We are trying to choose between places to stay on the French Riviera. Does anyone have any input on the Chateau Eza in Ez? How about the Hotel Brise-Marine in St. Jean? Thanks---

They're quite different hotels. Château Eza is rather medieval in feel and a quite expensive 4* operation, while the Brise-Marine is more of a 2*. Both are in lovely settings, however, but the Brise-Marine would be more centrally located for sightseeing.

Hi, Danen,

I stayed at the Brise Marine about seven years ago and thought the location was ideal. Breakfast overlooking the sea there is spectacular. And the hosts are very friendly and helpful. But, it is a very different hotel from the Chateau Eza. The Brise Marine is a 3* with nice but not spectacular or large rooms (though there may be larger or nicer rooms with sea views that would definitely be worth inquiring about). The Brise Marine is definitely better located than the Chateau Eza if you intend to spend lots of time in Nice or points west.

The Chateau Eza is somewhere I have dreamed of staying as a splurge, but have not yet done so. But, you do it for the experience of staying there, not for its location relative to tourist sights (though it is much closer to Monaco than the Brise Marine if you desire to spend a lot of time there)..

Hope this is helpful.

John H.

Just a reply to my own "thread". We visited Ez and found it wonderful. It was, however, remote. We ended up staying at the Brise Marine. We have never stayed anywhere WORSE!! The rooms were small, outdated, and smelled horrible. The staff was the real kicker - they were absolutely RUDE. We ended up leaving the hotel after only one night there and took the financial loss. I hope this serves as a warning to others that might be considering this hotel.

Oops. We're booked there for one night in May, although don't plan much time in our room. I did it with trepidation as someone on a past thread a couple years ago had their passport stolen by someone who got in through a window or French door.
Would like to hear any more recent input.
Re: the rude staff. Do you speak French? I had planned to go by in the a.m. and leave our luggage there.

Topping for more input.