The Deck Hotel by HappyCulture

An attractive property steps away from some of Nice’s most popular attractions, The Deck Hotel by HappyCulture mostly lives up to its cheerful moniker. It’s situated on a popular street packed with shops and small restaurants, though double-glazed windows do prevent the chatter from seeping into rooms. The interior is subtly upbeat, if not entirely modern, with terra-cotta tiles and warm wood tones reminiscent of classic Provencal decor. The tiled courtyard, furnished with bright blue mosaic tables and potted plants, is the most effervescent part of the hotel -- a cozy, intimate gathering spot to mix and mingle during the casual manager’s reception held every evening. While it might not win any style awards, thanks to its ideal location, Hotel de Flore by HappyCulture is especially popular among those exploring downtown Nice or who want a pleasant place to crash after a day at the beach. 

This hotel is located right in Central Nice, on a busy, pedestrian-friendly street lined with restaurants and small shops. It’s worth noting that this is a one-way road with occasional heavy traffic, though traffic noise is generally not an issue in the hotel. Of course, plenty of travelers flock to Nice in the summer for the beach, which is only two blocks from the hotel (a five-minute walk). The city’s famous Promenade des Anglais is a seven-minute walk, while Avenue Jean Medecin -- one of Nice's most beloved shopping spots that's known as The Avenue -- is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Avenue is lined with boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops. There's plenty of history nearby, too: the National History Museum of Nice is an eight-minute drive from the hotel, while the Musee Matisse art museum is 12 minutes away. The nearest train station, Gare de Nice-Ville, is a six-minute drive, and Nice Cote d'Azur Airport is 15 minutes away by car.

The rooms here are neat and clean, with a sunny character that makes them a pleasant option in the heart of the city. There’s an air of charm here, from the comfortable wicker chairs and hardwood floors to the thick orange drapes and colorful lamps etched with vivid vines. The refreshing country style, while definitely on the simple and homey side of things, is balanced by modern amenities. All rooms include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, desks, and coffeemakers, while upgraded rooms include separate living areas with plush sofa beds. Suites have furnished balconies that overlook the street below. Air-conditioning comes standard, but there have been complaints that it's not powerful enough. It’s also worth nothing that beds are only available as queens, which may pose an issue for non-couples, families, or those who simply want more space to stretch out. The bathrooms are more functional than they are fancy, with dated tan marble tiling and minimal sink space in addition to shower/tub combos. Windows are double-glazed to silence street noise, but the walls are reportedly thin enough to hear neighbors chatting.

Creature comforts give the hotel a bit of a home-away-from-home feel, though overall, the features here are limited. A daily manager’s reception, featuring free wine and snacks, is held during the evening in an attractive courtyard. There’s also a generous continental breakfast buffet available for a fee and served in a small dining area. The lobby has a Nespresso machine, sometimes accompanied by a basket of croissants, for those who miss breakfast. Other amenities include luggage storage, a tiny business corner with a computer, and a cozy lounge with a flat-screen TV. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but there is no on-site parking available.