More photosHôtel Suisse is a distinctive, Italian-style gem perched right at the foot of Castle Hill in Nice. Its history is quite fascinating; while the original establishment was founded by Edouard and Barbara Hug nearby in 1866, the hotel eventually moved into this iconic building at the Quai Rauba Capèu. Notably, the literary legend James Joyce stayed here in 1923, and it was within these walls that he began writing his complex masterpiece, Finnegans Wake.
The building itself is instantly recognizable for its warm, Mediterranean-hued facade, which stands in perfect harmony with the azure backdrop of the Baie des Anges. Inside, the hotel maintains an intimate feel with 38 rooms, most of which offer stunning, unobstructed panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. The decor is refined and contemporary, designed to let the spectacular coastal scenery take center stage.
Location-wise, you couldn’t ask for a better spot. The hotel sits just steps away from the vibrant Cours Saleya Flower Market and the labyrinthine lanes of the historic Old Town. You are also right next to the entrance of Castle Hill Park, where you can take a lift to the summit for one of the most famous vistas in the French Riviera.
Whether you are enjoying a breakfast overlooking the sea or strolling down to the nearby private beach, the hotel serves as a serene, historic gateway to the very heart of Nice’s most beloved sights and sounds.
Expert reviews
“Charging modest prices for a spectacular view from the top end of the seafront, where the promenade winds around to the port, the acclaimed Hôtel Suisse far outclasses most other hotels in this price range, although be prepared for a small reception area and a très petit elevator.”
“On a rocky promontory looking down upon the curving Baie des Anges, Hôtel Suisse commands the best sea views in Nice. This chocolate-box-pretty luxury hotel is popular with couples and single travellers who want to explore the Old Town and port on its doorstep.”
What guests liked
- Top location
- Beachfront
- Sea views
- Balcony
- Comfortable beds
Location
Recent guest reviews
4 April 2025
nice hotel if you have room facing the promenade.
the location
My room had no view and it was not possible to open the window.
It was very much uncomfortable stay.
26 March 2025
Wow, what a spot!!
Location was excellent
View from balcony exceptional. Upgrade to a better room was much appreciated
The light outside on road a bit invasive. Not hotels fault.
7 March 2025
Beautiful views and central location. Very professional staff!
Beautiful location.
Shower/tub leaked
23 February 2025
In total, I am satisfied with my stay.
Perfect location and view.
Location: it’s close to the city centre & the old town, restaurants, souvenir shops, etc.; the Nice harbor is within 15 minutes walk; and the sea is in front.
The view: recommend you to book a room with a sea view. It’s amazing!
Breakfast: it’s was middle, but with sea view!
Staff: polite & helpful.
The room is tiny, the hotel is old.
All the rest was good.
8 October 2024
Excellent stay. We hope to go back soon again and strongly recommend this hotel in the heart of Nice
Location was the best and the view was spectacular. I have to mention some exceptional employees: Kirill and Jennifer from the front desk are very kind, knowledgeable and patient. Also, Lulzim from the maintenance was always ready to take care of any issue small or big immediately. Migena from the kitchen was outstanding at serving people and meeting their needs.
The room cleaning crew was excellent as well. We were happy with our stay and we hope to go back again.
I don't have any comments, we liked everything.
20 September 2024
Nice hotel with good views in an excellent location.
On the sea front. I had a sea view. Very close to the Old Town. Helpful staff
11 September 2024
A very pleasant stay
Location was perfect! Great views too.
The breakfast service was disorganised and very ‘Fawlty Towers’ but we did receive profuse apologies for the confusion and delays in the service provided.
19 August 2024
We enjoyed it, but our last minute booking made it more expensive than we'd like.
The location was excellent, adjacent to the old town, the hill and the beach. Balcony was big enough for 2 to eat on.
Breakfast was a buffet, not very big, but every item on it was good quality. The breakfast staff were attentive and polite.
The room was small, given its price. Furniture in the room was basic. It felt like a 3 star in that respect.
17 August 2024
Great location, hotel is small & needs updating
Location is excellent, staff were friendly + helpful …
Rooms were very small …no bar open , breakfast not very good
26 July 2024
Amazing view and location!
We loved this hotel. The view was exactly as shown on the website, which was amazing. The room was nice and a good size and there was a great little patio. The front desk attendants were helpful and kind. The location was absolutely perfect! There was no parking at the hotel, but they did have a couple of temporary parking spots for you to load and unload luggage, which was convenient.
It was very difficult to take a shower without drenching the floor in water. Also, at first we were only provided with one bath towel, no hand towels and no floor mat, so we didn't have a good way to mop up all of the water on the floor.
