I’ve stayed in this small, family-run, c1850 built hotel on-and-off over the past 15 years or so, under different owners – sometimes with my wife; at others (like this visit) on my own. It’s had a number of improvements – including double glazed French doors to replace the original wooden, single-glazed items that fitted the quaintness, but allowed in too much noise! The furnishings are pleasantly in character with the building.
Being an older building, no two rooms are the same – different sizes, different outlook; front or back, lower or higher floors – so a range of prices from below to above average for the area. The morning rubbish collection (6am) used to be a rude awakening for front-room dwellers but now, with the double glazing, you might hear it but it’s nowhere near as intrusive as before. Just use your imagination and pretend it’s the stage-coach rumbling over the cobble stones.
The front outlook is to the mountains beyond Nice in one direction – and overlooks the la poste square with its cafés, children’s playgrounds and carousel … and you can catch a ride on ‘le petit train’ here during the season, for the ride to Juan-les-Pins.
All town centre shops and restaurants are in easy walking distance; as are the beach and Port Vauban – the largest yacht marina in Europe – and more (generally larger) restaurants facing. The main railway station (la gare) and bus station are also an easy walk away.
Free Wi-Fi; and Standard buffet breakfast (an additional cost, as with most French hotels) complete the package – which reminds me … French (and continental) hotels in general don’t provide in-room tea/coffee brewing facilities. The Postillon bar is open ‘till 10pm, but if you want a cuppa before going to breakfast, or just to enjoy (in lieu of the wine?) on your own balcony of an afternoon – without it coming upstairs – a travelling kettle is a sensible investment! Only small criticism is the bath-towels – they could be larger (to accommodate my girth)!
We do use other hotels in the area from time to time, but are always happy to return to the Relais du Postillon.
