Another opportunity to spend some time in Europe, found us flying in and out of the lovely city of Nice. In between we would spend the best part of a month in Andalucia.
On our last couple of trips to Europe, we have chosen to fly with Air France from Vancouver. While this does mean a connection in Paris (which can be interesting), we have found that tickets to second hop cities are often cheaper than a ticket to Paris (even though you pass through Paris). It’s crazy, but true in our experience.
We chose Nice (and southern Spain) because we were looking to eke out as much winter sun as we could and quite honestly the airfares we found were so reasonable they made the decision for us.
I had been to Nice once before (to watch some of European Championship in 2016) and had fond memories of the city, albeit through the lens of a boy's trip.
Turns out that my memories were accurate, it really is a lovely place. Beautiful location, lovely old town and harbour, great food and wine. One could easily settle in and spend weeks here to explore both Nice and the vicinity.
As it was the middle of February the town was in partial hibernation – several of the most important museums closed, many bars and restaurants (especially around the harbour) shuttered, and blissfully not many tourists around. Apart from the first day, the weather was decent with enough sunshine to enjoy the promenade and views.
Will definitely be coming back and spending more time.
STAYING (prices are from February 2024)
AC Hotel Nice (59 Promenade Des Anglais)
Nice modern hotel just off the Promenade De Anglais. A nice 15-minute walk to the old town along the promenade or a quick trip on Tram Line 2 (the nearest stop, Centre Universitaire Méditerranéen, is just a 5-minute walk away).
The rooms are spacious enough and well equipped. The staff are both friendly and efficient. I can imagine that in the summer, the rooftop pool and bar must be a brilliant place to hang out. Not so much in February….
Stayed here on a Bonvoy points redemption.
Highly recommended.
Sheraton Nice Airport Hotel (480 Promenade Des Anglais)
This was a strange one.
The Sheraton at Nice Airport is a sparkling new hotel, designed primarily for the business traveller. We stayed here on our way back home because we had a very early flight and figured being at the airport would be the smart thing to do. Didn’t really turn out that way.
The hotel is nice enough, if a bit sterile. Rooms are modern and of a decent size. Beds are comfortable and the bathrooms are just fine. There is a bar and restaurant with a regular hotel type menu.
The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Terminal 1. If you are flying in to or out of Terminal 2, you simply take the free tram (Line 2) from Terminal 2 to Terminal 1 (or vice versa) and then walk.
Problem is that the tram does not start running until 5.00am, so if you need to be at Terminal 2 by 5.00am or earlier then you need to take a cab or uber. At that time, they both charge a night rate so you will have to pay €35.00 to €50.00 for a cab or €25.00 to €35.00 for an uber for a 4-minute ride!!!
Nice’s tram system is fantastic and it’s easy to get into town from the Airport. Quick tip - if you buy a ticket from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, getting into town it will cost you €10.00. If you take the tram (for free) and get off at the first stop outside the airport, which is called Grand Arenas, and then buy your ticket it will cost you €1.70 for a single ticket or €7.00 for a 24-hour ticket. Many people were doing this.
We stayed at the Sheraton Nice on a Bonvoy points and cash redemption.
Recommended for a business stay only, and only then if you have a flight after 7.00am from Terminal 2. Would not stay here again for a leisure trip.