Yulia MissTourist 
Nice is the 5th largest town in France and a grand touristic destination on the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur). Its beautiful charm and rich history attract many famous people and tourists from all around the world.
Nice is considered to be a city of art and it actually has the largest number of museums in France!
It merges many different cultures – from Italian, English, and French to pre-Roman. Each neighborhood in Nice has its own peculiar feel and each offers something unique for visitors.
Therefore, finding out where to stay in Nice might be a bit challenging. But that is why I have prepared this Nice hotels guide for you! I did extensive research about areas and accommodation and now I’ll present to you my recommendations.
NOTE: Since Nice is a very popular touristic destination the best hotels get booked very fast. That is why I recommend that you book your accommodation as soon as possible to make sure you get the best deal you can find.
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Old Town (Vieux Nice) – where to stay in Nice for the first time
- 2. Promenade des Anglais – where to stay for beaches
- 3. Gambetta – best place to stay for budget travelers
- 4. Le Port – most trendy neighborhood
- 5. Jean-Médecin (New Town) – best for fashionistas
- 6. Cimiez – where to stay in Nice for families
- Conclusion
Quick Picks for Your Stay
If you don’t have much time for browsing, here are the best suggestions on where to stay in Nice.
To help you visualise each of the areas I will be talking about, here’s a handy map
- Old Town : for first-timers
- Promenade des Anglais : for beaches
- Gambetta : for budget hotels
- Le Port : for hipsters
- Jean-Médecin : for shoppers
- Cimiez : for families
Below you can read about each one of them and check out luxury, mid-range, budget and apartment options.
1. Old Town (Vieux Nice) – where to stay in Nice for the first time
If you are a first-time traveler, the Old Town (or Vieux Nice in French), is one of the best places to stay in Nice! With its labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets and tall pastel buildings, it is the heart and soul of the city. Many of the most important attractions, such as Port Lympia, are located within walking distance and here you’ll find many charming cafes and lovely shops, as well as the best ice-cream!
If you are a history and architecture buff this ancient quarter houses the baroque-style Palais Lascaris and the amazing Nice Cathedral. In addition, a must-visit attraction in this area of Nice is the vibrant Cours Saleya, a flower market that beautifies the streets with colorful flowers.
Therefore, if you want to stay in Vieux Nice and fully immerse in the history and culture, here are some great hotels and apartments that I chose for you.
This hotel is centrally located right at the entrance of the Old Town. The rooms are very stylish and spacious. They offer all kinds of amenities including free daily coffee and free Wi-Fi. Guests can also enjoy a continental breakfast in their rooms. All the main attractions are within a walking distance!
Other Accommodation Options in The Old Town
Not technically in the Old Town, but literally in front of it – I chose it for its breathtaking view from the infinity pool!
Enjoy the view of the narrow cobblestone streets in this modern hotel with a great terrace.
Charming apartment decorated with great attention to details at the bottom of the Castle Hill
2. Promenade des Anglais – where to stay for beaches
Do you enjoy going for a stroll and feeling the breeze while relishing the beautiful sea landscapes?
The best place for that is the 7km long The Promenade des Anglais – a boardwalk that stretches along the French Riviera. Mostly located in the city center, it extends all the way to the airport. As you walk along with it you’ll come across beautiful beaches with astonishing views of the Mediterranean Sea.
FUN FACT: The literal translation of the area name is “Walkway of the English”. It is called like this because many aristocrats from England immigrated to the South of France in the 18th century and, you guessed it, they loved to stroll around the sea enjoying the breeze!
Since many luxurious hotels, restaurants, and casinos are located in this area of Nice prices are much higher than in other areas. Nonetheless, if you can afford it you can stay at lush hotels overlooking the sea.
Here are some amazing hotels I recommend:
This is a legendary hotel with 5 centuries of history exhibited through its design. Guests can enjoy a free buffet breakfast, drinks at the bar, or a meal at the Michelin star Le Chantecler restaurant. It also offers a private beach where you can try out some water sports.
Other Accommodation in Promenade Des Anglais
Situated at just a 2-minute walk from the sea, this hotel is modernly designed and offers delicious breakfast.
Only accessible by staircase this place is quite modern and the owner will make your stay feel very welcoming.
This stunning studio is equipped with an AC and it is steps away from beach and several good restaurants
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3. Gambetta – best place to stay for budget travelers
Are you looking for something more affordable, then Gambetta is your answer! This neighborhood is located a bit further West of the Old Town but it is the most recommended area for budget travelers.
Moreover, this area is great because there is something for every interest here. It has got a rich past and culture, as well as fashion and cuisine. Walking around it you can discover hidden gems, such as St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral and numerous small markets. The great thing is that the train station is quite close, so, if you arrive by train, it will be very convenient to get to.
