Hôtel du Couvent, A Glorious Reimagining
Angela & Thomas Dorsey surrounding Mafoudia at Hôtel du Couvent; (c) Soul Of America
In the Old Nice, a 17th century convent has been reimagined as a grand luxury resort. Hôtel du Couvent, a secluded former Visitation convent, is perched against hillside green space. It’s stone-walled entrance soberly welcomes visitors into trusted architecture steeped in history and prayers.
After our pickup at the intersection of Boulevard Jean Jaure & Rue Centrale, a young man transferred us and our luggage to a small electric vehicle. He navigated the narrow streets, more like stone alleyways, of Old Nice to very old entrance with a tall set of wooden doors.
Once we passed through the time-honored gate, ancient stones led towards a courtyard set among wisteria shade, and the scent of orange trees. We received a warm smiles from staff. The hotel bellman seated us at a wooden table under the linden tree to initiate the hotel check-in experience.
Terrace Lap Pool with a view Old Nice from Hôtel du Couvent; (c) Hotel du Couvent/Bluesky
We were graced with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine accompanied by fresh & tasty madeleines, while our room was being prepared. A memento later staff invited us in a casual way, that we could order a cocktail or delicious tea made with fresh herbs from their garden. This simple sensory experience set the vibe for joyful hospitality lathered on my wife and I.
In Hôtel du Couvent courtyard, my head turned at the site of a fig tree. I also noticed a few tables at the outdoor Le Bar outdoor cafe that invited pleasant conversation over mimosas or fresh non-alcoholic juices.
Informal modeling in a Hotel du Couvent guest room; (c) Soul Of America
About that time, Mafoudia Toure, the hotel’s Marketing Manager, informed us of morning-to-afternoon opportunity to swim in the lap pool nestled on the hillside. And near the pool is cafe that will make you want to while away a few hours. It sunk in quickly that Hôtel du Couvent had all the trappings of a Marriott Luxury Collection Hotel.
The Le Restaurant du Couvent was available for fine French-Italian dining, our personal favorites was its shaded courtyard and La Guinguette Cafe between the herb-lined terraces and lap pool with a view. We also went down Rue Rossetti then right on Rue Saint Joseph to have a fine Italian diner at Le Bistrot des Serruriers related to Hôtel du Couvent. I can’t remember what we ate, but I remember how it made us feel – both pleasantly pleased.
Stone-sculpted artwork in our Hôtel du Couvent guest room; (c) Soul Of America
Suites feature large kitchens, spacious living rooms and dining areas. Some suites can be interconnected, ideal for families.
Our king-size bedroom was ample and decorated with sculpted artwork, artisan vases and small touches that conveyed simple luxury. Magnifique!
Explore a captivating garden between Hôtel du Couvent buildings; (c) Soul Of America
The mini bar was well-stocked too. We can’t speak to the available Butler service, but since everything else was top drawer, there’s no reason to believe it would be less than.
With 88 rooms, Hôtel du Couvent offers accommodations that range from minimalist to expansive suites that feature private terraces or gardens and butler service. Each room provides serene views of the garden, the rooftops of the old town, or distant horizon over the sea.
The simple elegance of Hôtel du Couvent’s Roman Bath; (c) Hotel du Couvent/Bluesky
You can meditate at the Movement Studio, seek advice at the herbalist in the cloister or enjoy a thermal treatment at the Roman baths, and the resort spa is a picture of light and simplicity.
In our tour of the hotel we saw each major amenity, but needed naps to recover from the long California to French Riviera connecting flights.
Since it our first time in the Côte d’Azur, after the nap, I summoned a burst of energy to scout Old Nice for that night’s restaurant selection, while my wife enjoyed an extended nap.
The Herbalist shop at Hôtel du Couvent; (c) Soul Of America
Upon return to the hotel, Mafoudia gave us a tour of the luxurious Roman baths that featured inviting pools and a steam room. we casually walked up the hillside and observed the captivating hillside Lap Pool. With som many aromas tickling our senses, we were hypnotized by the
I underestimated how fast time would fly and missed a thermal treatment and strokes in the Lap Pool. I promised my wife a return visit to the Roman Bath and Lap Pool. If you visit, don’t make my mistake. Fortunately, we made time for the hotel herbalist and strolling its many butterfly-friendly gardens.
To relish Nice’s gentle climate, some suites offer a private outdoor retreat. My wife and I walked through gardens and shaded terraces overlooking the Cour des Orangers.
The tastefully traditional Bar lounge at Hôtel du Couvent; (c) Soul Of America
Hôtel du Couvent blends simple luxury with the freedom to stroll at your own pace. Checkout was simple and along with a golf-cart ride down to our Uber at the same Boulevard Jean Jaure & Rue Centrale intersection.
If you plan a luxurious 2-4 day stay in the Cote d’Azur we highly recommend the Michelin Key-rated Hôtel du Couvent to everyone. More importantly, we hope to return in the near future.
Mafoudia Toure, Marketing Manager at Hôtel du Couvent; (c) Soul Of America
ADDRESS: 1 RUE HONORÉ UGO, NICE, FRANCE, 06300
PHONE: +33 04-12055560
WEBSITE: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ncehc-hotel-du-couvent-a-luxury-collection-hotel-nice-france/overview/