Nice - Spiran Sky

WAre you attempting to decide where to stay in Nice while planning a trip to the south of France? I’ve got you covered; continue reading for my best picks!

One of my absolute favourite places to visit in all of France is the Mediterranean city of Nice. It has neighborhoods with stunning Belle Époque architecture, a lively harbor, a golden-hued old town, and the most delightful coastal pathway.

Also, it is well located for visiting many other French Riviera towns and cities. Yet the question of where I should remain in Nice arises with all of these advantages and diverse places.

This page gives you a general summary of what numerous distinct neighborhood’s in the Nice area have to offer, along with the benefits and drawbacks of living there. To further assist you in making a decision, I also suggest my top hotels and vacation homes in each neighborhood.

Where To Stay In Nice: 7 Best Neighborhood’s

I list my favourite neighborhood’s here. On your trip to Nice, I advise you to stay. Each part includes a description of the neighborhood, some advantages and disadvantages of living there, as well as some suggestions for nearby hotels and vacation homes.

This should assist you in deciding where to stay in Nice when you go there soon.

1. Old Town – Perfect For First Time Visitors And Being In The Center Of The Action

With all of its orange and yellow colours, Nice’s Old Town is adorable, beautiful, and well-preserved. Throughout the curvy, twisting lanes of this area, you’ll discover a lot of eateries, cafes, and boutiques.

You may find adorable specialty stores catering to a wide range of tastes around every corner (we’ve seen stores for olive oil, spices, lavender, handmade pottery, and more). The Cours Saleya, which is located closer to the water, is where the Marché aux Fleurs is held every day but Monday.

You can also get fruits, vegetables, seafood, cheese, and artisanal goods in addition to flowers (e.g. jam). For some simple, fresh meals at home if you’re renting a VRBO with a kitchen, you can pick up food here.

The Cathedrals Sainte-Separate de Nice is located on Place Rossetti, a plaza in the heart of the old town, which also features gelato shops and cafes. At its eastern border, the Old Town is flanked by the lofty Colline du Château.

Even though the neighborhood has a lot of charm, there aren’t many hotels in the Old Town region.

There are possibly 6 or 7, and I selected my top 3 to be linked below. There are a lot more apartments for rent in this neighborhood than there are hotels, so look at vacation rentals if you’re really interested in staying here but the hotels are all booked up.

Pros: Located in the city’s centre, with lovely golden buildings and loads of character and charm, this area is convenient to many attractions.

Cons: It’s the most touristy part of the city, yet it might be difficult to drive in.

Best For: If you appreciate staying in the most storied and picturesque area of town, if you want to be close to everything, if you like vacation rentals (few hotel options). The location is ideal for first-time tourists.

Hotels To Stay In Old Town:

($) Albert Premier: This hotel is conveniently located near the Promenade and on the border of Old Town and the Jardin Albert I. The sea can be seen from balconies in more expensive accommodations.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10 Stars

The Mercure Nice Marché aux Fleurs costs money. This hotel has a great location with stunning views of the sea and the flower market.

Rating: 7.6/10 Stars

Palais Saleya Boutique Hotel ($$$): This charming inn is located in the centre of Old Town and is a contemporary, updated, and quite comfortable hotel with roomy suites.

Rating: 9.1/10 Stars

Where To Stay In Old Town – Vacation Rentals:

Beautiful Old Town Apartment in French Style ($): This Old Town apartment is cosy, modern, and furnished in the French style. The location is excellent, nestled among the Old Town’s charming, vibrant streets.

($$) Chic, Recently Refurbished Condo on Rossetti Street: This newly renovated residence is extremely opulent and contemporary. In Old Town, you’re near the central square and on a more busy main street (Place Rossetti).

2. The Port: Where To Stay In Nice For Maritime Enthusiasts And LGBTQ Visitors

While being smaller than the port at Marseille, the port of Nice (formerly known as Port Lumpia) is still a significant Mediterranean port and is home to several enormous yachts and seaworthy vessels.

