Find the best hotel in Nice and explore the French Riviera

Location and offerings

Nice has the second largest hotel capacity in all of France, so there are plenty of hotels in all categories.

Among business travelers we can see two main trends; some want to stay in the center while others prefer to stay in the Arenas business district, adjacent to the airport of Nice Côte d'Azur.

For families with children it looks almost the same. Most prefer city center and close to the beach, but some find it convenient to stay near the airport.

Couples tend to choose the center or just north of the city, where there are quaint hotels with beautiful views. In Nice, there are many budget hotels and for this category you should be extra careful when you choose a hotel.

The most popular budget hotels have good locations and most offer affordable rooms with private bathrooms.

The finest luxury hotels usually have an attractive location by the sea and the beautiful Promenade des Anglais. They go beyond the normal in service and amenities.

A good starting point for visitors when looking for a hotel is to first think through what their priorities are, and then select the hotel accordingly.

Attractions and sights

The beautiful city of Nice has a unique location on the French Riviera and many people come here to visit the famous Promenade des Anglais. Old Town or Vieux Nice attracts many visitors, as well as the Cours Saleya.

There are several large parks, like Le Jardin Albert 1er and Phoenix Park. Several of the city's luxury hotels are located in beautiful, palace like buildings that were formerly casinos. Some of the most famous buildings in Nice are the Opera and the Cathédrale Sainte Réparate.

Restaurants, shopping and nightlife

In Nice, there is a wide selection of fine restaurants, cafes and bars. The city is known for having an exclusive character and the price tag on the food and drink can be quite high.

In the area around Jean Medecin Avenue you will find shops and malls, and a branch of the venerable Paris based department store Galeries Lafayette.

There are many interesting galleries and art museums, as Musee Beaux Arts, Chagall Museum and the Matisse Museum. The city has a rich cultural life, and many concerts and performances are organized here. The Opéra Nice is a must if you like opera.

The city has a wide selection of restaurants, bars, discos and a casino. Just outside of Nice is the start of the Alps and many visitors take the opportunity to make a day trip to try out a nice ski slope. These can be reached by either private car, or bus.

For those who want to take more trips outside the city the nearby Antibes and Cannes are recommended, as well as the local wineries.

Trade shows and events

Nice is France's largest tourist destination and there are often various festivals and events going on. Many businesses gather together each year for the Nice International Fair at the Acropolis (Palais des Congres de Nice) to showcase their latest products.

There are also many major sporting events. At certain times of the year and during the peak season the best hotels can quickly become booked up.

Therefore it is good to book your hotel in advance of the trip - especially if you have a desire to stay in any particular hotel.

Travel to and in the city

Most visitors arrive via the Nice Aéroport Nice Côte d'Azur airport, located a few kilometers outside the city center. There is a good shuttle service into the center. France has Europe's longest railway and many visitors also travel to Nice by train.

Once in the center of Nice most places can be reached easily by bus. Many prefer to discover the city on foot or by bike. Hotels can often help with car rental, but for the inexperienced tourist it can be tricky to get around on their own. There are many taxis, which is a very convenient - but an often expensive transportation option.

Weather and climate

Nice offers a fantastic Mediterranean climate, with 300 sunny days a year and lovely heat from May to September. During the hottest months of July and August, hotels with good air conditioning are of great value.

Price structure

Nice is a relatively expensive city to visit. There are many fancy bars and upscale, award-winning restaurants featuring innovative Mediterranean menus, for those who want the best. But there are also more affordable options - such as can be found on the harbor, where one can find an authentic atmosphere and a variety of simple food stalls and restaurants.

City pass

For those who visit Nice the French Riviera Pass can be a great way to save money. Purchase of this card entitles to free admission to a variety of museums and attractions. If you purchase the supplement can also get free travel on public transportation.