Great digs for groups in Nice

Book adjoining rooms at one of Nice’s fine hotels, and you’ll enjoy one of the most glamorous and relaxing group holidays of your life. With five-star service, spa facilities and fine restaurants on site, Nice hotels are quite extraordinary, from the panoramic views and coastal glamour of the Suisse Hotel to the celebrity mystique and chandeliers of Le Negresco Hotel.

However, we would caution you against expecting it to be low-cost, and those hunting for deals would be wise to book in the shoulder or off-seasons. But if you do book into one of these properties, you will want for nothing, so just sit back and let the champagne and good times roll.

For some serious luxury then a trip out of Nice is must, to enjoy the 14-acre park of the wonderful Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat. Situated between Nice and the small principality of Monaco, this hotel is frequented by the rich and famous and has been since it's opening in 1908. It embodies the classic glamour and timeless chic of the French Riviera.

There are many hotels in Nice that make much of their trade from business visitors and as such offer good deals for group bookings. The Radisson Blu Hotel is one such hotel and offers clean and contemporary French decor and all the facilities you’d expect from a high-quality business and leisure hotel.

Situated right in the heart of the Promenade des Anglais, the location is very convenient, and the hotel’s facilities include a swimming pool, bar, terrace, business centre and disabled access.

Whether a stunning modern villa overlooking the Mediterranean, or a rambling Provençal beauty nestled among the pine trees, there are some truly spectacular properties around Nice that will accommodate groups of up to 20+ people if required, such as the Spagnol villa in neighbouring St Laurent du Var with its private swimming pool or the four-bedroom Lou Boutchin villa, with its views over the hills and the city. Relax by the swimming pool, entertain at the outdoor bar, and then meander down to the old town for the boutiques, restaurants and famous nightlife.

You’ll find that once the cost is divided between the number of rooms, a villa rental becomes significantly cheaper than a luxury hotel when accommodating groups.

This may surprise those of you who think luxury yachts are just for billionaires and celebrities, but the strange truth of it is that chartering one of the smaller luxury yachts that can sleep up to 12 people is often actually more cost-effective than booking adjoining suites at a luxury hotel. And your hotel moves to a beautiful place each day and comes equipped with a personal crew (and private chef.)

While chartering a yacht in Nice, you could anchor off Saint Jean Cap Ferrat or Cap d'Ail with the superyacht fleet, or cruise down the coast to Cannes, Antibes, or even up to Monaco. You can choose to anchor off-shore if you don’t want to pay berthing fees, and you can even stay in one place for the whole week and treat the yacht like a luxury hotel. (Although we're pretty sure you can’t jump off the balcony of your hotel room into the Mediterranean).

Nice has plenty of holiday apartments and houses. These properties are self-catered, while many come with a welcome goody pack and some great local information. This is probably the most cost-effective option for group accommodation in Nice, and you can choose a property that suits your budget, needs and style.

Resort-style self-catered apartments: Pierre & Vacances operate a string of resorts along the Riviera, and there are several to be found in the immediate surrounds of Nice. Accommodating up to seven people in each apartment, you can easily book a few adjoining apartments and then enjoy the resort-style facilities (think landscaped gardens, palm trees and pools).