As I mentioned before, accommodation here is cheaper than in other areas but I have to say it was not easy to find something with reviews good enough to be able to recommend it for you:
This 4 star hotel that will surprise you with its outstanding service and cleanness. Not only do they have a big outdoor swimming pool, it also faces the sea! Go for a sea view room for a full experience!
Other Accommodation options in Gambetta
This urban style hotel offers modern rooms, friendly staff, and your personal phone with unlimited internet access
This 3-star hotel is only a 3 min walk to Promenade Des Anglais, it has a fantastic rooftop terrace to enjoy the view and soak up the sun!
Beautiful luxury apartment with A/C that looks as good in pictures as in real life!
4. Le Port – most trendy neighborhood
Quartier du Port is, as you guessed it, as an area around the port and it is currently one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Nice! Some of the nicest restaurants and bars are located here too. Vieux Port has a lot to offer its visitors too – just walk around and gaze at the amount of yachts parked in the marina, or stroll around Puces de Nice – the famous flea market (french people looooove flea markets!).
Modern clean and very comfortable rooms, NH Nice has a great rooftop area and they serve really yummy breakfasts! There is a gym for sport junkies and a sauna + an outdoor swimming pool for those who simply want to relax on their vacation!
Other accommodation options in Le Port
Located right on Garibaldi Square, this hotel has a unique decor. It is also pet-friendly, no wonder why – the staff there is extremely hospitable!
This cozy room can only host one person but it is very centrally-located and such a great value for money!
This sunny spacious Airbnb is located in a trendy area. Believe it or not, it can host up to 10 people, and it is pretty affordable!
5. Jean-Médecin (New Town) – best for fashionistas
Jean-Médecin or New Town is the perfect choice if you are looking to stay in a modern area and still be near the Old Town and the Promenade des Anglais.
As you explore the wide boulevards you can have a drink at a fancy bar or have a meal at an exclusive restaurant. This area is a shopper’s paradise if you like going shopping for high-end brands or local designers. On the other hand, art and history lovers can indulge in world-class museums such as the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum and Massena Palace Museum of Art and History.
Another neighborhood close to the train station, Jean-Medecin has plenty of great options for accommodation to choose from.
This charming 4-star hotel has its own private beach area, a super cute outdoor breakfast where your delicious breakfast will be served every day. According to previous gifts’ reviews, this hotel might just become your favorite place in Nice!
Other Accommodation in Jean-Medecin
Centrally located, it offers a fabulous breakfast and clean rooms with very helpful staff
Accessible by lift on a third-floor residential building here you’ll find small but cozy rooms in the heart of Nice
A small but cozy studio at walking distance from all the best sights in Nice perfect for two people
6. Cimiez – where to stay in Nice for families
Cimiez is a great choice to stay in Nice for families with children that want to stay in a quiet area. Established on top of a hill, it is a few minutes away from the Old Town. Being a residential area the atmosphere here is peaceful and relaxing and the magnificent Belle Époque architecture just adds more to its charm.
Cimiez started as a Roman outpost but since it was Queen Victoria’s favorite vacation place it became more fashionable. Artists, such as Matisse, loved this area hence today it hosts many remarkable museums! Moreover, Cimiez offers a lot of possibilities for a family to enjoy their holiday with many parks and child-friendly activities.
All things considered, since Cimiez is a great place to stay in, check out these hotels and apartment suggestions.
This petit hotel located literally in a charming palace is only a 10 minutes’ walk from the Chagall Museum. It has a swimming pool and incredible views of the whole city! Recommended room – Classic double room with sea view and a balcony.
Other Accommodation Options in Cimiez
Distastefully decorated apartment for up to four people is proud of being attention to details (and rightly so!)
I absolutely love this colorful hotel that offers both private and dorm rooms.
This might just be my favorite Airbnb in Nice, just check out the pictures!
| 👑 Luxury price: | €300 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | €150 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | €70 |
| 🏠 Airbnb: | €90 |
| 💰 Accommodation prices: | High |
| 📍 Best Area: | Old Town |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Palais Saleya |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Hotel 64 |
Conclusion
There you have it – my extensive guide on where to stay in Nice that will help you plan your trip. I included tips about the 5 best neighborhoods in Nice and the best hotels and apartments you can find in each of them.
Nice is definitely the gem of the French Riviera that most definitely has to be on everyone’s bucket list. I hope that this guide has helped you choose the best option for you and you now feel more relaxed about your visit to Nice.
Just remember that since Nice is perfect in every season of the year the best hotels get booked fast so make sure that you secure your spot ahead of time.
If you haven’t already chosen somewhere to stay, here are my absolute top two options:
- Hotel Negresco – Historic hotel with private beach and michelin star restaurant
- Le Meridien Nice – Breathtaking views and incredible infinity pool!
I hope that you have fun during your holiday in Nice! If you’re continuing your vacation in France, make sure to check out my posts for the best places to stay in St Tropez and Paris.
If you’ve got any questions that I can help you with please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. I’ll be more than happy to answer any inquiries you might have.
Yulia
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