The buildings still have a vintage appeal because this is still regarded as being in “Old Nice.” Nonetheless, you will undoubtedly notice fewer tourists in this area of the city. The Castle Hill is easily accessible from this location and is located on the western fringe of the Port neighborhood.

The Eglise Notre-Dame du Port de Nice, a grand and stunning church from the middle of the 1800s, is also nearby and is situated right across from the harbor.

Place du Pin is a well-liked LGBT hangout place, and Rue Bonaparte and the neighborhood are recognized as the hub of Nice’s gay clubs and eateries. Nonetheless, it should be mentioned that Nice as a whole, not just the Rue Bonaparte neighborhood, is a very LGBTQ-friendly city.

Pros: A stunning port with many gay-friendly businesses

Cons: There are much more alternatives for vacation homes nearby than there are for hotels close to the harbor (which could also be an advantage depending on your point of view!). You’re also farther away from Nice’s favourite site, the Promenade des Anglia’s.

Best For: Whether you prefer boats or the sea, want to be in Old Nice but be a little more away from the throng, or want to stay in the LGBT neighborhood, this is where to stay in Nice.

Recommended Hotels To Stay In The Port:

Ibis Styles Nice Center Port price: Simple and up-to-date, this hotel offers great value for the money thanks to its tidy surroundings, convenient location, recent renovations, and reasonably sized rooms. Bonus: A free breakfast is provided.

Rating: 7.7/10 Stars

Hôtel du Pin price Nice Port: This hotel is hip and contemporary, has a wonderful position close to the port, very comfy rooms, and friendly personnel. They also have larger family rooms accessible if you’re travelling with a family.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10 Stars

Best Vacation Rentals In The Port:

($) Apartment Sugarcane: This apartment is bright, light, and has a charming little terrace. It offers everything you need for a stay in Nice. Also, it’s extremely conveniently situated next to the well-known Rue Bonaparte!

($$) View of the Port Apartment: This apartment was recently refurbished in a historic building and has a blend of modern conveniences and old world charm. The view, which is breathtaking and can be seen from every window in the apartment, is what really draws people to this position.

3. Promenade des Anglia’s: Where To Stay In Nice For Beach Lovers And Strolling Enthusiasts

One of my favourite places in all of Nice is the Promenade des Anglia’s. There is a stunning, 7-kilometre-long walkway that is quite broad, lengthy, and dotted with seats, pergolas, and palm trees.

On the Promenade, you can observe people going for runs, strolls, skateboarding, biking, hanging out with friends, and going to the beach. Want to take a short bike trip yourself? To hire a city bike, which is available at numerous points along the Promenade and all across the city, download the Vela Bleu app.

(Take note that this region of France’s beaches are pebbly rather than sandy. For going on the beach or wading through the sea, bring some sturdy sandals.

Pros: You have views of the ocean and are situated directly along the beach. It’s convenient that the bus and tram travel down the Promenade from the airport.

Cons: There will be some noise from the Promenade des Anglia’s because it is a pretty busy street with both vehicles and pedestrians. The cost of accommodations with ocean views can vary.

Best for: If you want easy access to the beach or a walking path, or you want magnificent ocean views, the Promenade is the ideal area to stay in Nice. Those who want quick access to public transportation will also appreciate it.

Recommended Hotels On The Promenade Des Anglais

($) Hotel West End Promenade: With attractive, spotless, and comfy rooms (some of which have sea views) as well as a friendly staff, this beachfront accommodation is a terrific deal.

Rating: 7.9/10 Stars

Stunning Belle Époque accommodations, an on-site spa, ocean views, and a fitness centre can be found at the Westminster Hotel and Spa (which is very rare in France).

Rating: 8.1/10 Stars

($$$) The stunning Hotel Suisse, with views of the beach and town, is situated right on the Promenade. The accommodations provide balconies with picturesque views and light, airy rooms. The icing on the cake are the arched windows and lovely furnishings!

