Promenade des Anglais vs Old Town
The Promenade holds the Negresco, Anantara Plaza and Hyatt Regency, all facing the Baie des Anges with easy tram and airport access. The Old Town, five minutes inland, trades sea view for atmosphere — La Pérouse sits cliffside above it, and Le Méridien and Aston La Scala split the difference a block or two back from the water.
Why Nice works as a hub
Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE) is France's third-busiest airport and the Riviera's only major one — 20 minutes from central Nice, 30 from Monaco, 45 from Cannes by car, or a helicopter transfer to Monaco in 7 minutes. The coastal train (TER) links Menton–Monaco–Nice–Antibes–Cannes cheaply, making Nice the base that lets you day-trip the whole coast without renting a car.
“Nice's airport and central position make it the only Riviera base that lets you day-trip the whole coast without repacking.”
What to see from a Nice base
The Old Town's Cours Saleya flower market and socca stalls, Castle Hill's viewpoint over the bay, and easy day trips to Èze (20 min), Monaco (30 min), and Cannes (45 min) all radiate from a Nice hotel.
