Vintage, Belle Epoque and Contemporary Design for Villa Bougainville and Villa Otéro, Nice

Right in the quartier of the Musiciens in Nice, next to the Central Train Station, it reigns two gems filled with colors and energy, two boutique hotels that are bringing charm and style to this corner of the city.

First steps were taken into a tropical land with splashes of turquoise that recalls the deco of the Enlightenment Century and the expeditions of Luois Antoine de Bougainville, a sailor known for his passion for nature.

The concept of the hotel is a mix of styles, designs, a chic contrast between vintage and contemporary.

Then, just a few steps further, there is the Belle Epoque hotel, Villa Otero capturing the spirit of the cinema star, Caroline Otero, who came to Nice in 1915 and stayed here till the end of her days. All the glamour of her epoque and retro charm, we can find it here. Strong colors, attention to details, a modern twist to a chic era. 

Villa Bougainville

Based on the identity of the travels made by Louis-Antoine de Bougainville,the 19th century explorer, Virginie and Arnaud Coste Booty develop an atmosphere of abundance in connection with the lush exotic vegetation. Overlays, accumulations and collections thus follow in the different areas of the hotel. Turquoise and sea green walls, inhabited birds wallpaper or printed botanical plates serve as a backdrop for a light cabinet of curiosities where the eclectic interior combines diverted objects, design and vintage inspirations. The scenery operates the first steps, supported by a light monsoon fragrance that wafts away.

The 46 rooms of Villa Bougainville (Single, Double or Standard) extend the trip. Declined in rust-colored or turquoise blue, they are dressed wallpapers to the lush foliage pattern. The rattan furniture or veneered wood accentuates the exotic charm reminding of a naturalist collection. The retro style extends into the bathrooms which all feature a large Italian shower.

The hotel also prposes the animation "Gourmet Odyssey" that is kept daily from 14h to 19h and offers a moment of relaxation and conviviality to the hotel guests. Organized in the lobby lounge, it invites to discover the refined flavors of different iced teas accompanied by tasting fresh fruits and exotic dried fruits.

Prices per rooms range from € 70 to € 300 depending on season.

Villa Otero

In the heart of the Belle Époque district of the city, the 1900 facade of the Villa Otéro reflects this period that inspired the interior designer Stephanie Cayet to create the decoration of the hotel. In the spirit of then-resorts, she composed the lobby in the manner of a tearoom winter garden feel where  a sensual amber fragrance floats. On a black and white checkerboard tile, pedestal tables are bordered by large windows where curtains filter the beautiful exterior light. Around the marble fireplace, libraries are populated with antiques and old books that add a little more intimacy to the space, warmed by the wallpaper walls upholstered armchairs and low velvet. Hidden behind shutters, the buffet discovers itself at the time of breakfast and gourmet happenings of the hotel called "The great taste."

The great taste of Villa Otéro

Every day from 14h to 18h, the guests of Villa Otéro are invited to share the "Great Taste". Pleasure of the eyes and palate await you in this moment of conviviality which offers the tasty delicacies, mini pastries, tarts, macaroons and other sweets high in colors and flavors.

The 38 rooms (standard, superior, upper terrace) of Villa Otéro are like the rooms of our best friend's large family. The retro and feminine decor is heavily tissue highlighted by the big head monochrome bed. Behind it, a wall lined with wallpaper gives the dominant color of the room. Blue, green, or purple, it is populated with heavenly birds that come off of exotic foliage that can be found on the curtains. This "elsewhere"  key is included in the rattan frames. The contemporary lighting bring a modern touch, which operates as a foil to the old pictures including a portrait of the Belle Otero. Large high ceilings highlighted by moldings, a "living room" corner equipped with a chair and participate in the many cushions sense of comfort of these bright rooms in which it is pleasant to spend time. Italian shower facilities are also made on the retro chic fashion, with tile cement and old basins that add more of the spirit of a big house.

A journey to colors and a modern vision of the past into a chic ambiance and cosy conviviality - the main feelings entering the two hotels!

Villa Bougainville

Editor Andra Oprea | Photography Stylezza.com