We are planning on being in Nice in very early October. Since I would like to use my AMEX benefits, I am looking at two hotels. Arantara Plaza Nice and
Hotel Palais de la Mediterranee. Is anyone familiar with these hotels?

We also plan to be in Provence for a few days. Looking for suggestions for a hotel. We do not need anything grand, Anyone have any ideas?

Merci beaucoup
D

Provence is huge. I think you need to be more specific.

Thinking of staying in Avignon or Aix en Provence

One of my favorite places I've ever stayed is this place in Eygalieres.
Chambres d'hôtes en Provence et Gîtes de Luxe - Mas Notre Dame

View from my room


If you want to be in town, I loved this place in Arles (with easy garage parking a short walk away)
https://www.lecalendal.com/
The Hotel Le Calendal (and spa)

The breakfast was there was very good with lots of options and beautiful seating in their patio area


Loved soaking in the spa with the Roman arena just feet away

I would choose Aix over Avignon every time.

starrs points out two important possibilities, Arles is indeed exceptional. Plus staying out in the landscape (instead of a city) is also a great call. With a car, staying a city doesn't make as much sense.

I like to do a mix - countryside and town/ city.

On my first trip to France we took the TGV from Paris to Avignon. We stayed in a small hotel within the walls of the city for two nights. Didn't love the hotel but loved staying in the "old" part of the city. Then we took a cab back to the train station to pick up a rental car. That taxi driver was the ONLY person I've encountered in France who didn't (or pretended to not) understand us at all. In any case, have your destination written down on a piece of paper to hand to the driver so there is no confusion. He took us to the old train station instead of the new one, but I digress.

It was super easy to pick up the rental car (I always use Hertz) and I'm just happier when I'm driving out in the countryside. I like easy parking - although the parking garage suggested by the hotel was an easy option. That hotel and that trip was a "wandering" kind of trip that started in Marseille and included several stays including Arles, the fabulous mas in the countryside, a beach location and then a week at a villa (for a cooking class).

I know Aix has lots of fans. I'm not sure why I've not stayed there yet.

I tend to take personal recommendations of people I "trust" who have similar travel styles. For the past 20+ years, that's been mostly Fodorites. One in particular, now IRL friend, always has the perfect house museum to visit on any given trip. We all have different travel styles.

Thank you all. My main question was about Nice.

• We are planning on being in Nice in very early October. Since I would like to use my AMEX benefits, I am looking at two hotels. Arantara Plaza Nice and
Hotel Palais de la Mediterranee. Is anyone familiar with these hotels?•

any thoughts?

We are planning on being in Nice in very early October. Since I would like to use my AMEX benefits, I am looking at two hotels. Arantara Plaza Nice and
Hotel Palais de la Mediterranee. Is anyone familiar with these hotels?•

Maybe ask the mods to combine your threads? Use the orange triangle.

As to your question, perhaps no one here has ever stayed at either hotel to provide you with actual opinion of the properties you are seeking advice on.

Best advice: check their locations against what you want to see/do in Nice and environs. If you have a car, is parking available at/near either property or is it close to public transport to fit your needs. Does either or both property have the amenities you need (i.e. lift, 24 hour reception, etc.).

As to reviews, absent of Fodorites having direct knowledge from staying at either property, suggest checking if either hotel has online reviews. Booking.com requires someone to actually stay at a property to review. And don't ignore what folks may say on Google or Trip Advisor (though know anyone can review those properties without staying there).

The Anantara Plaza is well-suited with a view of the old town and and the sea. It is a bit off the sea, and the road directly in front does have some traffic The views from the rooftop bar and restaurant are great but the food gets mixed reviews from people I know.. The Hyatt Palais is currently closed for a major renovation, so I don't know if anyone can speak to it. it is right on the waterfront with a pool/lounge/restaurant on the 3rd floor that is sea front, but be careful with your room selection. Lower floors may pick up some noise from the Prom, but I've only eaten and had drinks there. .. If you are in that price range, you might also look at La Perouse (at the end of the Prom, more of a boutique property) and the new Maison Albar le Victoria, which is probably the quietest of the three as it fronts a park/garden that sets it back from the sea. .

First, map the location of each. AMEX card as does our Sapphire Reserve Plus picks the most expensive venues . We never pick the hotels in their showplace magazines.. Both times in Nice we stayed at the fabulous Hotel La Perouse, right along the sea, yet up into the cliff so very quiet, 1/2 block walk to old town. Renovated two years ago. Were there 30 years ago and 3 years ago. Parking available from staff. Restaurant onsite inside or on outdoor patio near pool.

Your two threads have been merged and the title edited to reflect the merge