Auberge de Jeunesse HI Nice - Les Camélias

I left my brand-new earbuds behind after checking out, but the lovely guy at reception went and found them himself and kept them safe when I called. I’ll always be grateful. I also loved the outdoor area, which is really cute both during the day and at night.

I liked the outdoor seating, but the price didn’t feel worth it to me. The breakfast was disappointing, and when the weather started getting warmer, the room was so hot. My bed was joined to another person’s, with only a thin piece of wood between us, so there was very little privacy.

I loved my stay at Hostel Les Camélias. It’s right in the city center and an easy walk to the beach, and the staff made the place feel relaxed and welcoming. They were always smiling, joking, and ready to help. I felt safe throughout my stay, with clear rules that people followed, and the rooms and shared areas were thoroughly cleaned every day. It all felt fresh and comfortable. A few things to keep in mind: there’s no air conditioning, so summer can get very hot, and there are mosquitoes, so you may want to bring or buy repellent cream. Breakfast is basic, too, and there aren’t lactose-free options for anyone who’s lactose intolerant. Even with those downsides, I really enjoyed staying here and would recommend Hostel Les Camélias to anyone looking for somewhere clean, safe, and welcoming in Nice.

The location is excellent, with shops, the shopping street, the beach, and tram and bus stops all nearby. I also liked the included breakfast and the outdoor seating, though there are lots of pigeons around and they’ll try to steal your food. There’s a kitchen with a fridge for food and drinks, which is really useful. Label your things with a post-it so they don’t get thrown away. The rooms had a few quirks: the sinks are inside the room, which could disturb someone if you brush your teeth while they’re sleeping, but the shower gives you good privacy and keeps the water at your chosen temperature. My pillow was too big and hard, so I slept without it. The first two nights were very hot, while the next two were normal, and I don’t know why. There are lockers for your stuff, so bring a lock.