Hotel
Hôtel Le Negresco
The pink-domed palace of the Promenade des Anglais, a five-star hotel with 130 rooms and suites, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a celebrated art collection.
Villa Saint Exupéry Beach
A lively 200-bed hostel in a former casino in central Nice, a couple of minutes from the beach and the old town, affiliated to Hostelling International.
At a glance
- Type
- Hostel
- Area
- City centre, Nice, France
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- villahostels.com
Good to know
- Air conditioning
- Night reception
- Group room
- Pets allowed
Why we recommend it
Villa Saint Exupéry Beach is the best-known hostel in central Nice and a reliable choice for travellers on a budget. It occupies a former casino on Rue Sacha Guitry in the city centre, and it is about two minutes on foot from the beach and the old town, which is a remarkable location at hostel prices.
The hostel has around 200 beds and it is open every day of the year. It is affiliated to Hostelling International through the French ONAJ network, and it holds the Accueil Vélo label for cyclists and the Nice Rainbow label. The atmosphere is sociable, and the hostel is known for what it calls the Villa atmosphere: lively, international and festive, so it is better suited to travellers who enjoy meeting people than to those seeking total quiet.
Rooms are air-conditioned, a real advantage in a Nice summer, and there is a night reception, so late arrivals from the airport or the station are not a problem. A group room of 80 square metres can host up to 80 people, which makes the hostel a practical option for school groups, sports teams and clubs. Staff speak English, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. Pets are welcome, and payment is accepted by card, including American Express, or cash.
Accessibility is limited, although the hostel has an accessible toilet with grab rails and enough space to move around. Ask the hostel about room layouts and lifts if you have reduced mobility.
The hostel suits backpackers, solo travellers, students, groups and young couples who want to spend their money on experiences rather than a room. Bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper, as shared rooms in a sociable hostel can be noisy. It is also a good base for day trips along the coast by train and bus, as the centre's transport connections are close by.
From the door, Place Masséna and the tram are a short walk away, the beaches of the Promenade des Anglais are a short walk south, and Vieux Nice, with its cheap socca and lively bars, is just to the east. Book ahead in summer and during the Carnival, when beds fill fast.
Villa Saint Exupéry Beach FAQs
Where is the hostel?
At 6 Rue Sacha Guitry, in central Nice about two minutes from the beach and the old town.
How many beds are there?
Around 200 beds.
Is it part of Hostelling International?
Yes, it is affiliated through ONAJ - HI France.
Is there a night reception?
Yes, the reception is staffed at night.
Are the rooms air-conditioned?
Yes, air conditioning is listed.
Is it suitable for groups?
Yes, there is a group room for up to 80 people.
What is the atmosphere like?
Sociable and festive, known as the Villa atmosphere.
What was the building before?
It is located in a former casino.