Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel

I’m not sure if I am the only one who experiences this struggle. It is always a dilemma whether I should book a nice hotel for a lovely holiday. Life is fleeting, vacations flash by. An exhaustive yet seamlessly organised sightseeing schedule is deemed to be the ultimate goal for all travellers. Just as the etymological origin of the word "hotel" suggests, a hotel is more than merely a place to lodge, but is also a place to be placid, and to enjoy. The conflicting temptations on whether to stay in, or to head out, when staying at a hotel, are unerringly resolved by David Collins Studio, with their reinvigoration of the historic Hotel Plaza Nice, for Anantara Hotels. The revitalised spaces allow guests to stay in, and yet are seamlessly connected with their surroundings, bringing the outside inside.

It is always a challenge to revitalise historical architecture, wrestling with the whimsical balance between the weight of the site's history and the need for modernisation, inextricably linked with contextualisation, without being overly nostalgic. The 3-story Neoclassical building was originally designed by local architect, Jean-Antoine Scoffier, and has a history dating back to 1850. Formerly opened as the Hotel de France, and subsequently renamed Hotel Plaza in 1900, the promenade-facing hotel was frequented by European aristocracy as a hub filled with social, cultural, and intellectual activities, and became part of the “salon of Europe” thanks to its vibrancy. Its former glory evoked the potential to grow, and it was reopened as the Hotel Plaza et de France in 1918, with a new Belle Époque façade, designed by renowned French architect, Charles Dalmas. In 1960, the hotel was renovated with the addition of 2 floors, under the supervision of Riveria Modern architectural master, René Livieri, adding an extra stratum of history.

Entrusted with the task of renovating the ground floor and rooftop terrace, David Collins Studio is committed to updating the interiors of the frontline areas without diminishing the Niçoise spirit of the place and the historical elements of the original architecture.

Adopting a more sanitised and gentrified approach is the generic way to go in the hospitality industry. Standardised spatial experiences guarantee travellers a sense of security, a zone detached from its surroundings. However, David Collins Studio has fulfilled its elemental role with a keen concern for both the authenticity of the building and its location, both eloquently and elegantly. The studio has fused the local geographic highlights and neighbouring sightseeing gems dotted around the city through their deft handling of interior detail.

Let's talk about water, the faintly bluish liquid on which our lives depend. Located at Côte d'Azur, the seawater is famed for its cerulean blue colour. But the studio deepens its linkage with its specific location with the unexpected choice of a neutral colour palate. Shimmering pearlescent stucco plaster-finished walls evoke the sandy beach; curved glass patchwork screens composed of three types of green textured glass depict various undulating forms; banquette seating, backed in limed oak and upholstered in green mohair, vividly reinterprets the verdant hillscapes ...These tellingly subtle touches signify the location of the hotel with colours, highlighting its central spot connecting the land and the sea, the city and the nature, and crafting a sense of harmony that enriches and aligns with the eclectic mix of architectural styles of this historical landmark.

The strategic choice of colours, along with the use of natural motifs, is the easiest way to forge contextual connections. David Collins Studio has pushed the boundaries with their experience and intellect, by encapsulating the cultural institutions and essential attractions in the vicinity. The result is modern, transformational, and completely devoid of platitudes. Hints symbolising the city’s must-see attractions, reveal themselves effortlessly. Noteworthy examples of architectural reiteration include skewed chessboard tiles, echoing Place Masséna, inlay rugs inspired by the cobblestone paths of the Pierre Auguste Renoir Museum garden, and crafted metal lighting fixtures that embody the meticulous construction of Jean Prouvé’s demountable house at Fondation CAB, Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Among the myriad architectural marvels, Villa Kerylois stands out as a true beacon of inspiration for this commendable project. This magnificent residence, designed by the French archaeologist, Theodore Reinach, in the Ancient Greek Revival style, enchants with its striking features. The custom pieces designed by the studio, such as the seashell sconces, the modish white wagon-wheel chandeliers, and the sensuous furniture, collectively embody the same enduring sophistication with a refined contemporary twist.

Nice has served as a vibrant muse for countless artists. Henri Matisse, the master of French Fauvism, was lured by the brimming sunlight, and created works imbued with serenity instead of fierceness and tension. Edvard Munch produced Promenade des Anglais, suffused with light and colour. Positive energy fuels creativity, much like the way David Collins Studio draws influence from the masterpieces scattered all over the city. The wooden stands complement the bespoke upholstered bouclette armchairs, and translate the lively organic curves of Miró’s sculpture in Fondation Maeght. The frames of the corridor seating mirror the scialatelli-shaped components of the steel monuments conceived by Bernar Venet. Two large-scale custom paintings, entitled With You and To Them, originated by Cornish artist Saul Cathcart, juxtapose sea and mountain vistas infused with a unique blend of Matisse and Renoir’s abstract styles. Lewis Taylor, the studio's design director, emphasises the significance of incorporating the bespoke murals, saying, “The integration of that artwork is really important for us in order to bring some of that exterior into the hotel and really tell the story of the hotels.”

Embodiment and empowerment, while distinct, are intricately linked, much like the transformation of the historic Hotel Plaza Nice by David Collins Studio. By weaving elements of Niçoise culture into the interior design, intelligently and sensitively, the hotel reinforces the spirit of its surroundings, offering guests genuine and intriguing experiences whether they choose to relax indoors or explore the city outside. Beyond that, this instinctive and idiosyncratic design empowers the hotel to serve as a city guide, and the journey starts the moment you step through the front door.