Mercure Nice Centre Grimaldi Hotel

The staff were nice, but said they couldn’t do anything about the air conditioning, and that ruined our whole stay. First, we didn’t get the balcony room we’d booked because its AC wasn’t working, so my pregnant wife and I had to accept a lower room without a balcony on our babymoon. The air conditioning in the replacement room was very weak. A technician came to fix it, and it was bearable for a day, but then it stopped working altogether. We didn’t sleep at all during the last two nights. I complained to staff four times, but nothing was done.

I asked reception if I could use the phone to handle an urgent problem with a domestic airline. They said yes and even helped dial the number. While I was still speaking to the airline, a receptionist came over and rudely told me to end the call because I’d “used the phone too long.” It had barely been 10-15 minutes. I explained I was mid-conversation, but she showed no understanding or professionalism. She said I should use the phone in my room, but nobody had told me that beforehand. Why give permission and help place the call, then tell me off for using it, especially with another unoccupied phone at reception? After making me hang up, they said I’d be charged for using the phone for more than 20 minutes. No one had explained that in advance, and when I asked to see the written policy, they couldn’t provide it. The problem wasn’t paying for the call or which phone I used. It was the attitude and poor customer service, including their facial expressions, body language, and tone. The whole interaction felt unfriendly and lacking in empathy. If you’re serious about running a hotel, you should look into this. It was honestly my worst experience across Accor hotels in many countries, and a very disappointing reflection on the Accor brand. I won’t return. I’m sure I can find a better option.

We were a little concerned about the location when looking at the map, but the Mercure turned out to be only a short walk from all the points of interest. The staff helped us figure out the public transport system. Breakfast was a very good quality buffet. Excellent hotel for the price, and I’d recommend it.

The artwork of clowns in the room is quite terrifying. Outside noise also started in the early hours and was extremely loud and disruptive through the night, though that isn’t exactly the hotel’s fault. The reception staff were nice, and the hotel was fairly decent. The rooms could be larger and the beds more comfortable, but they were clean enough.