The 17 best hotels in Nice

What is it: Nestled high up, right at the end of the iconic Promenade des Anglais, La Perouse’s higgledy-piggledy layout boasts a tonne of historical and geographical charm. You can pretty much see the whole of Nice from here. Very cinematic. But that's not all; most rooms, ours included, offer stunning sea-facing views from the balcony. Waking up to nothing but clear blues and the soothing sound of waves made me feel I was living my White Lotus life! To top it all off, (quite literally)  there's a solarium on the roof - our go-to for enjoying a cheeky glass of rosé at sunset before heading into Old Town.

Why go? If you’ve come to Nice to make the most of the Mediterranean, this is the only place to stay. The beach is a 20-second walk away but with the cliff-side pool, sun-drenched terraces and 56 rooms each uniquely decorated in plush, understated luxury you’ll need to find a great reason to leave.

What is it? 'Your cocoon in the city centre', Ammi Nice Lafayette is a collection of playful, Art Deco-inspired studios, offering guests a chic and functional living space moments from the sea and Old Town. 

Why go? Apart from the cute, trendy vibe, a huge sell is how spacious the layout of the apartment is, meaning you can settle in with ease once you've unpacked. Some rooms even offer a balcony so you can really soak up your blissful surroundings. 

What is it? An 18-century townhouse perfectly reimagined for the 21^st century with 26 stylish self-catering suites and apartments in Nice’s pedestrianized Old Town.

Why go? Sleek design, ideal location and self-catering are just some of the many aces up the Palais Selaya’s ample sleeve. Accommodation is huge and gorgeous, there’s a great room service breakfast and with exceptional restaurants like Lou Pistou and Le Bistrot d’Antoine only steps away, you wouldn’t have eaten at the hotel restaurant even if there were one. The epitome of urban cool and convenience.

What is it? About as French as French can be from the outside, stepping inside takes you on a journey through the travels of Louis Antoine de Bougainville.

Why go? Because there’s nowhere else like it. Every surface is a riot of bird and palm prints, vintage luggage and ornaments from every corner of the world. It’s somehow beautifully wrestled into 46 calming, stylised if often-compact rooms that lend a touch of the tropics to typical Riviera chic. Well located for transport links too.

What is it? This Italian-styled, Swiss-named boutique hotel nestled at the base of the Promenade des Anglais may sound confused, but there’s no doubting the clarity (or quality) of its views.

Why go? Ramp up your tan time and romance factor in equal measure from the balcony of a Supérieure or Privilège room, overlooking the Baie des Anges. Sip a Le Suisse house cocktail (champagne based, naturally) and look down on the masses below, fighting for space as you bask in the smug solitude of your sun-drenched bird’s eye view. The fools!

What is it? A slice of Niçoise history dating back to 1848, complete with stunning Belle Epoque exterior that’s truly kept up with the times.

Why go? To live out your best Côte d’Azur dreams from yesteryear but with a full 2023 twist. Here are a few highlights: the gorgeous pastel-hued rooftop bar with sea views; the delightful sauna, hammam, and spa, and its proximity to Jardin Albert 1er. Delicious, through and through.

What is it? A grand old dame gently fraying at the edges, the Negresco is a beachfront landmark that’s seen a century of artists, royals and rock stars indulge its opulence. 

Why go? A vast living museum, its 99 rooms and 25 suites are a stroll through the grandest French history with works dating all the way back to Louis XIII. Round your stay off with a Provençal dinner in the two-Michelin star Le Chantecler and choose from its 15,000-strong wine list. Grand doesn’t even come close.

What is it? A quirky but super stylish and amazingly priced Art Deco hotel located five minutes from the beaches of Promenade des Anglais.

Why go? Who wants to stay at any old hotel when you can throw on your glad rags and dive into the Roaring Twenties? A cascade of greens and turquoises, velvet textures and zigzag patterns, it’s easy to imagine you might bump into the Great Gatsby quaffing champers at the downstairs bar – he’s who the hotel is named for, after all.

What is it? This eye-wateringly cheap but beautiful Belle Époque hotel crams 24 diminutive rooms into a guesthouse on quiet, leafy streets a couple blocks from the beach.

