Nice is one of the most beautiful cities on the Cote d'Azur of France, which is rich in historical monuments, picturesque, incredibly beautiful landscape and well-developed tourist infrastructure. Since the 19th century, this Mediterranean resort has become a favorite vacation spot for the European aristocracy, and in particular for the Russian nobility.
Today, Nice continues to be considered an elite resort, but every day it becomes more accessible to middle-income tourists from different countries. Two-, three- and even one-star hotels in Nice offer quite normal living conditions for guests of the city.
Description
This is truly a heavenly place. Nice is called the unofficial capital of the Côte d'Azur. It is located in the Angel Bay. There is never a real winter here: it is always warm and sunny, noAlso too much moisture. Of course, during the winter months, the resort is not suitable for a beach holiday, but it is then that the opportunity opens up to enjoy the most beautiful seascapes, the air becomes incredibly transparent, and the sky acquires a special bright shade that merges with the slightly darkened sea. In addition, it was during this period that Nice hotels by the sea become more affordable.
Of course, there is the opportunity to get in touch with history and immerse yourself in the world of art, although it is no secret that this city also attracts gambling enthusiasts, as well as other glamorous "addictions" - shopping, because, as before, France is considered the queen of fashion among all countries of the world. Hotels in Nice are therefore always crowded, regardless of the season: everyone here finds entertainment that suits their requirements and tastes.
Hotels: location and categories
The best hotels and private mansions in the city, mostly built in the mid-19th century, are located on the Promenade des Anglais. Here are some of them: Residence Le Copacabana, Promenade des Anglais Sea, Adagio Nice Promenade des Anglais, La Malmaison, An Ascend Hotel Collection Member, Le Royal Promenade des Anglais and others. These are mostly four-star deluxe hotels. All of them are within walking distance from the beach, as well as from the city's most popular attractions. Of course, almost all tourists dream of staying in those hotels in Nice, which are located on the famous Promenade des Anglais.
Among the architectural styles here are the most common buildings in the style of bel art. In old Nice, where the shopping district is located, on narrow winding streets there are guest houses and mini-hotels of Nice (1-2), they are more affordable: La Maïoun guest house, apartments 26-Pairoliere and Le Gubernatis, Place Massena - Cozy Duplex apt South Exposure and others. In them, buyers of inexpensive boutiques from various countries mainly stop. However, in this area you can also find a luxury hotel with high-class service, such as the Nice Riviera.
Selection of hotels
When it comes to the resorts of the Cote d'Azur, it seems to everyone that they are practically inaccessible to ordinary citizens. However, recently the picture has changed, and everyone can spend a few unforgettable days here, settling in some inexpensive hotel in Nice and even in a very democratic hostel.
Expensive hotels are mainly those that belong to global hotel chains and are listed as 5 or 4 stars (by the way, the requirements for service in this resort are very strict, so many of even the best of them do not pull on the "five"). At the moment, there are only a few five-star hotels in Nice, these are Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée 5, Mariott Nice 5and the most famous - Negresco. They are located on the Promenade des Anglais, a short walk from the beach. In the villages of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Eze, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Saint-Paul, 8-12 kilometers from the center of Nice, hotels onthe shores are mainly reserved for celebrities. They have closed beaches and territories. There are many more five-star hotels here, perhaps because they were built much later than the mansion hotels in Nice itself, and therefore correspond to modern parameters.
Nice hotels for families with children
Despite the fact that Nice is a glamorous resort where people come mainly to hang out, you can also meet many family tourists here who want to spend their holidays with children. What hotels in Nice are suitable for kids?
If funds allow, you can stay at Goldstar Resort & Suites 4. The beach is nearby, the hotel has a lot of entertainment for children, a baby cot is provided upon request, you can also order a babysitting service to have a cozy time in the spa. Since the rooms have kitchenettes with a microwave and an electric kettle, there will be no problem with heating baby formula or making porridge.
For tourists with a more modest budget, you can stay at the Hotel Le Panoramic Nice 2. We consider it necessary to note that in France, and even more so on the Cote d'Azur, two stars next to the name of the hotel does not at all mean that the service here is poor. Couples with children will be very comfortable here, because there are several family rooms that have everything you need to relax. The area is perfect for walking children, there is a children's area with slides and swings. However, the hotel is quite far frombeach, so guests mostly stay here in their own cars, for which there is private parking. But from the windows of the hotel offers a magnificent panoramic view of the city.