Rating: 8.4/10 Stars

Recommended Vacation Rentals On The Promenade Des Anglais

Beautiful Coastal Apartment along Promenade ($$): Simply put, this apartment screams, “I’m on vacation in the French Riviera!” This is a great location for quick access to the beach because of the direct sea views, the modern conveniences, and some typically French décor and architectural characteristics.

($$$) Waterfront Panoramic Beachfront Apartment Close to Negresco: This apartment is well suited for a family, has a tonne of lovely areas, and is only a short walk from the ocean!

4. Jean-Medecin: The Finest Accommodation For Shopping In Nice

The best shopping in Nice may be found in the Jean-Medecin neighbourhood. We thought this neighbourhood’s design was a cross between traditional French buildings and American beach towns. Expect fewer hues and more white and pale yellow instead.

The Avenue Jean-Medicine, a spacious, majestic boulevard for pedestrians and the city tram, is at the centre of this neighborhood (no other automobile traffic allowed).

There are many places to shop on this avenue and the streets surrounding, including independent boutiques, well-known brands, and souvenir shops. The renowned Galerius Lafayette shop and the Nice Etoile mall are noteworthy.

The Place Massena, a lovely plaza bordered by identical red buildings, arches, pedestrian walkways, and black-and-white checkerboard streets, is located at the southern end of Avenue Jean-Medicine.

The Biclique Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, the diminutive sister of the magnificent Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, is located to the north.

The Jardin Albert I and the Promenade du Paillon, a long, slim park that separates Old Town from the new town and offers green space, tables for sitting, a really cool children’s playground, and a water feature/splash pad area, are both located in the Jean-Medecin neighbourhood.

This area is typically rather busy, either with shoppers or with park visitors who want to take in the scenery and the fresh air.

Pros: A variety of shops and restaurants are nearby, as well as Old Town and the Port.

Cons: There may be areas further from the sea.

Best for: If you want to be close to the action and shops, this is the finest place to stay in Nice. Families with young children can consider it as well if being close to a park and playground is vital to them.

Where To Stay In Jean-Medicine – Recommended Hotels

If you want to be close to the action and shops, this is the finest place to stay in Nice. Families with young children can consider it as well if being close to a park and playground is vital to them.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10 Stars

($$) A tram stop is nearby, and the railway station is not far from the Hotel Florence Nice, which is off the busy main street but a block from the pedestrian Avenue Jean Medecin. The bedrooms are cosy and spotless.

Rating: 8.4/10 Stars

($$$) Les Suites Massena: This hotel, which is also situated exactly on the lovely Place Massena, features quite roomy rooms and excellent bathrooms. Each room has a small sitting area, which combines the convenience of a VRBO with the extras of a hotel.

Rating: 8.7/10 Stars

Vacation Rentals: Jean-Accommodations Medecins

Rigoletto Massena Apartment ($): This updated, contemporary, comfortable apartment is close to Place Massena and a tram stop.

($$) The French apartment of my dreams, with parquet hardwood floors, a fireplace in the French manner, gilt mirrors, beautiful moulding, full length windows, and a garden view, is this lovely, spacious flat.

5. Carre d’Or: Family, Where To Stay In Nice for a More Relaxed Atmosphere

The neighborhood known as Care d’Or, which translates to “Golden Square,” is the chicer, pricier area of the city. There are many restaurants, designer and boutique shops, and pedestrian-only zones here.

Structures are frequently constructed in the elegant Belle Époque style. The most well-known example of an upmarket, stunning, old building is the Hotel Le Negresco. It has a famous view of the Promenade des Anglais.

The Carré d’Or neighbourhood also has the Casino du Palais de la Méditerranée and the Musée Masséna (French Riviera art).

Pros: Great setting, close to many attractions without being inside them, and near the sea

Cons: Indeed, I can’t think of any major drawbacks!

