Backpackers Chez Patrick

The location is great, near the train station and a busy shopping centre. The beach is a 20 min walk, and the old town, with its social and tourist spots, is a little farther. The rooms have good air conditioning, and the hostel is quieter than others I've stayed in. That seems nice until you realize there's nowhere to socialize except the couch by reception in the hall. There are only 2 showers and 2 toilets, but I never had to wait long to use either. The hostel closes for cleaning from 11.00 to 14.00, which seems fair if there's a lot to clean, though it's inconvenient after a night out. I stayed Monday till friday, and my bed never got fresh sheets. My pillow had no cover, and sometimes the whole hostel smelled a bit. It left me wondering what they actually clean during those hours. The receptionist is very friendly and happy to give tips. But you have to check out before 11, and you can't leave your luggage there for even 2 hours. That means finding somewhere to store it or walking around Nice with a suitcase.

The owners were kind and helpful, and the hostel was clean with the amenities I needed. The kitchen works for putting meals together and storing dishes, but not for cooking. Wifi, laundry and other amenities are available. There are only 2 toilettes and 2 bathrooms, and the place is maintained every day from 10 to 2 pm, so guests need to help keep things neat. It's affordable and easy to reach from the Airport and Nice's main station. One of the cleaner hostels I've stayed in, and a good choice if you'll spend most of your time sightseeing.

The kind woman running the hostel was helpful, and it was close to the train station, beside a busy street full of shops and cafes. The beds were clean enough, and at least there was a roof over our heads. But there was nowhere sizable to socialize, and the whole place smelled bad. The two shared toilets had no sinks, and the two showers and toilets were all tiny rooms scattered around the building. The dorm sinks didn't seem to have hot water, my room had no hand soap, and the wifi stopped working during my stay. Worst of all were the lockers. They were too small for my backpack and could be opened easily even with my padlock on. I didn't trust them, so I kept my things in bed while sleeping and carried valuables with me during the day. The hostel was pretty bad, though it did give me a reason to get out and explore Nice for a couple days.

The hostel is very clean, and the bedrooms are comfortable. The staff and Patrick are so welcoming, some of the kindest people in Nice. Ask him for something and he'll do his best to help. The location is really central, and you probably won't find cheaper prices in Nice. Recommended!