With its miles-long promenade, characterful Old Town, captivating museums, and glorious weather, Nice is an excellent place for a relaxing break. Whether you want to spend your days shopping at centuries-old markets, gorging on local seafood, exploring refined art galleries, or just relaxing in some of the best hotels in Nice, this sparkling city on the French Riviera is for you!

The city is fondly referred to as Nice la Belle (Beautiful Nice) as a testament to its elegance. Spend some time walking through the city’s cobblestone streets, past Belle Époque architecture, charming piazzas, and splendid parks, and you’ll certainly understand why!

Nice is bursting with all kinds of luxurious villas, opulent retreats, and centuries-old boutique hotels. In fact, there are so many incredible accommodation options to choose from that you might struggle to pick just one. To help you make the right choice, we’ve put together a list of the top 12 hotels in Nice. 

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Nice, France

The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Nice, France

1. Hôtel Rossetti

Set in a historic building in the network of intertwined streets that makes up Ville Vieille, Hôtel Rossetti is a place of contrasts. The stylish, minimalist interiors clash with the centuries-old exterior and surrounding Baroque architecture in the best way possible!

Standard guest rooms are cool and calm, with gray color palettes, ultra-plush beds, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi access, and modern bathrooms with complimentary luxury toiletries. Superior guest rooms have the same style but are much larger with a separate lounge area. 

Although there’s no restaurant on-site, breakfast is served each morning on the pretty outdoor terrace. The selection of freshly baked pastries, homemade jams, juice, and coffee may be pretty basic, but it’s a wonderfully authentic way to begin your day in Nice! 

If you want something more substantial, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Boasting an excellent location, the hotel is just steps away from everything the Old Town has to offer – from cafes, restaurants, and bars to museums, galleries, and piazzas. 

2. Villa Otero

Tucked away in the Quartier Musiciens (Musicians Quarter), Villa Otero is one of the coolest hotels in Nice. Recently renovated by Parisian designer Stephanie Cayet, the hotel has the warmth and welcoming atmosphere of a private home, with all the services and facilities you’d expect from a high-end hotel.

A comprehensive breakfast buffet is served each morning, with the option of an express breakfast if you’re in a hurry. The Bon Gourmet provides a delicious selection of international sweet and savory dishes throughout the day, while tea and coffee are available any time, 24/7. This thoughtful extra is perfect when all the exploring starts to take its toll.

The design of the hotel will really wow you! Primary colors, black and white floor tiles, and exotic wallpapers contrast against velvet armchairs, leather sofas, and mirrored walls, taking you back in time to Nice’s jazz era. 

The 38 guest rooms are just as captivating as the public spaces, with more bright colors and snazzy designs. Rotary-dial phones and black and white photos add the perfect vintage touches.

3. Hotel Villa Les Cygnes

Built in 1920, Hotel Villa Les Cygnes is a small hotel with six guest rooms spread out across three floors. Its sophisticated whitewashed façade with tropical palm tree framing will make you feel relaxed and on vacation as soon as you arrive.

Each guest room has its own outdoor space – either a patio, balcony, or terrace, depending on the floor. Plus, they all have their own unique style with a major emphasis on art. 

One room is painted in “Matisse Blue,” while another is filled with books dedicated to the work of Raoul Dufy. For the best view, we recommend requesting a room on the top floor.

Although there’s no restaurant within the hotel, each guest room has its own fridge, and there’s a communal kitchen where you can whip up your own French delicacies.

Located in an excellent spot, Hotel Villa Les Cygnes is just a five-minute walk away from the beach and a 15-minute walk away from the city center. You can reach the middle of Old Town in 25 minutes and the train station in 20 minutes.

4. Hôtel Nice Excelsior

Hôtel Nice Excelsior is one of the best places to stay in Nice if you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing. Situated in the heart of the city center, just minutes away from the train station and Promenade des Anglais, the hotel is close to all the major sights and attractions you could ever want to see.

The four-star hotel is set inside a 19th-century building with a 21st-century interior design. The public spaces and guest rooms all feature a travel theme, with photos, maps, travel diary quotes, and leather trunks adorning the spaces. Plus, bright pops of blue, orange, red, and yellow make the place feel happy and vibrant!

A fantastic buffet breakfast is served each morning with a massive selection of local and international dishes. When you need to relax at the end of the day, L’Excel’ Bar in the sunny, quiet courtyard is the perfect place.

