Nice, France
An Elsewhere Guide
A loose guide on the places we'd stay, eat, drink. return to and what we would skip..
Hotel Guide:
Luxury Picks
Hôtel du Couvent
If we were planning another trip to Nice and budget wasn't a factor, this is where we'd stay.
Tucked into the quiet streets of Vieux Nice, Hôtel du Couvent occupies a beautifully restored 17th-century convent. Rather than turning the property into another glamorous Riviera hotel, the restoration embraced its history. The result is a place that feels calm, intentional, and deeply connected to Nice itself.
The hotel is surrounded by terraced gardens overlooking the Mediterranean and features Roman-inspired thermal baths, a lap pool, a resident herbalist, and restaurants that celebrate seasonal ingredients from the region. Yet none of it feels excessive. Luxury here is defined by space, quiet, craftsmanship, and the ability to slow down.
Its location is another reason we'd recommend it. You're tucked away just enough to escape the crowds, but only a short walk from Cours Saleya Market, the beach, Castle Hill, and the winding streets of Old Town. You get the energy of Nice when you want it, and somewhere peaceful to return to when you're ready to unwind.
Best for
A special occasion or honeymoon
Travelers who appreciate architecture and thoughtful design
Anyone who wants a slower, more restorative experience than the typical French Riviera luxury hotel
Elsewhere Take: If your idea of luxury is waking up somewhere with history, wandering through gardens before breakfast, and feeling like you've discovered a quieter side of Nice, Hôtel du Couvent is difficult to beat.
Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel
For a more classic Riviera luxury experience, Anantara is hard to beat.
Overlooking the Promenade des Anglais and Jardin Albert I, the hotel puts you within walking distance of the beach, Old Town, luxury shopping, and some of Nice's best restaurants. It feels polished without being pretentious, making it a great option if you want the convenience of being in the center of everything.
The rooftop restaurant and terrace offer some of the best panoramic views in the city, stretching across the Mediterranean and the rooftops of Nice. Whether you're staying overnight or simply stopping in for dinner or drinks, it's worth experiencing.
Unlike Hôtel du Couvent, which feels hidden away and reflective, Anantara embraces the energy of the Riviera. It's bright, elegant, and ideal for travelers who enjoy being in the heart of the action.
Best for
First-time visitors looking for a luxury stay
Couples
Travelers who want ocean views and walkability
Anyone wanting a quintessential French Riviera hotel experience
Elsewhere Take: If Hôtel du Couvent feels like discovering one of Nice's best-kept secrets, Anantara feels like checking into the Riviera you've always imagined. Beautiful views, an unbeatable location, and a front-row seat to life along the Promenade des Anglais.
Mid Range Pick
Hôtel Albert 1er
After staying here once, we'd book it again.
No, the rooms aren't huge. But they're clean, comfortable, and in one of the best locations in Nice. Sitting between the Promenade des Anglais, Place Masséna, and Old Town, you can walk almost everywhere. Morning coffee, beach afternoons, dinners in Vieux Nice, and even the train station for day trips are all within easy reach.
The hotel isn't trying to be ultra-luxurious, and that's exactly why we like it. It's reliable, well-maintained, and lets you spend your budget on what really matters; great meals, beach clubs, and exploring the French Riviera.
If you're planning to spend most of your trip outside your hotel room (which we highly recommend), Hôtel Albert 1er is one of the best values we've found in Nice.
Best for
First-time visitors to Nice
Couples and solo travelers
Anyone planning day trips to Monaco, Cannes, or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
Travelers who value location over oversized rooms
Elsewhere Take: We'd choose Hôtel Albert 1er every time over a larger hotel farther from the action. The Riviera is meant to be explored on foot. Stay somewhere central, grab your morning coffee, and let the city do the rest.
Dining
The French Riviera has no shortage of beautiful restaurants, but a great view doesn't always mean a great meal. Here's what lived up to the hype and what didn't.
Bocca Nissa - Dinner
Located at the entrance to Cours Saleya with a rooftop overlooking Old Town, Bocca Nissa is one of those restaurants that photographs beautifully. The atmosphere is lively, the design is stunning, and it has all the ingredients for a memorable night.
Unfortunately, the food didn't live up to the setting.
For us, it felt like style over substance. The space is undeniably beautiful, but the meal itself was forgettable, especially considering the price. It's the kind of place we'd stop by for a cocktail on the rooftop, but not somewhere we'd plan an entire dinner around. Recent traveler reviews echo a similar sentiment, often praising the ambiance while describing the food and value as inconsistent.
Bocca Nissa - Lunch
Located at the entrance to Cours Saleya with a rooftop overlooking Old Town, Bocca Nissa is one of those restaurants that photographs beautifully. The atmosphere is lively, the design is stunning, and it has all the ingredients for a memorable night.
Unfortunately, the food didn't live up to the setting.
For us, it felt like style over substance. The space is undeniably beautiful, but the meal itself was forgettable, especially considering the price. It's the kind of place we'd stop by for a cocktail on the rooftop, but not somewhere we'd plan an entire dinner around. Recent traveler reviews echo a similar sentiment, often praising the ambiance while describing the food and value as inconsistent.