Nice on the French Riviera is one of the most popular destinations in Europe during the summer months and there are plenty of good reasons for that.
However, this guide does not discuss what to do in the French city in depth; instead, it is exclusively focused on where to stay in Nice.
I will tell you about the city’s best areas and suggest where to book accommodation for your southern French holiday.
Nice is indeed an exciting city, but the entire area around the city is a big paradise for beach lovers ๐
In addition to describing the best areas in Nice, I recommend hotels in different price ranges.
So let’s start with the guide: where to stay in Nice?
Best areas to stay in Nice
If you are in a hurry and want a quick overview, this is where you should stay in Nice:
- Vieux Nice – stay in the beautiful Old Town ๐
- Promenade des Anglais โ best area for a beach holiday ๐๏ธ
- Jean-Mรฉdecin โ best area for shopping & city centre atmosphere ๐น
- Villefranche-Sur-Mer โ one of Europe’s most beautiful cities near Nice โ๏ธ
Click on the name of the area above and see the best hotels in the said area.
The guide to where to stay in Nice continues below with more info on the areas & recommendations for hotels.
1. Vieux Nice – stay in the beautiful old town ๐
Vieux Nice, known as the Old Town, is the centre of Nice’s historic charm.
The area is super cosy and full of narrow, cobbled streets and buildings painted in soft pastel colours, which witness the city’s rich history.
Here in the old town lies a wealth of small shops, art galleries and markets that offer a real sense of local life and culture.
See the best hotels in The Old Town here.
It’s undoubtedly the prettiest area in town, so it makes sense to stay here if it’s your first time in Nice.
And if you want to stay centrally with easy access to both historic sights and the city’s modern facilities, Vieux Nice is an excellent choice.
You are never far from a cosy cafรฉ. Even though it’s an area with many tourists, Vieux Nice still has an entirely unique charm.
You can also sense that the locals use the area when they must meet at a good restaurant.
Places to stay in the Old Town
As this is the old part of Nice, it’s not exactly here that there has been an opportunity to build lots of modern hotels. So there are only so many hotels to choose from, but the ones there are are excellent.
So here are some of the best hotels in the old town of Nice. We start with the most luxurious.
At the Hรดtel Suisse, you can expect a sumptuous experience in the middle of Nice’s old town, with spectacular views down to the beach.
This luxury hotel charms with its elegant French architecture and refined interior design.
Previous guests have particularly appreciated the breathtaking views from the rooms and the hotel’s perfect location, making it easy to explore the city or relax by the sea.
Reviews also highlight the helpful staff and comfortable rooms that add to the feeling of true luxury during your stay.
See more photos and book here.
Mercure Nice Marchรฉ aux Fleurs offers charming and affordable accommodation right next to the famous flower market and close to Nice’s seafront.
Although the hotel doesn’t have the same luxurious vibe as some of the more expensive places in town, you can still expect clean and inviting rooms with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Previous guests have praised the hotel’s fantastic location, making it easy to explore the beach and the city’s attractions on foot.
Reviews often mention the friendly service and good value for money, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious travellers who still want quality.
See more photos and book here.
Hotel du Pin Nice Port is a cheaper hotel located on the edge of the old town, making it an ideal choice for those who want to stay centrally without breaking the budget.
Here, you can expect simple but clean and comfortable accommodation that provides everything you need for a pleasant stay.
Previous guests have particularly appreciated the hotel’s location near the port of Nice and the fact that you are close to most things you would like to experience as a tourist in Nice.
Reviews also highlight the friendly and helpful staff who go above and beyond to make your stay as smooth as possible.
See more photos and book here.
2. Promenade des Anglais โ best area for a beach holiday ๐๏ธ
Promenade des Anglais is the perfect place to stay if you want to be close to the beach in Nice.
This famous promenade stretches along the azure coastline and is lined with palm trees and iconic hotels.
If you’ve seen pictures of Nice, you’ve undoubtedly seen pictures of the beach and the Promenade des Anglais in the background.
Thus, The area has direct access to private and public beaches, where you can enjoy the sun and the clear, blue Mediterranean water.
It’s the ideal place to stay in the summer for those who want to combine relaxation by the sea with city life.
See the best hotels in the area here.
Along the Promenade des Anglais, you will also find many cafes, restaurants, and bars where you can enjoy delicious French food while enjoying the sea view.
