Le Meridien Nice - Nice, France

Comfortable, well-located, and on the waterfront. These words sum up the Le Meridien Nice in a nutshell.

Comfort: As part of the Le Meridien brand one expects and receives a certain level of comfort. The hotel delivers at that level. It is not at the level of the Le Palais De La Mediterranne or Hotel Negresco. It is not a 5 star Luxury Collection hotel. But it is above the standards of most chains and we don’t expect anyone would be disappointed with the level of comfort here. On a recent trip we were upgraded from a Classic to a Superior room which offered a small standing-room-only balcony and a slight view of the sea from that balcony. As Starwood Preferred Guest Gold members, they also provided us with a complimentary bottle of Evian and a tray of fresh strawberries.

Location: The location at 1 Palais Anglais is perfection. Direct access to the beach (be aware that the "beach" in Nice is one made of stones but is still usable and does attract many "beach" goers) is a prime benefit. But the hotel is also well located for getting to and from the airport -- just a 15 minute drive on the Palais Anglas -- and to a large "Zone Pieton" (a street for pedestrian use only -- i.e. tourist central). Allow us to recommend the restaurant "La Tavernne Massena" right smack on the "Zone Pieton" on Rue Massena. Wonderful place for pizzas and homemade pasta at an affordable price. The only area this hotel is not quite near is the "old city" -- one that we were less impressed with than in other Riviera towns.

Waterfront: This probably doesn't need much explanation but out the door and across the street and you're on the water. Pretty sweet. The Casino Ruhl is also in the building.

-DG