NH Nice

Owned by the Spanish NH chain, this eight-story hotel stands tall, with a facade of stucco and glass fronted by a covered entrance. There are few surprises here for those that are familiar with the brand, and interiors are done in fresh, if simple, decor. Inside, the expansive lobby is modern and minimalist, with a neutral color scheme that includes plenty of brown and beige, with sharp abstract contemporary art hung on the walls -- it adds a bit of character, if not necessarily color. The lobby does have a chain-like, business vibe -- you'll see fridges selling snacks and the like in the lobby -- and there are numerous seating areas with sofas, chairs, and tables providing places for guests to gather for small meetings or just to hang out. Despite the hotel's businesslike ambience, it also attracts couples, families, and groups of friends for its reasonable rates and modern style. 

The hotel is located next to the Hotel Novotel and around the corner from the Acropolis Palais des Congres (Nice's convention center). The Old Town is 15 minutes away on foot, and it's a five-minute tram ride to the city center or to the sea. The Modern and Contemporary Art Museum is about a 12-minute walk from the hotel, and the grand 17th-century Palais Lascaris will take just over 15 minutes to reach on foot. From the train station, guests can catch the tram on Rue Jean Medecin and get off at Palais des Expositions. The tram stops right in front of the hotel, convenient for getting around the city and farther afield. The Cote d'Azur airport is 10 to 15 minutes away by car, or guests can take Bus No. 98 from the Promenade des Arts stop, a 15-minute walk from the hotel. For those traveling around the area by car, Antibes is 40 minutes away by road, and it's 90 minutes to St.-Tropez.

Like the hotel's common areas -- and true to the brand -- rooms here are straightforward and tastefully done in simple modern decor. Design elements vary, but most rooms have at least a pop of bright color to break up the abundance of tan and light wood. Expect to see bright lime-green accents against white walls in most rooms, sleek white and metal furniture, and polished hardwood floors. Other rooms have a more subdued neutral color scheme of beige and gray, with a funky turquoise chair to liven things up. The damask accent walls in some of the rooms, or the sleek trapezoidal light fixtures in others, are a particularly nice touch. They come in three types: Standard, Superior, and Junior Suites, and all feature air-conditioning, minibars, flat-screen TVs, work desks, and safes. Superior Rooms and Junior Suites add kettles and coffeemakers, while Junior Suites have separate living areas with sofa beds -- these can sleep up to four people. Bathrooms vary a bit but do feel a little dated, with a blend of white and tan tile walls, floors, and countertops. All categories have generous counter space as well as hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and toiletries. Some rooms have nice views of the city. 

Open May to September, the rooftop terrace offers a pool and bar along with beautiful views of the city. The rectangular pool is unfortunately not heated, but it's surrounded by lounge chairs and parasols for poolside relaxing. The small fitness center on the sixth floor is equipped with a treadmill, a stationary bike, weight machine, free weights, and a sauna. A flat-screen TV helps entertain, and a small window allows in natural light. Towels, water, and fruit are provided. 

For an extra fee, guests can start their day with a breakfast buffet that offers a variety of juices, pastries, cold cuts, cheeses, fruits, yogurt, and breads. Hot dishes can be ordered. The contemporary, businesslike restaurant also serves French and Mediterranean fare for lunch and dinner. The terrace is a nice spot for dining alfresco in warmer months, and barbecues are frequently held there in the summer. Three meeting rooms can accommodate up to 80 people, and catering is available. A business desk in the lobby allows guests to check email and print boarding passes, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. There's no on-site parking, but there are pay facilities nearby.