You can walk along the promenade, rent a bike, or simply sit and people-watch while enjoying a cool drink.
It’s also a nice place to run if you pack running shoes on your Nice holiday – a bit like the seafront in Barcelona.
I would probably prefer to stay in one of the other areas of Nice outside the “swimming season,” but here it’s also cosy on cooler days – and the sea is still beautiful.
Places to stay near the beach & Promenade des Anglais
Let’s look at some of the best beach hotels in Nice. As always, we start with the most luxurious and move down the price category.
Le Mรฉridien Nice is a luxury hotel ideal for a first-class beach holiday in Nice.
The hotel is located directly on the Promenade des Anglais, so there is a fantastic sea view and a beautiful outdoor pool.
You can expect modern, elegantly decorated rooms and first-class facilities, including several fine dining options overlooking the sea.
Previous guests have praised the hotel for its comfortable rooms and central location, perfect for relaxing by the beach and exploring Nice.
Westminster Hotel & Spa in Nice (not in London ๐ ) is a bit less luxurious than Le Mรฉridien, but still an excellent hotel on the beach in Nice.
The hotel, which is also located on the Promenade des Anglais, has lovely rooms, an inviting indoor pool, and a fully equipped spa area.
It’s an ideal place to stay in Nice for those who want to combine beach life with a bit of self-indulgence.
The reviews speak warmly of the hotel’s charming interior, the friendly service and the unbeatable location right on the beach.
La Villa Nice Promenade is a smaller hotel that consistently receives good reviews for its homely atmosphere and excellent service.
The guests especially appreciated the clean and comfortable rooms, the quiet location and the helpful staff.
La Villa is an ideal base for enjoying the sun and the city, with easy access to Nice’s many attractions.
Then, we leave the beach, slip into the centre of Nice, and proceed to the next area.
3. Jean-Mรฉdecin โ best area for shopping & city centre atmosphere ๐น
If you would like to experience Nice on a classic city break, like when travelling to Paris, and you may not be travelling during the summer, Jean-Mรฉdecin is the ideal place to stay.
This area is known as the city’s shopping mecca, and here, you will find everything from large international chains to local shops along the busy Avenue Jean Mรฉdecin.
The area offers a lively atmosphere perfect for those who want to be where it all happens.
See the best hotels in Jean-Mรฉdecin here.
In addition to the shopping opportunities, Jean-Mรฉdecin is full of cafรฉs, restaurants and cafes.
If you want to have everything within walking distance and enjoy a dynamic city break in France’s fifth-largest city, Jean-Mรฉdecin is an excellent choice.
Here, you can effortlessly blend daily excursions and sight-seeing with evenings in the city centre.
The bustling streets always have something to offer, whether it’s a new boutique to explore or a lively cafรฉ to unwind in, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience.
Places to stay in the centre of Nice (Jean-Mรฉdecin)
It makes good sense to choose a hotel in the centre of Nice, and this is also where you will find the most extensive selection in different price categories. Here are some of my favourite hotels in Jean-Mรฉdicin.
Boscolo Nice Hรดtel & Spa is the pinnacle of luxury in the heart of Nice.
This luxury hotel is the epitome of elegance, with its opulent surroundings and exquisite design. It also has a high-class spa, where you can pamper yourself with various treatments.
Previous guests particularly praise the hotel’s impressive interior and first-class service. If you are looking for a luxurious experience during your stay in Nice, Boscolo Nice Hรดtel & Spa is the perfect choice.
The Best Western Premier Hotel Roosevelt is a 4-star hotel that can be booked fairly reasonably priced.
The hotel is known for its reasonable price and quality, with comfortable and well-furnished rooms.
It’s ideal for those who want to stay in pleasant surroundings in the centre of Nice but only want to spend part of the budget on accommodation.
Past guests have particularly highlighted the hotel’s central location, which makes it easy to explore the city on foot, as well as the friendly staff and clean facilities.
Hotel Boreal is a 3-star hotel in a perfect location. It has nice rooms and is generally good value for money.
It’s popular for travellers who want convenience without compromising on quality and comfort.
Reviews often praise the hotel’s cleanliness and the staff’s service-oriented attitude.
So, I promised in the introduction that I would not only mention the best areas in Nice but also recommend a place just around the corner.