Best for: If you wish to stay in a lovely more residential neighbourhood that is still close to the attractions.

Hotels That are Recommended In The Carré D’Or Area

($) Hotel Villa Rivoli: This charming hotel is housed in a lovely Belle Époque structure. The architecture and historical decor of the rooms contribute to the impression that you have travelled back in time.

Rating: 8.1/10 Stars

A short distance from all the bustle is the hotel Le Meurice ($$). The Promenade des Anglais, the Jardin Albert 1, and Old Town can all be reached in under a minute. Moreover, a fromagerie (cheese shop) and boulangerie are both nearby.

Rating: 8.3 out of 10 Stars

($$$) The most well-known hotel in Nice is THE Hôtel Le Negresco, and it more than lives up to the hype. With the exquisite artwork, furnishings, architecture, and design that permeate both the public spaces and the guest rooms, it’s almost like staying in a museum.

Rating: 9.1/10 Stars

Recommendations For Holiday Rentals In The Carré d’Or Area

Superb Contemporary One Bedroom ($): This apartment is close to everything, bright, spacious, modern, and comfortable. It also has lovely parquet floors.

($$) Villa on the Roof Apartment: This apartment, which is ideal for a family or party, exudes old world elegance and has a lovely and generous rooftop terrace, which is ideal for taking in warm evenings on the French Riviera.

6. Gambetta – Cheap Places To Stay In Nice

On the western side of Nice, in a residential area called Gambetta, are buildings in various architectural styles (modern, Art Deco, and Belle Époques styles). As a residential area, there aren’t many attractions here, but one of the main draws is getting lost in the neighborhood’s streets like a native.

Yet, this area does have a few attractions. The Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice, the Musée des Beaux Arts de Nice, and the Alsace-Lorraine Gardens (a small park with a playground) are all nearby (The Russian Cathedral).

Gambetta has easy access to the beach because it is bordered on the south by the Promenade des Anglais and the ocean. The Old Town can be reached on foot in 20–25 minutes, but the bus also frequently passes through the neighborhood.

Although prices aren’t notably lower, this neighborhood does often offer lower lodging costs (e.g. half the cost).

Pros: A more tranquil neighborhood away from the city’s busiest areas

Cons: The majority of places are further away, thus seeing attractions in Nice will need a trek in.

Best For: Ideal for families, individuals on a tighter budget, and those want to avoid the busier tourist districts and stay in quieter neighbourhoods.

Hotels In Gambetta That Are Recommended

($) Locarno Hotel: The rooftop terrace is a great addition, and the rooms are cosy and modern. Overall, this hotel offers great value for the money.

Rating: 8.5/10 Stars

($$) Hotel Amour Nice: You might easily spend a long, calm afternoon at this cosy, dark, and contemporary hotel. The rooftop views and interior design are excellent. The town is ideal.

Rating: 8.8/10 Stars

Hotel La Villa Nice Promenade ($): This establishment offers exceptionally lovely rooms with wooden floors and is conveniently located near the Promenade, the tram, and the Old Town.

Rating: 8.6/10 Stars

Suggested Gambetta Vacation Rentals

($) Maison Cournichée Apartment: At a really modest price, you get a fully furnished, clean, comfortable apartment with modern conveniences.

Le Victor Hugo Apartment Price ($$) This rental is in a residential area, bright, airy, wonderfully roomy, updated, modern, clean, and has a sweet little terrace. This apartment also offers a selection of baby gear goods for a modest cost.

7) Cimiez: Ideal For Family and Roman History Enthusiasts

In the north of Nice, there is a stunning, affluent, and historic neighbourhood called Cimiez. Compared to other parts of Nice, it has a unique vibe. There aren’t many apartment complexes here; instead, there is room between them and even a few single-family homes.

This region was known as Cemenelum in Roman times, and it contained several traditional Roman buildings. See the Roman amphitheatre and baths ruins at the Jardins des Arènes de Cimiez now.

