Guests are ushered into a sparkling lobby by white-gloved doorstaff dressed in 19th-century dress designed by Pierre Cardin. A crimson circular couch is lined with gold tassels, crowned with a regal bust, and lit by a crystal chandelier. Oil paintings hang from gilded rails behind the front desk, where well-heeled clientele, bon viveurs, and—occasionally—members of the glitterati register.

Built in 1881, the classic white stone façade hides a revitalized modern interior. Unframed oil paintings and intensely colorful sculptures punctuate the uncluttered lobby, crowned by a fountain constructed of broken tiles and glass. Pop music plays in the background, and a younger-than-average clientele is attracted to an upscale environment without the chintz of some more traditional hotels.

What to expect: The Boscolo Hotel Atlantic opens onto a lobby with its grand past displayed in its 1900s architecture, with marble pillars, stucco moldings, and a stained-glass ceiling designed by Gustave Eiffel, famed for the eponymous Parisian landmark, the Eiffel Tower. This bustling hotel is a refuge for couples, families, and business travelers.

Amenity highlights: The New Bar restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine with a contemporary decor of dark wood, neutral fabrics, fine prints and tables extending onto a shaded terrace. There is an adjacent bar, where drinks are served in a smart setting of red and gold velour bench seating and stools with oriental motifs. Two conference and banqueting suites, offering natural daylight, accommodate up to 400.

Insider tip: A few blocks away from the hotel in Rue Pastorelli, is the Chocolaterie de Puyricard. The master chocolate maker from Aix-en-Provence sells dozens of varieties of chocolate, the almond-flavored confectionaries known as les Calissons d’Aix, and marrons glacés (glazed chestnuts). These artisanal products are made without chemical products or preservatives.

What to expect: With its central beachfront location, Le Meridien Nice is popular with holidaymakers and conference-goers all year round.

Amenity highlights: Mediterranean cuisine is served at the hotel restaurant with its modern decor, white leather benches, and long glass windows offering clear sea views. For summertime dining, a rooftop restaurant offers one of the highest vantage points of the beachfront along the Promenade des Anglais. The heated rooftop swimming pool has views of the beach, and a health and beauty centre offers a fitness room, sauna, and beauty treatments.

Insider tip: A five-minute walk from the hotel, the Cours Saleya is lined with antique shops, bars and restaurants where summer diners are often serenaded by street performers. A flower market fills the central square from Tuesday to Sunday. From a cart, Chez Thérèse peddles her chickpea Socca - the famous Niçois snack.