lodging in/near Nice, France

John, Are you referring to the RS Paris & The South of France tour? If that's the case, I'd just arrange a few extra nights in the Hotel used by the tour. That's the easiest solution and the one I'd use. If you'd rather not stay in the same Hotel, check the Guidebook for other nearby Hotels. Given your location, you could always take a short drive to Edmonds, and use the Guidebooks in the Library at ETBD for no charge. That would also give you the opportunity to speak with Rick's staff, as I'm sure they'd be able to provide tips on good Hotels that may not be listed in the Guidebooks. Happy travels!

Last year we stayed in a B & B close to St. Paul de Vence (about 17 K from Nice). We loved that area and the B & B was lovely, with a great pool and quiet location. Here's the website: http://www.lemas-desamandiers.com/index-eng.php
The prices are about 95-110 euro/night including breakfast depending on what part of September you would be staying. Wendy was a lovely hostess, speaking English and French. You would need to rent a car, but we think it would be worth it to be able to explore that area. Nice is very busy and we preferred the area around St. Paul.

Last spring (2010) I stayed at Hotel Durante in Nice. I think it is in the RS book. Rates were reasonable; breakfast was an extra charge but generous. The management was very helpful. The hotel is very close to the train station but in a little cul-de-sac which is quiet. There is a pleasant outdoor area which should be nice in September.

I recommend the Hotel Darse in Villefranche sur Mer. Be sure to get a room with a view.

If you are comfortable staying on in Nice- stay the extra days in the RS tour hotel. You will be familiar with the area, wont have to waste time moving, will have some "credibility" with the hotel, and presumably the rates are more than fair. That is what I prefer to do in similar situations.

Second for Villefranche-sur-mer. We stayed at the Hotel la Flore - Beautiful view, but I would stay at the Welome hotel on the waterfront next time (and I hope there is one!)

A couple months ago we stayed at Le Petit Trianon and it is a wonderful small (8 rooms) hotel. Great rooms (computer included) and great location and the rates were very reasonable. I would definitely return and stay longer next time.

http://hotel-lausanne-nice.com/ is a nice 3star hotel located in the heart of the city. Only 5 minutes from the train station, it's very convenient to get there and back to the train. It's a very nice walk to the Promenade with bakeries and cafes on the way there! The price is also a plus! :)

In 2006, we stayed at the Hotel Mercure Marche aux Fleurs. We upgraded to a small suite which looked out to the sea. It was a great room because the Carnivale parade went by just outside. We have used Mercures in a number of towns in France. If one of you is 55 or older, the room rate is based on two persons for the price of one. You can also get a two for one price for the breakfasts. There is no obligation to take the breakfast. We also stayed at the Boscolo Plaza Hotel. It was near the Albert 1st gardens and the Place Massena. We were given a room facing the gardens with a very large terrace. There are a number of negative reviews on TripAdvisor but we were pleased with our room. From our terrace, we could watch the 2007 Carnivale parade.