Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Mediterranee

This storied grand dame attracts tourists and families, as well as business travelers. The Art Deco façade sets the tone for the elegant interiors, which feel distinctly more modern. The breezy pool deck takes advantage of the soaring architecture and its Mediterranean views as a popular spot both for a quick dip and to lounge over a drink or a meal. The restaurant is highly acclaimed, and its deep red and color scheme feels elegant, despite the room's surprisingly small size. The sumptuous bar area blends the rich red with deep purple in both wall colors and the leather-and-velvet sofas and chairs; live piano music accompanies the lively after-work scene. The breakfast room feels more sleek and modern in its style, but also comes off a bit bland in comparison with the rest of the hotel.

The Palais de la Méditerranée's location can't be beat. Right on the palm-tree fringed Promenade des Anglais -- with its strolling families, bicyclists, skateboarders, and blue beach chairs and cabanas -- the hotel overlooks the beach and the Bay of Angels, making it a convenient and central home base for exploring the center of Nice, as well as the web of narrow streets of the old town. Many museums, shops, bars, and restaurants are within walking distance. The hotel's expert concierge can also help you get to Monaco or Cannes via train (each is about half an hour away). Check out old town's famous Cours Saleya fruit, flower, and vegetable market, which also has a flea market on Mondays. Note that the streets around the hotel can be noisy with partiers, especially thanks to the casino downstairs.

Rooms at the Palais de la Méditerranée are spacious and modern, with bold splashes of color, large modern bathrooms, and views overlooking either the sea, wedge-shaped outdoor pool, or surrounding streets. Each room has a small balcony with a table and chairs. Different categories of rooms have different color schemes, but all are standard for a luxury chain, with sleek wooden headboards and comfortable beds and sitting areas. Bathrooms have a large soaking tub with handheld shower, marble countertops, hairdryer, and high-end toiletries. There is also a separate standing shower stall, as well as heated towel racks and bathrobes. The minibar is stocked with airline-size bottles of alcohol, beer, soda and water. All rooms have two plush chairs, a writing desk, flat-screen TV, safe, and large closet. Deluxe Rooms and Standard Seaview Rooms are strikingly similar in size and perks. The top-tier suites are notably larger and more luxurious, perfect for families or those who want to splash out on a wrap-around terrace and large separate living room for entertaining. Note that some balconies only have partial views, and street-facing rooms can be noisy at night.

The Palais de la Méditeranée is home to the highly acclaimed Le 3e Restaurant, which serves an extensive Mediterranean and Southern French menu with seasonal produce, as well as an adjoining bar and lounge, with plush chairs and a piano bar. The breakfast room is large and bright, if a bit cramped. There is, also, an expansive outdoor terrace for warmer months, where meals and drinks are served throughout the day. The hotel also has a large indoor-outdoor pool with plenty of lounging space. The outdoor pool area closes early so rooms overlooking it can have some quiet, but this may put a wrench in your plans for a late evening drink by the pool. There's also an indoor Turkish bath with a sauna and steam room, as well as a small fitness center. The hotel also has meeting/event spaces and a business center, as well as free Wi-Fi. The ground floor is occupied by an iconic Niçoise casino.