Why go? It would be hard to find a French period hotel so spotlessly rendered anywhere in France. From the Toile-de-Jouy fabrics and prints to the sepia-tinted photographs scattered throughout, a stay at the Rivoli is to step into a scaled down chateau with the convenience of the French Riviera on your doorstep. And did we mention the price?

What it is? An effortlessly chic hotel of the kind you’d somehow only find in France. Just look at that lovely façade.

Why go? Situated right next to the Promenade du Paillon, Notre-Dame Basilica and Place Massena, the Hôtel Apollinaire delivers on cool, simply designed bedrooms and airy, welcoming shared spaces. If you’re in Nice more for the city vibes than the beach ones, consider booking here. A study in contemporary elegance.

What is it? As the name suggests, a splendid boutique hotel centrally located and with a rooftop pool that may just be the perfect spot for that French Riviera sundowner.

Why go? One person’s vintage is another’s outdated, but the Splendid falls firmly in the former category with a distinctly Sixties vibe. The Hammam and spa are great value, but the rooftop and terraces are where the magic happens with outdoor pool, hot tub and spectacular views across the city. Book a room with a terrace – they’re bigger and brighter.

What is it? Once the accommodation of choice for Henri Matisse and Anton Chekhov, the four-star Beau Rivage is now a playful modern hotel with the best beach access in Nice. 

Why go? As close as you’ll ever get to sleeping with Matisse, the Beau Rivage is much more than an artist’s ode. Apart from being unbelievable value, its big draw is the private year-round Beau Rivage Beach Club – a bar, restaurant and sea of striped loungers in prime position on the beach at Promenade des Anglais.

What is it? A step away from the mayhem of Old Town, the Belle Époque Petit Palais is a quiet culture vulture retreat near Nice’s best art museums.

Why go? Crowds can be tiring, and Nice has them in droves. The Petit Palais eschews the beaches for the beautiful, leafy Cimiez neighborhood and a calmer approach to Nice’s treasures. Fantastic views, a belter of a pool and easy access to the nearby Matisse and Chagall museums, who both lived nearby.

What is it? Eccentric, creative (read: a bit shabby) Windsor is a family-run artist’s retreat that’s more laidback than your average Nice hotel.

Why go? For the art, dahhling! Thirty of its 57 rooms are decorated – often crazily – by respected local artists making every stay unique, whether it’s Tintin or Matisse adorning your walls. The garden is as wild and exotic as the interiors, where you can swim in the pool or swig cocktails to birdsong from the sizable aviary. Make sure to book a garden room.

What is it? Slap bang central and decked out like a hipster café, the Hostel Ozz is a modern marvel – a hotel come hostel that ably bridges the gap between chic and cheap. 

Why go? While Nice hotels are surprisingly good value, few are as affordable as the Ozz without compromising on style, service, location and comfort. From the lovely double rooms to the well-equipped dorms (each bed has its own safe), simple kitchen to the popular bar and entertainment calendar, if you like it lively, Ozz is the place to stay.

What is it? Clean, elegant rooms in the heart of the city, Yelo Jean Médecin is a stylish and practical base that puts you within walking distance of all the main points of interest, such as the emblematic Garibaldi Square, Castle Hill and Centenaire Beach. 

Why Go? Yelo Jean Médecin is the perfect respite for those coming to Nice for work, leisure or both. Rooms are equipped with Chromecast for streaming your favourite shows, while you'll find a dedicated workspace in the sun-filled lounge for when duty calls. 

Time Out tip: Spend your evenings roaming the Promenade des Anglais before perching yourself on a bench with your holiday read.

What is it? This affordable French hotel chain is painting Nice in technicolour with its bold decor stuffed with patterns, statement furniture and florals. It's not just the aesthetic that will leave you in awe; the restaurant serves an impressive menu of Argentinian barbeque plates alongside signature cocktails and music sessions. 

Why Go? You'll never tire of this hotel, with its exciting design and extensive food and drink offerings. You can enjoy signature cocktails and tapas on their beautiful rooftop, as well as take a dip in the seasonal outdoor pool. You'll also be close to the downtown area and beaches allowing you to make the most of the sun before returning to luxury bedding and a selection of free movies on the TV.