Before World War One, during the Belle Époque, European nobility made frequent trips to this region for vacations. The most opulent and well-liked hotel for the royals was the Ancient Hotel Regina.

As you visit the Cimices Monastery, make sure to check out the lovely grounds and cemetery with views of the city. In the region, other well-known painters like Chagall and Matisse also produced work. Their creations are on display in the Musée Chagall or the Musee Matisse.

It takes just 15 minutes to get by bus from Cimiez to Place Massena in Nice. Or you may choose to walk that distance in 25–30 minutes.

This neighbourhood is serene, primarily residential, and far from Nice’s main tourist attractions, making it ideal for families, people looking to disconnect, or those who enjoy visiting Roman ruins.

Pros: If you wish to stay in a residential area away from other visitors. This area has a lot of intriguing and off-the-beaten-path things to see.

Cons: The water is rather far away, and it’s a long climb upward to get to Cimiez.

Best For: Family, those wishing to remain in residential areas, and Roman history enthusiasts

Suggested Places To Stay In Cimiez

($) NH Nice Hotel: This contemporary hotel features rooms that are surprisingly roomy for France and a rooftop bar and pool with stunning views of Nice’s rooftops. This motel offers great value. To make a reservation, click here.

Rating: 8.1/10 Stars

($) Hotel La Petit Palais: With its traditionally and uniquely designed rooms, distinctive courtyard, and exterior building design, this hotel unmistakably exudes an air of an aristocratic home. There are peaceful surroundings and views of the city and the sea.

Rating: 8.9 out of 10 stars

($$$) Novotel Nice Centre Vieux Nice: This modern inn offers a range of conveniences, such as a fitness centre (unusual for France), a rooftop bar and pool, and a patio. For France, the rooms are fairly large.

Rating: 7.4 out of 10 Stars

Suggested Places To Stay In Cimiez

($) Appartement Liberation: The layout of this apartment is light, airy, and spacious, and it features a sizable, broad balcony.

With views of the city, hardwood floors, and desks in the bedrooms. The ($) Appartement Parc Algeria is a fantastic choice for families with kids.

In summary:

Families can stay at Carré d’Or or Jean Medecin, which are near to the park and everything else, Gambetta. which is more residential, or Cimiez (also more residential)
Accommodations in Nice Old Town, Jean Medecin, and Carré d’Or are recommended for first-time visitors.
Promenade des Anglais (Beach). The Port are some places to stay in Nice for those who enjoy the beach and the sea (swimming or strolling) (Sea Lovers)
Gambetta or Cimiez are the best places to stay in Nice if you want a more intimate, quiet experience.
Cheap Places to Stay in Nice: Gambetta
Where to Stay in Nice to Be Near the Best/Most Restaurants and Bars: Old Town, Port, Carré d’Or
Accommodations in Nice Near the Gay Community: The Port

Additional Considerations When Choose Where To Stay In Nice

When To Make A Good Hotel (Or Rental) Reservation

Since Nice is a well-liked vacation spot, I urge you to reserve your lodging as soon as you can. Hotels and vacation homes can fill up quickly. Especially if you plan to travel in the months of April through October or December.

Make your reservations early to ensure that you get the Lovely accommodations of your choice!

Some Vital Information About Nice Hotels

Remember that, generally speaking. Hotel rooms in France are substantially smaller (let’s just call them crosier) than hotel rooms in the United States. When deciding where to stay in Nice.

They are old buildings, so there is clearly less floor space and the rooms are a little bit smaller. Just something to be mindful of!

Anticipate elevators to be relatively little as well; however, not all locations have elevators. The little elevators in France are my absolute favourite because they are so unique.

In a similar vein, very few hotels provide a complimentary breakfast. Breakfast *will* be provided by almost all hotels, although it will cost extra. We hardly ever pay for the hotel breakfast; instead. We choose to start the day with some pastries from the neighbourhood bakery.