We will be flying into Nice, France in about ten days and I have seen mixed reviews on the best way to get to downtown Nice. Our hotel is in the Old Town section. It looks like it's just a ten minute drive. We are not renting a car. Is a taxi the best? Thanks.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Hi, Julia. Expect a taxi to cost about 35 euros. Airport express bus #98 runs 3/hour, costs about 6 euros per person, and runs along the Promenade des Anglais to the edge of the Vieux Nice/Old Town. If you have one of Rick's guidebooks, then see also the "Connections" summary at the end of the Nice chapter and bus stops marked on the "Nice Restaurants" map.
Posted by
OP
Walnut Creek, California, United States
6 posts
Thanks so much. We are staying at the Mercure Nice Promenade Des Anglais. I just found it on Expedia. Any tips on that?
Posted by
Decorah, Iowa, USA
345 posts
I would suggest taking a taxi to your hotel. Yes, you can always take a bus but that also depends on the amount of luggage you will have. Taking a taxi will save a lot of waiting and hassles. Other people may disagree and tell you to take a bus but we would rather pay a little more and avoid problems.
We have stayed at the Mercure Marche aux Fleurs twice. Each time, we were able to get a small suite that faces the ocean and the Promenade. There is no balcony. However, if I remember correctly, a poster on this website said that she was staying one floor above ours and would have a very small balcony.
The breakfast room is downstairs and is quite nice. There was a wonderful breakfast buffet that we used.
Since we are over 60 years old, Mercures have special deals on the price of the rooms and breakfast. Ask about it.
There are two Mercures in the same general area. The Mercure Promenade des Anglais is closer to the airport and farther from Vieux Nice. The Mercure Marche aux Fleurs is within three to four blocks from the older part of Nice with the daily markets. Check out the difference between the two hotels.
Posted by
Paris
10192 posts
I've always take the bus and used the savings from not spending on a taxi on other things -- dinner, something at the market on Cours Saleya, breakfast, whatever. To me, there's just no need to spend money on a taxi when the bus follows the same route, and both will get stuck in the same traffic. And the walk to the hotel from where you get off the bis should be short and in nice sunny weather!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32350 posts
Julia,
Although it's a bit pricey, I'd probably opt for a Taxi. You'll probably be tired and hauling luggage, so it would be the easiest solution and you'll be taken right to the hotel.