Hotel So’co by HappyCulture

Housed in an elegant six-story building with wrought-iron balconies and ornate moldings across its facade, the mid-range Best Western Hotel So’Co feels stately and upscale from the outside. Inside, however, the lobby is quite unlike its exterior, but not necessarily in a negative way. Top-to-bottom renovations in late 2016 gave the property a stylish look throughout, with hip interiors that draw heavily on industrial-style elements such as concrete, metal-and-wood furniture, pressed wood panels, leather seating, and dark accents. Warehouse windows offering street views make common areas light and appealing, while the combination of large leather Chesterfield couches and eclectic artwork on walls lend spaces a cool, casual feel.

Most guests here are value-focused couples who don’t mind staying a bit away from the tourist areas in central Nice or who plan to go on day trips to nearby cities such as Cannes, Antibes, or Monte Carlo by train. However, those on a slightly tighter budget can find a few good options in the area, including Hotel Aria, a cute historic property with modern interiors and free Wi-Fi. Hotel Villa Rivoli, a charming boutique with elegant rooms, a leafy garden, and competitive rates is a great alternative for travelers who want to stay closer to the action and the beach. Splendid Hotel & Spa is a tad more expensive, but features a rooftop pool, full-service spa, and small fitness center. 

Best Western Hotel So’Co is located on a tree-lined street in a busy area northwest of the Old Town, known as the Musicians Quarter. Although it has been described as slightly seedy at night by some guests, the neighborhood is generally safe, and there are many restaurants, cafes, and shops around. This location offers easy access to short- and long-distance trains, as Nice Ville station is just a three-minute walk away. Jean Medecin Avenue, the main shopping street in Nice, can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot, while famous Promenade des Anglais, the beach, and Marc Chagall National Museum are only 15-minute walks away. The heart of the Old Town is about 25 minutes away, either on foot or by public transportation, as is the Modern and Contemporary Art Museum. The drive to Nice's Cote d’Azur Airport takes about 15 minutes, or 30 minutes by public transportation. 

The hotel has 50 rooms spread over six floors, all fully renovated in late 2016 and featuring the same chic industrial design as the hotel’s public areas. Walls are painted gray with thick white and brown strokes to give an unfinished, raw concrete appearance, while accent walls made of pressed wood chips or painted in dark hues lend rooms a contemporary warehouse feel. Brown leather chairs and reading lights balance out the colder industrial elements.

Each room is equipped with a great array of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, mini-fridges, electric kettles, air-conditioning, and safes. A handful of units have small balconies overlooking the street, while other look out onto the backs of the neighboring buildings. Rooms range from single to triple units, but most are small, and triples can feel cramped with three guests. Bathrooms are simple but clean and contemporary, with gray floor tiles, subway-style wall tiles, rectangular sinks over metal vanities, and either showers or shower/tub combos. Hairdryers and heated towel racks are available in all rooms, and two-in-one shower gel and shampoo are provided in bulk wall-mounted containers.

The Best Western Hotel So’Co is light on amenities, lacking a full restaurant and gym. There is a stylish, light-filled dining room located off the lobby where continental breakfasts can be ordered for a fee. There is a coffee machine offering several types of espresso-based drinks, as well as a small table placed against the wall with cereal and jams. Guests can get their own food from fridges filled with fruit, ham, cheese, and yogurt, while eggs are available for guests to boil to taste. No other meals are served on-site, and room service is not available. There is a popcorn machine and a foosball table placed by the windows in the breakfast room, as well as lots of comfortable seating and several shelves with books that guests can borrow during their stay. 

This pet-friendly property allows dogs for a daily cleaning fee. Printing and copying services are available at front desk, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Portable Wi-Fi devices can be rented for a daily fee.