26 July 2024
Fab location and did the job for watching the Tour de France but tiny room and very basic
The location and balcony was fab for watching the Tour de France which is why we were there
The room was tiny - for what we paid - £1000 a night - I was underwhelmed
4 July 2024
Outstanding location at reasonable price
all rooms with excellent view on the Promenade and the panorama of Nice - location very close to the old town and short walking distance (1 km) to the tram going directly to the airport
bit noisy in the night if you decide to sleep with open windows
25 June 2024
Location is perfect
The location is perfect! Once we arrived early in the morning, we checked in and checked our bags with the hotel because our room was not ready. We walked over to the beach and then to the cutest market. We were called about our room being ready and headed over. We could walk to dinner every night and to beach clubs during the day. The beds were comfortable, but the coffee machine didn't always work. The hotel was having construction done, it didn't destub me because I don't sleep in but I could see that being an issue with some people.
The coffee machine didn't always work, and the shower wall (glass) wasn't fully attached, and I was worried I'd break it more. The room didn't have much room to store our clothing, as we were on a very long trip; we had four bags. And I believe the A/C only works at night.
25 June 2024
Beautiful South of France.
Perfect location for Old Town and views across the bay. Comfortable stay and everything we needed.
15 June 2024
It was perfect for us , best location
Perfect view , clean rooms and friendly staff
Bathroom
6 June 2024
Cool visit of the Nice
View and stuff!
Price
29 May 2024
Good for short trip to Nice
Location was excellent for touring Old Town and Harbor
Very small rooms and AC was challenging
23 May 2024
Nice hotel but very noisy at night
The location was amazing. Staff were friendly and helpful. Breakfast was very good and the staff in the restaurant were very nice!
No face clothes provided in the bathroom. The glass panel on the bathtub was too small and moved - this created a flood on the bathroom floor every time we showered. The area was beautiful but VERY NOISY AT NIGHT. We had to sleep with the windows closed and the air conditioner cranked to block out the noise of the restaurant music and the partiers who yell and scream all night down by the water.
28 April 2024
Nice was lovely, I would visit again. But would book a bigger room, or different hotel.
Location was perfect. The actual hotel was lovely, staff were helpful and friendly, however the room was exceptionally small. Albeit it had amazing views of the bay of Nice. With hindsight, I would have booked a bigger room, with a balcony.
29 February 2024
Everything was great, staff and reception staff was super helpful and we felt very comfortable.
Everything was great, we really enjoyed our stay in this hotel.
Location, parking nearby, easy access to all attractions and restaurants.
29 February 2024
Great position with views over the bay.
Warm welcome from staff. Very helpful. Great location with views.
Access into the hotel is via several steps, awkward with luggage.
20 January 2024
Comfortable, affordable and the best rooms with a view.
The room was fantastic, it was clean, spacious and the view was outstanding. For the price it was exceptional. The staff were attentive and everything ran smoothly.
The payment of the room at the end they seem to place a hold or charge you when you check in the first night then upon checking out they charge 2 seperate charges. One the first night then separately the remaining nights. It’s a backward system and very confusing. It felt like I was charged again for the first night. Why not just completely charge me the first night or charge all my nights at the end.
29 December 2023
Very good location and sea view if you want to pay the extra.
Fabulous view from our rooms, paid extra to have a sea view. Beds very comfortable, coffee and tea facilities good. Lovely scent in the bathroom.
Only one lift, max 3 people so staff and guests were using the same elevator. Bathroom outdated in style, as one guest was nearly 6ft tall so she had to crouch to have a shower in the bath.
25 December 2023
Nice - very nice 😜
The view! Amazing to have the sights and sounds of the sea right outside our window. Wonderful customer service, plenty of space. The balcony was great for relaxing on.
Sofa bed was uncomfortable but what can you do?
1 December 2023
Comfortable room with amazing views down the promenade and within easy walking distance of the restaurants and the town
Absolutely fabulous location looking down the promenade
26 November 2023
A superb spot with great views of the bay
It’s a lovely hotel in a great location looking over the bay. Great breakfast & courteous staff. All great.
Nothing to complain about
24 November 2023
Long weekend in Nice and hotel was perfect for exploring the city
Location. Views from balcony
No complaints
21 November 2023
You can get better value but the Hotel Suisse has a charm that is lacking in other hotels. Despite the price this was ou
Great location
A little pricey for what you get.
Hotel facilities
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
Food & Drink
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
Activities
- - Tennis court (additional charge)
- - Skiing
- - Windsurfing (additional charge)
- - Hiking
- - Cycling
- - Diving (additional charge)
- - Snorkelling (additional charge)
- - Stand-up comedy (additional charge)
- - Walking tours
- - Themed dinner nights (additional charge)
- - Live music/performance (additional charge)
- - Live sport events (broadcast) (additional charge)
Business facilities
- - Business centre
- - Fax/photocopying
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Miscellaneous
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - Fire extinguishers
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4 April 2025
Very nice location ! Nice breakfast !
The staffs are very kind.