Hi.
For Marseille, I'm wondering if you recommend staying on the old port or if a few blocks back is still good. Looking at two nights - considering the Canebiere/Noiailes area. Too close to the train station, RS says is "seedy" so I'm looking to avoid that :)
Rick's book does suggest the old port but it is 100e more.
Any recommendations for Nice hotels? Will take some day trips from Nice, so close to transport will be helpful.
Thanks!
Lee
The Canebière / Noailles area varies a lot from street to street. Right on the Canebière or on Cours Belsunce is OK, but some side streets are a bit sketchy and very dirty. If you have a specific hotel in mind, we can tell you how the street is.
And you can also look at hotels in the La Joliette area, where there is a cluster of modern, safe hotels that are cheaper.
Around the Préfecture is also good, or even towards Castellane.
Interesting insight - thanks!
This is one I'm considering: Hotel Mercure Marseille Canebière located at 48 La Canebiere.
Lee
I have not been there yet but I recently booked a cancellation free room in Hotel Hermes Vieux Port in Marseille, a two star hotel on Rue Bonneterie ;osted om both RS and Rough Guide books. Rough Guide describes the location as "superb." I hope that is true.
The Mercure at 48 Canebière is exactly where I would avoid to stay, as it is right next to the Noailles market which can be a very loud area.
In Nice, we stayed eight nights at Albert 1er hotel in 2021. Loved the balcony with sea view, but that was October and we were still chased off it by the sun and heat in the mid to late afternoon. Maybe you love baking in the sun, not us.
Good points were location, breakfast, sea views. Less good points were state of the carpet in the room (perhaps they've replaced the carpets. It is time.), and no lobby (if you aren't with a few friends that is probably not an issue). Also nice tea selection in the room.
All in all, we'd stay there again if we return.
Balso, you saved me. I thank you very much!
Lee
For Nice, do you have a budget in mind? You may wish to look around the area of the Carre d'Or, roughly bound by the Promenade des Anglais, Blvd Gambetta, Victor Hugo, Jean Medecin and the Promenade du Paillon, plus a few blocks to the NE. This keeps you close to old town and the sea but within a walk (or one tram stop) to the main train station. The Old Town itself, with some exceptions on the luxury end, can actually be pretty far away from the train stations.
I'll stay near the old port of Marseille. I appreciate the suggestions.
For Nice...I prefer to stay inland rather than on the beach. Considering it will be a day-trip base, somewhere within a 15-minute walking distance of transport would be helpful.
Thanks!
NICE: getting close to finalizing plans. Which hotel location would you prefer for enjoying the sites in town and day trips via bus and train? Both are Mercure hotels by chance.
Mercure Nice Centre Grimaldi
or
Mercure Nice Centre Notre Dame
Thanks very much.
Lee
I think the Mercure Grimaldi is in the better location. It is close to the confluence of the two tram lines and closer to the Old Town by foot. It is in a nicer neighborhood and there are more good restaurants nearby (Le Sejour, l;Achimie, Chez Davia, Apoppino, Cantine du Meme). The street behind the Notre Dame church is one of the few areas in Nice that some people choose to avoid.
Thank you Gooster.
It is tough to select a home base that affords quick access to the train station and a comfortable neighborhood.
I stayed at a hotel at a train station last year, which was super convenient - and perfect for that purpose - but set off alarm bells at night.
Lee
