Le WindsoR — Jungle Art Hotel

The WindsoR is no ordinary hotel. On Rue Dalpozzo, five minutes from the Promenade des Anglais, this 4-star hotel has belonged to the Redolfi family since 1942. The building dates from the 19th century, but the soul of the place lies in its concept: since 1989, contemporary artists have taken over the rooms. Ben, Claude Viallat, Glen Baxter and Olivier Mosset have left their signatures here. The lobby itself changes with each exhibition.

At the heart of the hotel, a tropical garden with a heated pool, open from May to October, forms an oasis in the middle of the city. There is also a hammam, a sauna, a fitness room and massages. The restaurant, a Maitre Restaurateur, is led by Reunion-born chef Laureline Palmade, who reinvents Mediterranean cooking. The hotel holds the Clef Verte eco-label.

Good to know

Rooms range from about 15 to 27 sqm and all differ. Breakfast is served in the garden in summer, by the fireplace in winter. Parking is advisable, spaces are limited.

Visitor reviews

Highlights: The artistic concept wins everyone over. Visitors describe a place out of time, where each room tells a different story. The tropical garden, with its pool in the city centre, comes up as a favourite, a real pocket of calm. The welcome and the breakfast, often taken outside, are praised. Several point to an address apart, that surprises and charms, far from standardised chains.

Areas for improvement: Rooms vary a lot in size and style, some being small. The strongly artistic approach does not speak to everyone. There is no sea view, and city-centre parking means booking a space ahead.

Overall impression: A confidential, poetic address for those after something other than a classic hotel. The garden and the art are its whole charm.