California by Nestor&Jeeves

Getting the keys from the drop box was quick, and the apartment instructions were clear. The vestibule door was another matter: opening it took so much force that we worried the key might break. We called for help and learned that after meeting resistance, you have to turn it firmly. The apartment is much larger than others we've stayed in around France, and at first glance its stark, minimalist finishings look pleasant. Once we'd unpacked, though, we found quite a few problems. Most concerning, one of the two bathrooms had no toilet. The kitchen cupboards were crammed with mismatched plates and bowls for 13-16 people, plus assorted cups and glasses, despite the dining table seating just five. The mismatched chairs were uncomfortable, and the cutlery was very cheap. There was no room for groceries, so we took most of the dishes out and kept six of each type. We moved books and pictures out of the tall bookcase by the kitchen and used it for pantry food and the extra dishes. A bottom drawer was stuffed with appliance installation and warranty papers in ripped plastic bags. The appliances worked, but their controls were cryptic, so we needed the manuals. It would have been much easier if the operating instructions were together in a binder. The furniture was generally in good condition but uncomfortable. It sits very low, which made getting up from the couches hard for me as a tall, older person; the beds were low too. The foam mattresses were medium-firm and reasonably comfortable, and there were enough different pillows to find one that suited. The app warned us not to remove pillow protectors, though most of the pillows we used had none. The mattress protectors were worn and need replacing. We missed having a duvet, since the wool blankets provided took two each to keep us warm at night. Bedroom closet space was ample. The long, shaggy wool throw pillows in the living room looked like they needed cleaning, given that different guests use the apartment year-round. Bathroom towels were thin and rough, like gym towels, and there was no bathroom shelving. The bathroom with a toilet also had a faint but persistent smell, perhaps from the building's age and waste system. At checkout, it would have been much more convenient to leave the keys in the apartment by the required departure time instead of returning them to the Nestor & Jeeves office.

For a month, from the end of January through the end of February, I had a home here. I travel a lot and have stayed in luxury hotels and apartments, and this was exactly what I was looking for. Every morning I woke up happy to be there. Sunlight filled the apartment, and the sea view was fabulous. It was perfectly placed just steps from the Promenade des Anglais, with tasteful decor and top-quality furniture, appliances, and dishes. The Nestor and Jeeves team responded quickly and efficiently, and the owner was very responsive. I'll be back next year. A true gem.

My daughter and I rented an apartment from Nestor&Jeeves for a month in March. On the first night we found no duvets or blankets, so we had to stay at a hotel and pay €114.12. The manager said I had already been reimbursed €120, but gave me neither proof of a bank transfer nor a payment date. From March 29th until May 19th, when I wrote this, the money still hadn't arrived. I've spent an enormous amount of time and energy trying to get it back. I never expected such a deeply disappointing experience in Nice, France. Nestor&Jeeves has a serious integrity problem.

The place we rented from N&J in December 2025 was beautiful and nicely furnished. We've booked with them several times because they have a good range of apartments. Their booking process is clear and easy to use, check-in and checkout are straightforward, and the service is excellent.