Nice France where to stay

Near Nice Ville isn't the best of neighborhoods. It's not unsafe or anything, it is just a bit run down.
Stay a bit closer to Place Masséna, and you will be within easy reach of the station by tram or a 15-20 min walk.

We stayed at Hotel Alber 1er for eight nights in October 2021. It's very near Place Massena and thus a short, cheap, and easy tram ride from the train station.

I loved the breakfast, the balcony and location. Great staff too.

Something to consider about the balcony is heat. You didn't mention what month you are going but even in October the sun chased us off the balcony in mid afternoon to early evening. Also it gets road noise, so don't think you'll hear the waves. But the view is gorgeous. I loved watching the light gleam off the water and the planes coming and going.

There's no lobby to speak of, which may or may not be an issue. Maybe if you're with a larger group that might want a place to chat it would be a concern.

I read online some complaints about the carpet, and I agree it doesn't look great, but over eight nights we saw a lot of housekeeping and they keep everything spotless.

We took day trips by train to Cannes and Menton.

We stayed at the Ibis Nice Center Gare. We explored all the options and this one kept coming up as a top rated hotel. We booked it, and loved it. It was incredibly comfortable beds, a wonderful staff, great breakfast and a very easy walk to the train station for day tripping. It was also an easy walk to the shore and great restaurants. We would definitely go back here again when we return to Nice. The area did not feel unsafe at all. Can't say enough good things.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187234-d7932671-Reviews-Ibis_Styles_Nice_Centre_Gare-Nice_French_Riviera_Cote_d_Azur_Provence_Alpes_Cote_d_Azu.html

Hotel Grimaldi or Hotel Wilson near Place Massena are great.

We like to stay in Vieux Nice (old town).... we love the area and the vibe.

I generally would not stay near the train station. The exception might be the new Hilton in the Iconic, when it opens later this year. The reason is that the nearby restaurants, cafes, boulangeries and shops are average and below, although as you get close to Jean Medecin there are more. You will have a much better experience the closer you get to Place Massena or in the Old Town. Most of the nicer hotels are located a few block south, in the Carre d'Or or along the water. It's not a difficult walk to the station and Tram 1 also takes you there (and the trams run just a few minutes apart).

We are heading to the Nice area for 7 nights as part of a trip in April. This is not what you asked for but when searching for a home base we decided to stay in Beaulieu Sur Mer for six nights for exploring the Cote. Our hotel is a few minutes from their train station. Hopefully this will be a good idea. Dining and nightlife is limited in Beaulieu Sur Mer but we eat our big meal usually as lunch (I hear the town is a little "sleepy"). As we are there Sunday, April 30 and May 1 we plan to do coastal walks from Beaulieu (when transportation is limited). I was able to get a room with a balcony overlooking the harbor for a great rate. We will "splurge" (for us) and spend the last night in Nice at The West End. I'll report back how it goes.
FYI I For anyone in the area May 1 -I emailed to confirm -Villa and gardens Ephrussi de Rothschild will be open.

While we are on the subject of Nice hotels, in early June I'm staying at the Hotel Splended which is 1/2 mile from the train station and 1/4 mile to the water. Rick mentions it in his book and gives it a pretty good write up. But that said, has anyone had first hand experience with that hotel? I'd love to hear your comments.

Thanks,

Tom

We stayed at the Ibis Nice Centre Notre Dame which was near the train station and fine. Friendly staff

We stayed at the Hotel Gounod from Rick's France Book. It's a less expensive partner to the Hotel Splendid, and has access to the rooftop pool at the Splendid. Our room at the Gounod was small but pleasant and quiet. Front desk was helpful. According to the RS Guide, the Splendid is nicer and sounds great.

We would never stay near Nice’s train station. Our favorite neighborhood is on the west side of town ,the area behind Hotel Negresco. Only go near the train station to catch a train.

I agree with Alexander. I stay at the Hotel Grimaldi when I am in Nice. It is well located on a side street and is convenient to everything, the staff is helpful, the breakfast is good, the room and bed are comfortable.

Suki, my father stayed two weeks last December in an Airbnb a block behind Hotel Negresco. He absolutely loved the area!