Reviewed: Hotel Nice Excelsior on the Côte d’Azur

You tend to think of hotels near big city stations as falling into two categories: either budget back-packer hostels or else the once grand but now very tatty mansions left over from the great days of train travel. But this newly renovated hotel (2014) puts those myths firmly to bed. A wonderful old Belle Époque building with a classic 19th century facade has been transformed into a cool, stylish, yet very affordable, base from which to discover Nice or just as a comfortable place to stay en route.

The airy interiors of the public spaces and the bedrooms have been given a vintage travel theme – very apt given the hotel’s location close to the Nice main rail station. Old photos, postcards and aquarelles are enlarged as wall decorations; red cabin trunks act as tables and bedside cabinets; and even the carpet has been given the full retro voyager treatment.

Each floor has its own mini-theme, evoking the nostalgic days of travel by plane, train, boat and train. Although this design is quite self-conscious it is executed well and with some flair which actually makes it kind of fun. Although there is no restaurant, there is a bar and during warm weather guests can enjoy the oasis of the interior courtyard garden with palm trees and fountain.

Rooms are very comfortable with air conditioning, very good sound-proofing, high quality beds, smart new showers and bathroom fittings and nice touches like L’Occitane toiletries. Rooms vary in size so if you want a little more space consider asking in advance about the size and location of your room and pay the extra for the Superior rooms.

Don’t be put off by the location. Sure, it’s not prime tourist Nice but it’s a 10-15 minute walk to the seafront or to Vieille Nice and when you consider the very reasonable prices you can’t go far wrong.  Staff were very helpful and friendly.

Hotel Nice Excelsior, 19 Avenue Durante, 06000 Nice. Tel : +33 4 93 88 18 05. Classic rooms from 105 Euros per night. Superior from 129 Euros per night. Suites and family rooms also available. Breakfast is 15 Euros. The Nice Excelsior is part of Châteaux & Hôtels Collection and can be booked on chateauxhotels.com