Urban focal point of the French Riviera, Nice is a beautiful city with a pleasant climate year-round. The city is fringed by mountains, while the Fort du Mont Alban presides over the immediate urban area, right down to the Promenade des Anglais along the Mediterranean seafront. Nice, and indeed the Cote d’Azur, can be surprisingly cheap, especially if you opt for hostel stays.
There are plenty of good hostels in Nice, but getting the right mix of atmosphere, comfort, location and price is the real trick. That is why we have compiled a list of the top five for you, taking all those considerations, and more, into account.
Ozz by Happyculture
Dorms from €26/ night
Ozz brand themselves a hotel but the property consists mostly of dorm rooms, with a double and triple room option. Although also touting their proximity to the beach, there are plenty of good hostels that are much closer. The strength of Ozz’s location is in its good proximity to the train station. The hostel is bright, well decorated and clean. There is a good deal of shared space in which to work or meet other travellers. Dorm beds are stacked three high here so be sure to request a bottom bunk when making your booking if you’re not a fan of climbing.
Villa Saint Exupery Beach Hostel
Dorms from €19/ night
This hostel is a far better example of a beach hostel. It is located a minute from the lovely Promenade du Paillon as it reaches the waterfront. This is the heart of Nice and a great area to stay, but not if you value peace and quiet. The hostel has a good fitness centre, breakfast is available for an additional fee and the whole property feels modern and clean. The prices are competitive but some of the dorms are pretty big in this hostel, housing up to 16 people.
La Maïoun Guesthouse
Dorms from €42/ night
Guests from all over unanimously adore this cute little guesthouse. The staff and service is renowned and the praise is consistent. Dorms are of no more than six people and each bed has its own individual curtain to afford you that extra, welcome dose of privacy in the shared bedroom setting. Prices may seem a little steeper but an exceptional breakfast is included in this price. The guest house has a terrace and a shared lounge area for mingling with the other patrons.
Backpackers Chez Patrick
Dorms from €25/ night
Chez Patrick is another great choice for those with early or late trains due to its good proximity to the train station. Dorm rooms here are mixed and rather basic but clean. They also have soundproofing and air conditioning, which is an important bonus come summer. There is also a washing machine and ironing facilities here so if you have been on the road for a while, this is a good place to get some of that life admin seen to.
Open House
Dorms from €20/ night
For those seeking more of a boisterous Nice hostel experience, Open House’s intimate and friendly vibe is the right place to find it. Located close to beach, bars and clubs, there is often some kind of gathering taking place in the small common area that tends to then gravitate out into the city. There is a shared kitchen at the hostel if you prefer cooking to eating out and free wifi is provided throughout. No breakfast is provided at this hostel.