Hotel in Central Nîmes, near the Roman amphitheatre, Occitanie, Occitanie
Hôtel Imperator, Nîmes
Nîmes's most celebrated hotel, a grand Art Deco property near the Roman amphitheatre and public gardens, elegantly renovated and home to an acclaimed restaurant and bar. The hotel has hosted luminaries from Picasso to Ernest Hemingway and remains the finest address in the city.
Hôtel Impérator is Nîmes's most storied hotel, a grand property with Art Deco heritage situated on the Rue Gaston Boissier in the city's historic centre in the Gard department of Occitanie, moments from the Jardins de la Fontaine and within easy walking distance of the Roman amphitheatre known as the Arènes de Nîmes and the Maison Carrée temple. Nîmes, with the greatest concentration of Roman monuments in France, provides an exceptional backdrop, and the Impérator has served as the preferred address for writers, artists, and international visitors for more than a century, counting among its former guests Ernest Hemingway and Pablo Picasso.
The hotel underwent a comprehensive renovation that preserved the building's original Art Deco character — restored wrought ironwork, decorative tiling, and period mouldings — while introducing contemporary furnishings and modern amenities across 60 rooms and suites. A curated art collection displayed throughout the public spaces reflects Nîmes's longstanding relationship with the visual arts. Superior rooms and junior suites offer the most spacious configurations, and suites on upper floors overlook the hotel's private garden.
A heated outdoor pool and a full-service spa make the Impérator a genuine leisure destination in addition to its exceptional sightseeing location. The hotel's acclaimed restaurant Skab, under chef Damien Sanchez, holds a Michelin star and presents a creative menu grounded in Mediterranean produce and the traditions of the Languedoc-Gardois table. A convivial bar serves regional wines from the Costières de Nîmes and Rhône Valley alongside classic cocktails. Breakfast features local cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh viennoiseries from Nîmes's artisan bakers.
The concierge team assists with tickets for the corrida during the Feria de Nîmes — held twice yearly in February and at Pentecost — guided visits to the Musée de la Romanité, and excursions to the Pont du Gard aqueduct 20 km to the northeast and the Camargue natural reserve 40 km to the south. On-site parking is available. Nîmes TGV station, with connections to Paris, Lyon, and the Mediterranean coast, is approximately 1.5 km from the hotel.
Amenities
- pool
- wifi
- restaurant
- bar
- spa
- concierge
- parking
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +33 4 66 21 90 30
Location
15 Rue Gaston Boissier, 30000 Nîmes, France
43.8340, 4.3572 — View on map
Highlights
- Landmark hotel in Nîmes's historic heart, steps from the Roman amphitheatre, Maison Carrée, and Jardins de la Fontaine
- Michelin-starred restaurant Skab, celebrating Mediterranean and Languedoc-Gardois cuisine under chef Damien Sanchez
- Renovated Art Deco interiors with curated artworks and a rich guest history including Hemingway and Picasso
- Heated outdoor pool and full-service spa in the city centre
- Prime location for the Feria de Nîmes, the city's famous twice-yearly bullfighting festival
Tips
- Book months in advance for the Feria de Nîmes in February and at Pentecost — the festivals draw enormous crowds and fill accommodation city-wide within hours of tickets going on sale
- The Jardin de la Fontaine is a five-minute walk with some of France's finest Roman-era ruins; early morning visits before tourist coaches arrive are highly recommended
- Reserve a table at restaurant Skab at least a week in advance; the tasting menu is the best way to experience the kitchen's full range
- Nîmes is compact and best explored on foot; the hotel's central location allows guests to walk between all major Roman monuments without needing transport
- The Pont du Gard aqueduct is a 20-minute drive and can be combined with a visit to the Costières de Nîmes wine appellation on the same day
FAQ
What is the significance of the Hôtel Impérator's history?
The hotel has been a social institution in Nîmes since the Belle Époque, attracting artists, writers, and bullfighting aficionados drawn to the city's Roman spectacles. Its art-rich interiors and storied guest list make it one of the most culturally interesting hotels in Occitanie.
How close is the hotel to the Arènes de Nîmes?
The Roman amphitheatre is approximately 800 metres from the hotel — a ten-minute walk through the city's central streets. The hotel can assist with ticket bookings for concerts, shows, and corridas held at the amphitheatre.
Is the pool available year-round?
The outdoor pool is seasonal, typically open from late spring through early autumn. Spa facilities are available year-round and can be reserved through the hotel concierge.
Is there parking at the hotel?
On-site parking is available and can be reserved when booking. The hotel can also advise on the nearest public car parks for guests arriving by car who do not require on-site parking.
Accessibility
The hotel has been renovated to incorporate lift access to all guest floors and adapted rooms with wider doorways and accessible bathrooms. The immediate street environment includes some pavement variations typical of a historic city centre. Guests with specific mobility requirements are encouraged to confirm room accessibility when booking.