FRANCE - Best of Europe 2014 - page 515

$$ Hôtel Lafayette***, in a handy location a block behind the Galeries Lafayette de-
partment store, is a good value. It's comfortable, homey, and modest, with 18 mostly spa-
cious rooms (some with thin walls), all one floor up from the street. It's family-run by Kir-
il, George, and young Victor. Rooms not overlooking Rue de l'Hôtel des Postes are quieter
and worth requesting (standard Db-€105-120, spacious Db-€115-130, preferential rates for
Rick Steves readers, coffee service in rooms, breakfast-€10, air-con, no elevator, Internet
access and Wi-Fi, 32 Rue de l'Hôtel des Postes, tel. [phone], fax [phone],
www.hotellafayettenice.com , [e-mail] ) .
$$ Hôtel de la Mer** is a tiny place with an enviable position overlooking Place
Masséna, just steps from Vieux Nice (it's among the closest of my listings to the old town).
Half of the rooms are smartly renovated and worth the higher price; the other half are
“old school” and priced that way (older Db-€110, newer Db-€130, Tb-€155, air-con, Wi-
Fi, 4 Place Masséna, tel. [phone], fax [phone], www.hoteldelamernice.com ,
[e-mail] ).
Between Boulevard Victor Hugo and the Sea
These hotels are close to the Promenade des Anglais (and far from Vieux Nice). The
Negresco, West End, and le Royal are big, vintage Nice hotels that open onto the sea from
the heart of the Promenade des Anglais.
$$$ Hôtel Negresco**** owns Nice's most prestigious address on Promenade des
Anglais and knows it. Still, it's the kind of place that if you were to splurge just once in
your life.... Rooms are opulent (see here for more description), and tips are expected (view-
less Db-€380, seaview Db-€330-680, view suite-€770-2,200, breakfast-€30, Old World bar,
37 Promenade des Anglais, tel. [phone], fax [phone], www.hotel-negresco-
nice.com , [e-mail] ).
$$$ Hôtel West End*** delivers formal service and decor, polished public spaces, and
high prices. Its chic rooms come with effective blinds and all the comforts (viewless Db-
€300, seaview Db-€340, check website for deals, Internet access and Wi-Fi, 31 Promen-
ade des Anglais, tel. [phone], fax [phone], www.hotel-westend.com , recep-
[e-mail] ).
$$$ Hôtel Splendid**** is a worthwhile splurge if you miss your Marriott. The pan-
oramic rooftop pool, bar/restaurant, and breakfast room almost justify the cost...but throw
in plush rooms (all six floors are non-smoking), a free gym, spa services, and air-condi-
tioning, and you're as good as home (Db-€235—some with decks, deluxe Db with terrace-
€280, suites-€360-410, breakfast-€16, better prices available on website, parking-€24, 50
Boulevard Victor Hugo, tel. [phone], fax [phone], www.splendid-nice.com ,
[e-mail] ).