Hôtel Miramar

Fourteen rooms above the Baie des Anges on avenue Bougearel, Hôtel Miramar is a three-star address in the residential hills east of Nice's Promenade des Anglais — close enough to reach the pebbly shore on foot, quiet enough to sleep without earplugs.

The outdoor pool and sun deck face south, with beach loungers and umbrellas available for guests heading to the waterfront below. Rooms are simply fitted with private bathrooms, tea and coffee makers, and a desk; upper floors require stairs, worth noting for heavier luggage.

The bar and terrace cover evenings without venturing far, and parking on-site removes the Riviera's usual street-hunting stress. A practical base for couples and families wanting beach access without the noise and price premium of the Old Town.