"If a location of convenience is your primary motive when choosing accommodation options in the heart of Nice, you really can’t whim past Hôtel Le Royal Vacances Bleues without, at the very least, considering it as an option.
The hotel is located in a prime position on the Promenade des Anglais, immediately adjacent to the pebble-blanketed beaches Nice is so famously revered for. With many of the hotel’s rooms taking full advantage of the sweeping views of the ocean, and the immediate proximity to the shore for those without the advantage of those ocean view rooms, all guests of the hotel are able to fully appreciate Nice’s stunning picturesque beaches. Beyond its convenience to the call of the ocean, the hotel is positioned less than a hop, skip and jump away from an endless banquet of many and varied dining options. Quite literally, the world is your oyster when on the hunt for a feed. The only problem being which of said endless options to choose.
From its facade, to the manual revolving door and the lobby beyond it, the hotel is what I would consider to be “classically Nice”. Even the two lifts (which, although slow, will see you through to your destination) and the spiralling staircase that surrounds them somehow seems a little “classically Nice”. Perhaps it’s the relaxed vibe, or classic Nice architecture that seeps through. But you certainly feel a part of Nice when within the confines of its walls.
The rooms, although quite small, are cosy and offer relative comfort. The provision of complimentary bottles of still and sparking water (which are not replenished throughout the stay) are a nice welcome. An occasional squeaking floorboard or footsteps from above might be heard from time to time, but with the aid of a second internal door separating the bedroom from the entry and bathroom, some noise is muffled or drowned out.
My experience at the hotel, however, was considerably impacted by the constant barking of a dog in the neighbouring room on my third night. From my first call to reception at 11:15pm, to the inconsiderate guest returning at almost 2am, the frustration of being unable to sleep in a room I had paid for was palpable. My first visit in-person to reception at 12:45am following my initial calls of complaint was met with a vacant reception desk. My follow up attempt, I was kindly provided ear plugs, but they did nothing to help. To the staff member’s credit, he had attempted to contact the owner to no avail - the owner had left the dog unattended for the evening and the staff member was unable to reach them. The entire ordeal left me with virtually no sleep whatsoever for the entire night.
On the note of staff, I have nothing but praise for the reception staff. They were courteous, warm, and would always greet with a “Bonjour/Bonsoir monsieur”. Even the housekeeping staff were welcoming and would greet me. Of particular note at reception was one young lady (whom I regretfully do not know the name of - but she did know me by name - and now I feel rude), who helped me on a number of occasions, from renting beach towels (they are 5 euros each per day), to apologising to me the morning after the whole barking dog debacle and accommodating my room being made up on request so I could catch up on sleep following my sleepless night. Also an asset to the property is Nicolas, who - not only helped me in my confusion figure out where my driver would be collecting me from - he escorted me there, taking my suitcase for me. That stellar service is 5-star, and I thank both the staff member I am unable to name, and Nicolas. You are both undeniably assets to the hotel!
The hotel has a bar and restaurant (limited offerings and hours) on the ground floor, where breakfast is also served of a morning. The breakfast has an adequate spread on offer, with both cold (fruit, yoghurt, cheeses, cold meats, pastries etc) and hot options (eggs, an egg station for omelettes and boiled eggs, bacon, automatic pancake maker etc) available. By no means is it amazing, but it is perfectly adequate.
Despite one terrible night (which I appreciate wasn’t wholly within the hotels control), Hôtel Le Royal Vacances Bleues was otherwise comfortable enough for me. What the hotel lacks in luxury and endless amenities, it makes up for with location and stellar service (thanks to mademoiselle I am unable to name, and Monsieur Nicolas). The hotel itself, I can only agree with its three-star rating. The reception staff, I have only praise for."
