We spent two nights at the Hotel Suisse in Nice before boarding our cruise ship in May this year. Although expensive, we felt the cost was justified as this was our first visit to Nice and the hotel was situated in one of the best locations in the town. We arrived at Nice airport at around 8.15pm and caught the bus that was waiting outside which took us straight along the Promenade to the town. From there we walked the remaining distance along the sea front to the hotel which took about 25 minutes and was very easy even with our trolley suitcases.
Our room was on the top floor and had a wonderful view over the Baie des Anges and the town which we could appreciate from our small balcony. The old town was within a few minutes’ walk in one direction and the port about 20 minutes in the opposite direction which enabled us to stroll along from the hotel around the harbour to board our ship on our last morning. The room was spotless and comfortable with good bathroom, wardrobe with safe and flat screen tv. Our only complaint was that there were no tea/coffee making facilities and not even a bottle of water in the room which we thought should be included in a hotel of that class and cost.
On our first morning we ate breakfast in the hotel – again, not cheap but a very good continental buffet. The next morning we found a lovely boulangerie in the town near the market where we could sit outside in the sunshine and enjoy a variety of different breads and croissants. Another place not to be missed was Fennochio in the Place Rossetti which sold every ice cream flavour imaginable!
The town of Nice is delightful. The market stalls offered a variety of local fare – lovely fruit and vegetables, flowers, lavender products and locally made soaps. We then took the free lift next to the Hotel Suisse up to the Parc du Chateau perched on a hill above the town where we wandered through the gardens taking in the surrounding views including a great view of the port where our cruise ship was to berth the next morning.
Our stay at this hotel made a pleasant and memorable start to our holiday and although we would love to stay here again, on our next visit we would probably find one that was less expensive.
