensure the Negresco’s independence, the determined Mme Augier has recently created a foundation that supports humanitarian causes, animal charities, and French art, which will inherit, after her death, the ownership of the hotel and all of her estate.

It seems that all her wishes will come true. Not only will the Negresco remain independent, but it will also support what she cares about most — the less fortunate, animals, and the arts.

Few hotels have seen what the Negresco has seen during this incredible century of history. And now more than ever, thanks to this clever and determined woman, its original soul remains intact.

Whether you can afford to spend a night in the deluxe suite or you can just treat yourself with a drink at le bar Relais, you will be sure to be part of an extraordinary place that is steeped in history.

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Helene Seropian (Press & Corporate Manager) at Hotel Negresco shared some additional detail on this deluxe hotel, which has received both the Ecolabel and Living Heritage Company certification.

A National Historic Monument

“The Negresco, Nice, located between Cannes and Monaco overlooks the famous Promenade des Anglais and which is one of the most beautiful points of view on the Bay of Angels. The Negresco’s art collection is a mosaic of antique and contemporary, composed of five centuries of history dedicated to talent and great masters. Each of the 96 rooms and 21 suites has been furnished and personalized with exceptional period furniture inspired by the most remarkable periods of French Art. Whether contemporary, baroque or classic, most rooms have sea view or overlook the gardens. Throughout its more than 100 years of history, celebrities, actors, artists,  and heads of state have and are enjoyed the distinct welcome of a grand establishment which symbolizes the very essence of brilliant and timeless art de vivre à la Française.”

Photo Credits:

1. Hotel exterior Chiara Orlandi – Tours of Nice
2. Historical Postcard
3. Hotel exterior Chiara Orlandi – Tours of Nice
4. – 10 Provided by Hotel le Negresco