45 rue Pastorelli, Nice, France | (251) 219-4428
Heated indoor pool and hot tub
Large, underground parking garage
Small fitness center with a sauna
Some English-language channels on TV
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Higher-tier rooms have private balconies
Central location, within walking distance of beach and major sights
Blackout curtains and air-conditioning
Dogs allowed
Breakfast buffet offered (not included in room rate)
Fitness center is small and dark
Rooms need updating and lack minibars
Some reports of plumbing issues and bathroom cleanliness
Fee for parking
Past complaints of musty smells in rooms and hallways
Wi-Fi can be spotty
The Hotel Nice Riviera is an affordable, upper-middle-range hotel conveniently located in the heart of Nice -- within walking distance of the train station, airport, shopping district, old town, and the beach -- but feels a bit dated and impersonal in style. It has a pool, hot tub, small gym, and parking -- the latter of which is a rarity in Nice -- but the rooms are basic and could use some upgrading. The larger rooms do have private balconies, though. There's also a decent-sized meeting room for business travelers, but the hotel also attracts its share of tourists enjoying Nice's quaint charm and pebbled beaches. For a similarly priced hotel with more boutique charm, try the Excelsior Hotel.
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Scene
Dated style in a prime tourist location
Located in a drab, modern building near more picturesque, historic buildings, the Hotel Nice Riviera looks a bit dated, but welcoming, from the moment you arrive. The lobby is a tad dark, with a 1980s feel to its red leather chairs, slick tile floors, and back-lit reception desk. A fireplace and a London-style red telephone booth (home to the business center) add a bit more character. Oddly, the door to the indoor pool is set almost right next to the lobby bar, which is convenient for those who want a poolside cocktail, but doesn't fit with the vibe of the hotel; most guests are tourists or business travelers looking for an affordable and conveniently located place to sleep. The larger and brighter cafe, where breakfast is served, never feels too busy.
Location
On a quiet street within easy walking distance to all of Nice's sights
The Hotel Nice Riviera is centrally located within walking distance of nearly anywhere you'd want to go in Nice, and its immediate surroundings are primarily historic, residential buildings. The central train station is half a mile away, and the airport is a 15-minute drive away. Place Massena and the historic Vieux Nice quarter are just over a quarter-mile away, and it's a short walk to the beachfront Promenade des Anglais and the Avenue Jean Medecin shopping district. The beach is approximately 10 minutes away on foot.
Rooms
Mostly clean and comfortable, if a bit dated; larger rooms have balconies
The rooms at the Hotel Nice Riviera all have hardwood floors and splashes of red in armchairs and art to offset the beige walls, low ceilings, and slightly dated style. The color palette is continued in the gold-hue stone of the bathroom marble; the bathrooms look more recently updated, with their combination shower/tubs and separate toilet, but some guests have complained of plumbing issues. The Classique Rooms have two double beds pushed together, while higher category rooms have larger beds; higher tier rooms also have balconies with lounge chairs on artificial grass and, in some, rooftop views. All rooms come with an electric kettle for tea or instant coffee, a small safe, mini-fridge, and flat-screen TV. Executive Rooms also have espresso machines and bathrobes. Book a top floor room for the best view and a more upgraded feel. If you want to make sure to mitigate noise, ask for a room away from the street and elevator.
Features
More facilities than your average Nice hotel
If you're looking for character and charm, Hotel Nice Riviera isn't the place, but the hotel does have a few more facilities than many hotels in Nice, especially for the price. The most stand-out features are the heated indoor pool and hot tub, although you might be reluctant to use them, since they're right off the bar in the reception area. There's also a small, dark fitness center, a sauna, a meeting room, a very small business center, and paid underground parking; the latter is a rarity in Nice. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. The hotel does offer an extensive breakfast in its restaurant, but, for the price, you can probably find better elsewhere in the neighborhood.
