Have you considered staying in Cannes instead of Nice? Or, staying a few days in Cannes? They have some fabulous hotels that may appeal to both you and your husband. It's about 30-40 minutes from Nice, but a smaller city. Has great restaurants and sandy beach area.

Great restaurants and sandy beaches are definitely what Cannes has to offer--but there's much more to Nice.

we stayed at the Radisson (company paid for it) with an ocean view and balcony. Definitely has an "American" feel to it, but it does meet your criteria of having a balcony.

The Raidsson is a nice hotel, but it's some distance from the central part of Nice and, especially, the old town.

I spoke with my husband who said he is okay booking elsewhere and saving our Starwood points elsewhere down the line..
I am now leaning towards Palais del la mediterranee...

Kathryncee - I have come to the same decision - making a reservation at
Palais de la mediterranee - it was a toss up between La Perouse and Palais de la mediterranee.

There is an article in today's New York Times (Sunday Travel Section) on Palais Mediterranee. You can access the article by going to www.nytimes.com

Do not stay that the Negresco. What a dump! Worn carpets and it smells like mold. I got into a huge fight with the doorman because he wanted to see my room key before I entered the hotel. He didn't think I was staying there because I was dressed in shorts and had a backpack (I just came fromt he beach you merdehead!) I almost had him fired, but felt sorry for him because he had a family. Top hotels should do a better job of training the help.

Cheers.

We stayed at Le Palais de la Mediterannee last July and really loved it. We hada lovely room with a balcony looking out over the pool and to the sea. The only weird part is that the hotel was renovated in such a way that you are literally looking through the columns of the upper floor out to sea, instead of having a balcony right at street level, across from the sea.

Anyway, we were very pleased with our room, which was decorated in soft oranges and yellows. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the AC was FREEZING, which can be a rarity at many French hotels, although this isn't much of an issue for you if you go in October.

We thought the hotel amenties were very good as well. There was a lavish breakfast buffet served at the pool level. The pool itself, though small, was useable for a quick dip. We also took advantage of the well-equipped health club.

As for location, it's hard to beat. We used to go to Nice every summer to visit friends, and stayed at The Westminster, but this is a much newer property, and a few blocks closer to Viuex Nice. Of course the sea is just across the street.

Like many hotels along the Promenade, Palais de la Mediterranne charges for the use of its beach club, which is just across the street. This was pretty much the only thing that annoyed us about the property.

I almost forgot- I got a really good deal on this hotel through the website LEADING LUXURY HOTELS OF THE WORLD. You might want to check it out before booking elsewhere!

To Weadles and Imitation of Christ - thanks for the feedback. Feel better about making the decision! Will definitely checkout the travel news article!
Kathryncee, what are your thoughts?

I am so glad I could help you. Have a nice trip to Nice.

Nice is Nice. :)

ImitationofChrist,

My husband had the same experience with the doorman at The Negresco several years ago! Maybe its in their training manual? LOL!

Agree completely with your assessment of the place, and never understood the fuss over the restaurant, either. For the money, there are so many better places to eat and stay in lovely Nice!

Thanks SO much for the feedback... Jennie- In Travel and Leisure magazine (August Issue, pg. 34, there is a "special" list with the Le Palais de la Mediterranee.. it said for 3 nights it's about 75.00 (dollars, not euros), good thru December- early check in/late check out, breakfast for 2, room upgrade if available, and welcome drinks at the bar...

I went to their website as well as Concorde Hotels site and no such special was listed.

I called the Leading World Hotels who said there were no specials like that listed. They gave me the reservation specialist at the Concorde Hotel's email address and I emailed them to see if they would honor it.

I'll let you know what I find.
Also, since I'll be there (hopefully!) in August, I'll let you know when I return what I thought- though it sounds like it's great!

Thanks again for all the helpful posts!

I was able to find more discounted rates as I got closer to our dates. You might want to book now, then recheck as the time gets nearer.

Also- when booking, request a floor above the pool level, and in the center of the building, so that your seaview won't be mostly blocked.

We stayed at the Meridien in May. It is in a great location and the service was excellent, but the room definitely needed an overhaul. The carpet had many stains and basically the room needed new everything! The room was large enough but loverlooked a totally nondescript coutyard. I think I would stay elsewhere next time.

Weadles- excellent idea... am going to book tommorow if I don't hear from the hotel guy!

Mimi- that is exactly what I was afraid of regarding the Meridien. Thanks!

Feeling so much better about the change.

Great article in the NY Times by the way, thanks for the link.. I'll keep you posted

The Chantecler restaurant at the Negresco was great back when Jacques Maximin was the chef. We've never gone back, but I doubt that anyone else has come close to the days of Maximin. l I wish he'd taken that inspiration to the restaurant he now has in Vence, but when we ate there we were entirely underwhelmed.

Update: I received an email from Concorde Hotels- not providing me any info regarding the status of the special mentioned in the magazine, only that the hotel was completely sold out that weekend.

I then went on Leading HOtels of the World and made a reservation for that weekend!

Any suggestions?

Now Corcorde is saying that they are not running the special but Leading World Hotels are.... Leading World says no special for that weekend.... tried to see if there was something comparable but they said no, nothing at all.

I am still going to stay at this hotel.. just a bit aggravated as I feel that I'm being somewhat misled... Am I blowing this out of proportion?????

Several years ago, we stayed at the Vista Palace Hotel which is outside of Nice in Roguebrunne (?) Cap Martin(?). It was the most fabulous hotel and we still talk about it. It is a small hotel that sits on top of a cliff overlooking the sea. There is a balcony to enjoy the view and an automatic awning which operates from the bed. Just a stunning view. It is not far to drive to Menton or to drive back into Nice for sightseeing or dinner.

Each hotel rep is given certain allotments of rooms. That's why one company can be sold out and the other still has availability. If you still want to stay there ( sounds like you do), book with Leading Hotels, then check back as it gets closer to your date to see if they are offering that special or other discounts.

Good luck!