Hôtel & Appartements Monsigny

The location was convenient, on a shopping street near the tram, so getting around was quick. The beds were comfortable and warm, and the ventilation, heating, and hot water all worked fine. The rooms themselves were ordinary, but the cleaning was a problem. The carpet was terribly dirty, with food marks and what looked like bodily fluids left by previous guests. The walls were paper thin, and the poorly fitted doors let in every sound and draft. Once people got noisy, you could hear everything from outside the room. I know the noise itself wasn’t the hotel’s fault, but the thin walls and doors made it much worse. The food was awful most of the time. I’m vegetarian and didn’t expect much, but the ratatouille on the first day was delicious. After that I got pasta with no salt, noodles that tasted like soap, or just potatoes, which didn’t seem very nutritious. The desserts were disappointing too. The first day’s warm, creamy apple cake was so good that it raised our expectations, but on the other days they served fruit, including old fruit left over from previous breakfasts. Breakfast itself was good, with plenty of choices, and the bacon was perfectly crisp. My classmates had a harder time with the food. One friend vomited after eating the fish, and classmates who were lactose intolerant or gluten free were given contaminated food and spent a lot of time in the bathroom. Thankfully, they didn’t have a more serious reaction. They don’t seem very careful with food, so be wary. The service was terrible. We were all Italian and did our best to communicate, but when we spoke in English, staff answered in French, even when they seemed to understand us. It felt rude. When we asked for cutlery and glasses that had been forgotten, they slammed them down, and rolled their eyes whenever we asked for anything. I didn’t expect much from a hotel booked for a school trip, but this stay was still pretty bad. We felt like liabilities instead of paying customers, and even before that, like we weren’t being treated as people.

The hotel’s right in the middle of the city, with the tram stop just a block away. It’s about a 15-minute walk to the hills and 25 minutes to the sea, and the staff were kind and welcoming. The place is adorable, with balconies and 360-degree views of Nice from the rooftop bar on the 7th floor, the 8th for Americans. The food was just okay, so I wouldn’t eat at the hotel.

For a work trip booked less than a week ahead, I needed somewhere affordable and central. Prices elsewhere were crazy, and this was one of the best deals. I’d seen some worrying reviews, but I’m glad I stayed. For one person in an economy room for two nights, it was just right for the price. The room was clean and tidy, the bathroom spotless, and though it was small, there was enough space for me. Check-in was easy, and the staff were friendly and efficient. I didn’t try the food, so can’t comment on it. It’s very convenient, right by Nice main train station and about a 15-minute walk to the city and beach. The two minor issues were the noise insulation and a broken light. My room was beside the elevator, so it could get noisy, and some loud Americans woke me at 3 a.m. That wasn’t the hotel’s fault, but light sleepers should keep it in mind. Those are small things I could overlook given the positives. If you’re travelling on a budget and want somewhere practical, I really recommend it.

We were really happy with how little street noise reached our twin room. I’m usually bothered by city bar music, but here the only sound we noticed was the tram bell now and then, and the trams stop running at night. The beds were comfortable, there was plenty of space, the shower was good, and the blackout curtains worked well. Breakfast kept us going until mid-afternoon, with fresh bread, cheeses, ham, cooked food, salads, and more. We also liked that the breakfast area could be used to catch up with friends, relax in the afternoon, or have a snack. The location was a lovely surprise. Liberation tram stop on line 1 is almost right outside, with a direct ride to Place Massena and, a stop or two farther, the Old Town. There’s also a lovely bakery on the corner to the left as you leave the hotel. Staff were friendly and welcoming. The only downside for us was the roof terrace, where the male staff seemed cliquey and we didn’t always feel welcome. Best 3-star hotel I’ve stayed at in Nice. I’d happily return and recommend it.