Hi everyone- My daughters and I (family of four) are taking our second European trip in July 2013. We would like to visit Nice for 4 days. Can anyone recommend a good hotel? We would like something with at least 4 stars - close to or has a private beach, close to restaurants, with nice balcony views of the sea and good air conditioning. We don't mind spending a little extra for something nice, but funds aren't unlimited either. We are also staying in Italy and Germany and didn't seem to have as much trouble finding hotels there, but knowing how French hotels can be, we are having trouble deciding. Some books have recommended staying by Old Nice where there are lots of restaurants, bakeries, night life, views; and some say the same about the center of the Promenade. We were looking at possibly La Perouse, Hotel Negresco, or Hotel Suisse but are so confused. Please help! Are these good or any other suggestions?

The Negresco is an institution in Nice. I would love to stay there if somebody else were paying.

However, if you want guaranteed nice modern room, the Méridien is extremely popular and well located.

I stayed at La Perouse several years ago in a room with a beautiful view of the sea. It's at the eastern edge of the old town, literally built into a cliff, a smaller "boutique" hotel compared to the Negresco. You won't get stunning public spaces at La Perouse. So, very different hotels except for the price.

I'd go for Le Perouse - nice pool (do the others you are considering have a pool as the Nice beach is very pebbly), location close to Old Town and most rooms have great views. For a pleasant sandy beach day, head up to Antibes.

The La Pérouse is a charming hotel, but you need to book a deluxe room--the standard ones are on the small side. The location is very good: only a few minutes' walk to Vieux Nice and not far from Place Masséna and the pedestrian zone rue Masséna, where you'll find a good choice of moderately priced restaurants.

Nice doesn't have private beaches, although some hotels offer sections with loungers for a fee.

Thanks everyone! Will look at the meridien and la perouse and see which hotel has availability and the right price for us.