Thanks to its superb location, you’ll find plenty more eating and drinking options in the immediate area, too.

5. WindsoR

Just a short stroll away from the ocean lies WindsoR, one of the most unique hotels in Nice. A moreish mix of artistic creativity and shabby chic, this hotel is unlike any other you’ll find in the city.

Owned by the same family since the 1940s, WindsoR is the ideal place to stay if you want to escape from your daily routine and transport yourself into a fantasy world. Here you’ll find guest rooms designed by local artists and all kinds of inventive wonders, like a wood day bed decorated with delicate mother of pearl!

The highlight of the hotel is the jungle-like garden. Here nature has really taken over, with bamboo shoots, yucca trees, and lemon trees growing wild and free. There’s even a large aviary that provides tuneful birdsong throughout the day.

Toward the back of the garden, next to a wall covered in artful graffiti, is a beautiful swimming pool. Nearby there’s a small gym with essential sports equipment and a mini spa with a surprisingly long list of treatments and massages.

6. Hotel Villa Victoria

If you want to feel like royalty, make a reservation at Hotel Villa Victoria. Nestled on the edge of Carré d’Or, the hotel is surrounded by fantastic bars and restaurants, while the Old Town and train station are a 5- to 10-minute walk away.

The four-star hotel is set inside a magnificent townhouse fit for kings and queens. The 38 guest rooms are all beautifully appointed with creative wall designs, luxurious bedding, and all the mod-cons you’d expect from such a high-caliber place. Added touches, such as bottled water, plush slippers, and Nuxe bathroom products, make each stay extra special.

The garden and terrace provide a peaceful haven, no matter how bustling the city might be. Whether you want a quiet place to have breakfast, you’re in the mood for a game of pétanque, you could do with a refreshing cocktail, or you just want to read your book in tranquility, this is the place to do it.

7. Hotel Villa Rivoli

Once a private mansion from the 1890s, today, Hotel Villa Rivoli is one of the coolest Nice hotels. Just steps away from the beach and promenade, the hotel is in the city’s historical center, making it a fantastic choice if you want to spend half your vacation sightseeing and half relaxing in the sunshine!

Here you can choose between 24 rooms, all of which are decorated in the quintessential French style. With wood floors, Toile-de-Jouy fabrics, glittering chandeliers, and beautiful artwork, these rooms are wonderfully rustic and simple.

Some of the standard rooms are on the small side. If you prefer a little extra space, we recommend booking a Superior Room. These are a little bigger and also come with a balcony overlooking the hotel’s garden.

The hotel’s owner organizes all kinds of activities to take your vacation to the next level. From lively jazz classes to cooking courses with celebrated chefs and BMW motorbike rides around the Côte d’Azur, you’ll never be stuck for something to do!

8. Palais Saleya Boutique Hôtel

Located directly on Place du Palais de Justice on the outskirts of Vielle Ville, Palais Saleya Boutique Hôtel is a fantastic choice if you want to be in the middle of all the action. With easy access to almost all the city’s landmarks, markets, beaches, and shopping streets, you never have to travel far, no matter what your plans for the day are.

The 18th-century building has been lovingly restored to create a deluxe apartment-hotel. The Suites are superb, decorated with bright colors, vivid artwork, full kitchens, and fancy bathrooms with Italian fittings. The Superior Suites are even more remarkable, with a lot more space, mezzanine levels, and handy extras like dishwashers and sofa beds.

In addition to the suites, Palais Saleya Boutique Hôtel also offers a series of apartments. They’re ideal if you’re planning on staying in Nice for a long time or are traveling with friends. 

If you opt to have breakfast (it’s great, and you definitely should!), it will be brought to your suite or apartment each morning. With a selection of hot drinks, fruit juices, pastries, cheese, honey, muesli, seasonal fruit, crepes, bread, butter, and jams, it’s exactly what you need to fill you up for a day of sightseeing.

9. Le Grimaldi

For a laid-back beach break, it doesn’t get much better than Le Grimaldi. Just a short walk away from the beach, as well as the train station and countless wining and dining options, this hotel has a casual, relaxed vibe that will make you feel right at home as soon as you step through the door.

The guest rooms here are absolutely stunning. Each one is decorated in bright purple, teal, pink, or yellow, so you’re guaranteed to wake up happy here! All rooms come with a sumptuous queen-size bed, workspace, free Wi-Fi access, and air conditioning. 