Tourists with even more modest means can choose the hotel La Villa Leonie1. The rooms have air conditioning, private bathroom and all other amenities. The only thing is that you will need to eat outside the hotel, but this is not a problem, since there are many cafes, pizzerias and other establishments for food and entertainment around the hotel.
Hotels near the sea
Hotel de la Fontaine 3 is located near the Promenade des Anglais. It has its own beach area, and guests have the opportunity to visit a clean and well-groomed beach at any time. The terrace is also suitable for sunbathing. According to tourists, this hotel is fully consistent with the "price-quality" ratio.
More luxurious and comfortable is another beach hotel, Hôtel La Pérouse on Collin du Chateau. It has a solarium, sauna and fitness center on site.
And at the 3-star Gounod Beach Hotel, guests will find the perfect setting. It has an outdoor pool, spa, excellent cuisine.
On the very shore, right on the Promenade des Anglais, is perhaps the most luxurious and famous hotel not only in Nice, but on the entire Cote d'Azur - "Negresco". We will tell you more about it in the next part.
The most famous hotel of the Cote d'Azur and its eminentguests
The Negresco Hotel plays an important role in the history of Nice. This palace is one of the oldest in the world. Its building borders the Promenade des Anglais. Snow-white walls, turquoise-pink dome of the tower attract the eyes of all guests of the city. "Negresco" is considered the treasure of the Belle Époque.
Here stayed well-known artists, politicians and just very we althy citizens who appreciate the perfect service and a high degree of comfort. This architectural masterpiece deserves to be treated with great care. The hotel was built in 1913, and its first owner was Henri Negresco - a tough businessman, a businessman (as they say today) originally from Romania. Edouard-Jean Nierman, well-known in France, and not only, was invited as an architect-designer. The most high-class professionals were also involved in the interior. The owner himself adored this hotel and did everything possible and impossible to make it look unique.
Seven roy alty attended the opening of the Negresco Hotel. It was the right marketing move. Having learned about who will be present at the opening, the building was literally surrounded by journalists and paparazzi. The pictures taken by them quickly got into the press, and the hotel gained fame and mega-popularity. However, with the outbreak of World War I, difficult times began for the Negresco. It has been turned into a military hospital. Mostly Russian aristocratic officers were treated here. The Romanian owner went bankrupt very quickly and sold his favorite brainchild. They say,that he could not cope with the loss and died a few years later.
Rebirth
At some point Jeanne Ogier became the owner of the famous hotel in Nice. This happened in 1957. At first she liked the hotel as a place to stay for her disabled mother. In this building, the elevators were wide enough to accommodate her wheelchair. Once here, Jeanne immediately fell in love with her property and decided to turn it into a museum, which she filled with many beautiful and inspiring works of art.
Thanks to the new owner, the hotel now houses more than 6,000 exclusive masterpieces of art. She divided the hotel into several zones corresponding to a particular historical era. For example, in the "Negresco" a whole floor of Napoleon appeared. At one time, Salvador Dali liked to visit the hotel. It was here that he walked his cheetah, so Zhanna decided that one of the zones should have been dedicated to the great artist. Picasso, Hemingway, Michael Jackson, Grace Kelly and her crowned husband also liked to come here. The famous Sophia Loren still loves to stay at the Negresco. Other famous guests of the hotel to this day are Charles Aznavour, Elizabeth Taylor, Catherine Deneuve and others.
Many of them leave their reviews of the Nice Negresco hotel in the most commendable terms. But for the representatives of the younger generation, it seems somehow out of date, even after it was reconstructed and adapted to modern realities in 2009. After that on its facadefour stars added one more.
To book or not to book accommodation?
Some tourists like to relax "savages", relying on chance. However, booking hotels in Nice is the right move, because during the season it is very difficult to find free accommodation here, and at reasonable prices. During the holidays, as well as during the days of festivals, the cost of living rises sharply, but for those tourists who have taken care of the place of stay in advance, this does not work. By the way, if you do not want to use the services of travel companies, you can book a hotel yourself through any Internet resources or by contacting the hotel administration by e-mail or by phone.
As a conclusion
We hope we managed to dispel the stereotype about the inaccessibility of holidays in Nice, due to the high cost of hotels in the city. If you trust the reviews of tourists, then rest here has become available to everyone. This pearl of the Mediterranean Sea offers a huge selection of accommodation options, from affordable hostels and mini-hotels to chic five-star hotels. So if visiting Nice is your dream, then don't put it off and welcome to one of the most beautiful resorts in the French Mediterranean.