4. Villefranche-Sur-Mer โ one of Europe’s most beautiful villages near Nice โ๏ธ
So I want to recommend an area outside Nice, but I really think you should know about this seaside town before you book your accommodation.
Because this is an extraordinary place – and it’s just around the corner from Nice.
The picturesque town of Villefranche-sur-Mer is only a short journey from Nice. Here, you will experience one of Europe’s most charming small towns.
The city is recognized as one of Europe’s most beautiful small towns, and you will understand this immediately upon arrival.
With its picturesque harbour, colourful old town and narrow cobbled streets, Villefranche-sur-Mer offers a unique blend of French charm and Mediterranean tranquillity.
See the best hotels in Villefranche-sur-Mer here.
Getting to Villefranche-sur-Mer from Nice is easy and convenient. From Nice, you can take a short train journey that takes about 10 minutes and lets you get off right in the heart of the city.
The trains run frequently, so you can easily plan a trip that fits your schedule. Alternatively, you can take a bus, which makes for a beautiful drive along the coast and takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
So even if you don’t choose to stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer, you can take a day trip here from Nice.
From Nice Airport, the easiest way to reach Villefranche-sur-Mer is to take a taxi or a pre-booked car, which can take you directly to your destination in around 30 minutes.
When you stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer, you’ll have easy access to the city’s beautiful beaches, historic sights and relaxing waterfront.
Places to stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer
If you would like to experience one of France’s finest small towns, book a room here. Below, I share a few of the best places to stay in Villefranche-sur-Mer.
The Welcome Hรดtel in Villefranche-sur-Mer is probably the city’s most luxurious hotel. It offers a unique sea view and a hard-to-beat location.
The rooms are elegantly decorated with balconies that open up to the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
Guests especially praise the hotel’s perfect location on the water’s edge and the excellent service.
It’s an obvious place to stay near Nice for those who want to wake up to the sound of waves and enjoy breakfast with a sea view.
Hรดtel Le Provenรงal is another popular hotel in Villefranche-sur-Mer that consistently receives excellent reviews.
This hotel is known for its warm atmosphere and welcoming service.
The rooms are tastefully decorated, and many have views of the surrounding countryside.
Guests often praise the hotel’s clean and comfortable surroundings and its central location, which makes it easy to explore the city.
Hotel Le Vauban is in a slightly different category, as it’s significantly cheaper than the other two places.
While it doesn’t offer the same luxury as the more expensive hotels, it’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers who still want to be close to everything the city offers.
Past guests have particularly appreciated the friendly service and the hotel’s proximity to local attractions, making it a convenient and comfortable base for exploring the area.
I hope you could use this guide to areas and hotels in and around Nice. In any case, you can look forward to having a great holiday experience.
As a traveller, you can expect a city with a perfect mix of beach life, historical sights and artistic flair.
From the iconic promenades along the Mediterranean to the charming streets of the Old Town and the vibrant nightlife, Nice has something for everyone.
If you have any questions about Nice, the areas mentioned or the hotels, please comment below, and I will do my best to help.
Read more France travel guides.
FAQ:
Which area is best for first-time visitors to Nice?
Vieux Nice, or the Old Town, is perfect for first-time visitors. Itโs full of charm with its narrow, cobbled streets, pastel-coloured buildings, and local markets. Staying here puts you in the heart of the city’s historic beauty, close to major attractions, cafes, and shopsโ.
Where should I stay for a beach holiday in Nice?
The Promenade des Anglais is ideal if you want to be close to the beach. This iconic promenade runs along the azure coastline, lined with palm trees, cafes, and restaurants. It offers direct access to both private and public beaches, making it perfect for a summer getaway.
Whatโs the best area for shopping and city vibes?
Jean-Mรฉdecin is the place to be for shopping and a lively city atmosphere. This area has shops, cafes, and restaurants along the busy Avenue Jean Mรฉdecin. It’s perfect for those who want to be amidst city life and enjoy a dynamic urban experienceโ.
Is there a picturesque village near Nice where I can stay?
Villefranche-sur-Mer is a beautiful village just a short distance from Nice. Known for its charming harbour, colourful old town, and narrow streets, it offers a unique blend of French charm and Mediterranean tranquillity. Itโs easily accessible by train or bus from Nice, making it an excellent choice for a peaceful yet convenient stay.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time ๐
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โข NordVPN is the only VPN I've ever needed for travel (it just works, everywhere)
โข Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
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