Hotel Le Grimaldi by HappyCulture

The Grimaldi embraces Belle Époque spirit inside and out, from the elegant frills of the building’s bowed façade to the virtual tidal wave of color and texture inside. It starts in the super cozy lobby, a little jewelry box of a space with rich red tones in the walls, carpets, and sofa; a marble fireplace; wicker style chairs; antique bookshelves; and a dozen or so individual ceiling lights draped like stars in the firmament. Apart from the decor, a corner bar also encourages guest to linger by doling out espresso, wine, and cocktails, and an ice cream cart in the afternoon. The couple-heavy clientele particularly relish the cool licks after a hot day in the sun, as do the children that sometimes tag along.

Set among the straight, wide east-west boulevards, northwest of the old town, Le Grimaldi benefits from its position between the main train station to the north and the city’s star attractions to the south and east. Should the sun burn too brightly or feet get too fatigued, there's a bus stop three minutes away by foot, and the city tram line is a six-minute walk from the hotel. From the airport, bus 99 comes closest to the hotel, and the trip takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Those coming by car can pay for public parking nearby. 

• Six-minute walk to Jardin Albert 1er
• Six-minute walk to nearest beach 
• Seven-minute walk to Promenade de Anglais
• Eight-minute walk to Place Masséna
• Eight-minute walk to Vielle Ville 
• 10-minute walk to Gare de Nice Ville
• 15-minute walk to Cours Saleya Flower Market
• 28-minute walk to Chateau de Nice

Color comes in tidal waves in Le Grimaldi, with cornflower blue, olive green, mustard yellow, and ruby reds draping the walls, windows, and bedding of the guest rooms. Decor reflects a boutique take on Provençal charm, albeit without the luxury gloss. But charming retro faux rotary phones and queen-sized beds on curly wrought-iron frames pack in plenty of character. All rooms come with safes, minibars (stocked on demand), satellite flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, and Prija-brand toiletries in the bathrooms. Bathrooms have showers and/or bathtubs, but remain tight in Classic Rooms, and sometimes a bit dingy with old tiles and crack paint. Superior Rooms and suites add more space, bathrobes, and occasionally a separate bath. Higher floors also sport views of the Nice rooftops, Mont-Boron, and a neo-gothic church across the street. Junior Suites add electric kettles and a few bags of tea and instant coffee. In-room Wi-Fi in all categories costs a small daily fee. Connecting rooms are available for families and groups.

They all scream for ice cream at Le Grimaldi. Every afternoon, the resident ice cream cart takes up its position in the lounge to dispense cups of creamy lavender, almond milk, and marzipan flavors. The bar in the same room complements the sweetness with coffee, wine, and cocktails, and all may be enjoyed amid the comfortable seating and bright ambiance. A public computer is also available in this space. But there are few notable features beyond this -- there's no restaurant or gym. Other small perks include an above-average continental breakfast, shuttle service to the airport, laundry and dry cleaning -- all for extra fees. Wi-Fi is free in common areas, but costs a small fee in rooms.