Hotels
Nice lays claim to more than a third of the total hotel capacity in the region, translating to relative bargains over other Riviera resort towns and a tourism infrastructure that’s well equipped to accommodate the steady flow of tourists. Finding an oceanfront room, or at least one boasting a Mediterranean view, is an entirely attainable feat; just be sure to book well in advance, particularly during the busy summer months and during the Carnival season. Good values and intimate settings can be found further inland if you’re willing to venture off the beaten track. That said, some 10,000 rooms in nearly 200 hotels are spread about Nice proper – here's our quick pick of some of the best high-end, moderate, and budget lodgings to call home during your stay.
A natural top pick for luxury lodging, the glamorous, pink-domed Hotel Negresco (37 Promenade des Anglais; 04-93-16-64-00; www.hotel-negresco-nice.com) is the grand dame of the Riviera. This palatial seaside property, nearly a century old, features a decadent décor of fine European antiques, tapestries, and valuable works of art. Rooms are individually decorated, with themes of French history, art, or music; the most impressive feature balconies overlooking the Negresco’s private beach, Neptune Plage. For unparalleled views over the eastern tip of Baie des Anges, Hotel La Perouse (11 Quai Rauba-Capéu; 04-93-62-34-63; www.hotel-la-perouse.com), a former prison, is built into the hillside of Le Château (accessible by elevator); its spacious rooms, many with terraces, are defined by provençal fabrics and antiques, while the hotel pool, with its sundeck and sauna, offer even more reason to stick around. If cutting-edge contemporary is more your speed, the avant-garde Hi Hotel (3 Ave des Fleurs; 04-97-07-26-26; www.hi-hotel.net) is a super-mod attempt to redefine standards of luxury. Located a few blocks inland, just north of the Hotel Negresco, the futuristic Hi boasts a fantastic rooftop terrace replete with pool, waterbeds, and stellar city views.
Moderate picks include the friendly, family-run Hotel Windsor (11 Rue Dalpozzo; 04-93-88-59-35; www.hotelwindsornice.com) with its 57 one-off, art-inspired rooms and a top floor boasting a fitness area and steam room; bonuses include an exotic outdoor garden and pool and a location within walking distance from the Promenade. Another fine lodging choice is Le Grimaldi (15 Rue Grimaldi; 04-93-16-00-24; www.le-grimaldi.com), comprised of two beautiful belle époque edifices that share an inner courtyard. Situated in central Nice between the beach and train station, this stylish property offers a contemporary interior; rooms on the upper levels are particularly luminous and offer views over the rooftops of Nice. We also like the centrally located Hotel Gounod (3 Rue Gounod; 04-93-16-42-00; www.gounod-nice.com), which offers easy access to shops, beaches, and the train station from an atmospheric residential neighborhood. Rooms are clean and functional, but the real draw here is that rates include entrée to the rooftop swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and fitness facilities of the luxurious (and much higher-priced) Hotel Splendid, just next door.
There are a fair number of budget hotel choices in Nice. Our recommendations include the Hotel L’Oasis (23 Rue Gounod; 04-93-88-12-29; www.hotel-oasis.net), a few blocks northwest of Place Massena. Rooms are on the small side, but are well maintained and include handy amenities like in-room fridges. Enjoy continental breakfast (included in the rate) under the fig and palm trees of the courtyard. The charming, family-run Hôtel de la Buffa (56 Rue de la Buffa; 04-93-88-77-35; www.hotel-buffa.com) is another smart choice, located just a stone’s throw from the Promenade des Anglais and its beaches. Several of the 13 bright and well-proportioned rooms can accommodate families and parties of four; double-glazed windows ensure a good night’s sleep. Finally, the top-rated Villa Saint-Exupéry (22 Ave Gravier; 04-93-84-42-83; www.vsaint.com), set amid an old monastery and gardens, is the ultimate in hostel lodging. Though about two miles from the city center, beds in this 240-room, all-ages hostel (sub-divided into single, double, and dormitory rooms) start at just 24 euros; and with perks like buffet breakfast and free Internet access, it’s more than worth the travel time – besides, several buses make nearby stops. The 24-hour common room is set amidst the stained glass of a former chapel, where late night drinks (priced from just one euro!) are best enjoyed with fellow travelers.