If you’re staying for more than one week, we recommend booking the Junior Suite. This room is the largest the hotel has, and it comes with a welcome tray upon arrival, as well as a balcony with fantastic views.

An impressive breakfast buffet filled with local delights is served each morning. Quality organic tea and coffee are available at all times of the day and night, while Bon Gourmet is available to bring tasty international dishes to your room with 24-hour room service. 

10. Hotel 64 Nice

If you’re visiting Nice as part of a larger trip, Hotel 64 Nice is a fantastic place to stay. Just a short walk away from the train station and a 15-minute drive away from the airport, this hotel provides you with the perfect base from which to explore further afield. It’s got amazing tram connections that can take you to the seafront in less than six minutes.

The rooms here are minimalist but come with everything you need for your stay. Decorated in simple black and white color palettes, each room includes a Perfect Dream bed, plush bedding, flat-screen TV, and super-fast Wi-Fi.

For stays of more than one week, we recommend booking a Junior Suite. These rooms are larger and come with balconies with city views.

You can start your morning with a tempting gourmet buffet. There’s a great selection of indulgent pastries, meats, and eggs, as well as healthy fresh fruit, cereals, and juices, providing you with the best of both worlds. Although there’s no restaurant on-site, there’s a huge variety of cafes, bars, and restaurants on the hotel’s doorstep.

11. Hôtel Suisse

Boasting some of the most gorgeous sea views you’ll ever see in your life, Hôtel Suisse is easily one of our favorite Nice boutique hotels! Standing proud just a stone’s throw away from the coast, this hotel rewards guests with picture-perfect panoramas from their balconies.

Almost all of the rooms come with a spectacular sea view. But if you’re celebrating an extra-special occasion, we recommend booking the suite. The only room of its kind, the suite is located on the 4th floor and boasts a balcony with uninterrupted views of Promenade des Anglais, the pebbled coast, and the glittering azure ocean.

The bright and airy breakfast room is a must-visit in the morning when a decadent spread is laid out to devour. But you can use the space at any time of day if you need a little peace and quiet. The hotel also offers a small bar loaded with teas, coffees, champagnes, and spirits. You’ve got to try Le Suisse, the hotel’s signature cocktail made from champagne and apricots!

12. Hotel Negresco

One of the most famous hotels in Nice, Hotel Negresco is a superb choice if you want to surround yourself with class, sophistication, and elegance. It first opened to the public in 1913 and has since attracted all kinds of famous faces, including Elton John, Salvador Dalí, Princess Grace of Monaco, and the Beatles.

The inside of Hotel Negresco looks more like an art gallery than a hotel. Here you’ll find amazing sculptures, remarkable paintings, and period furniture everywhere you turn. There are more than 6,000 pieces of art scattered throughout the hotel in total!

The guest rooms are themed across five centuries of art history, from the Louis XIII style to modern art. Whichever room you choose, you’re guaranteed to be treated to an oversized plush bed topped with luxurious bedding, spell-binding designer wallpaper, a welcome tray with tea and coffee, and astonishing views.

For an experience you’ll never forget, choose one of the suites. These exceptional rooms are imitations of famous rooms throughout history and come complete with one-of-a-kind artwork, antique furniture, and beautiful details from the time they represent.

That completes our list of the 12 best hotels in Nice! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Nice? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

Where to Stay in Nice

Nice is full of fascinating neighborhoods that will keep you entertained, no matter how many times you’ve been to the city.

If this is your first time in Nice, we recommend staying in Ville Vieille. Also known as Vieux-Nice, this area is the city’s Old Town just minutes from the beach and bathed in centuries-old beauty. Here you’ll find countless cute restaurants, sophisticated wine bars, artisan markets, and some of the best boutique hotels in Nice.

Consider staying in Le Port for a trendier scene with great shopping opportunities. This part of the city is known for its swanky marina and excellent seafood restaurants. There’s also a famous antique market that runs along the marina and Rue Bonaparte that’s lined with one-of-a-kind stores and dining spots.

Garibaldi is a great pick if you want easy access to all of Nice’s major attractions. Although it’s mostly considered to be a residential area, the tram connection is fantastic for visiting the city’s major sights and attractions. You’ll also find a top selection of local bars selling great pastis here.

For the best nightlife in Nice, think about Carre d’Or. This neighborhood is in the city’s New Town on the seafront and is known for its buzzing wine bars, cocktail lounges, and clubs. It’s also home to several top-end casinos and some of the best Nice hotels. 

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