Hôtel Vacances Bleues Royal Westminster in Menton

Menton is a lovely place to stay and the hotel is conveniently located across the road from the beach, near the centre of the old town and a short walk from the station. There are lots of shops and restaurants nearby, and some beautiful gardens to visit. Transport links are good so a day trip to Nice or into Italy is simple. A warning about the beach, getting in and out of the water is tricky.
The hotel is a handsome old building but there has been a lack of investment in recent years. Reception staff were friendly and helpful. We had a large comfortable room, which was kept in a good state of cleanliness by the staff. But there was some peeling paint, the shower door needed a seal at the bottom to stop the bathroom floor flooding, the TV didn't get the channels it was supposed to, the a/c wasn't up to the task in a heat wave though after a few days a technician was able to turn it up a notch.
I would have given the hotel 4 stars, but the real let down was the restaurant. Breakfast offered the usual range but a very limited selection and poor replenishment. Self-service on trays made it feel like the works canteen. We tried to have dinner our first night but it was only for those on half board with a no choice set menu. Lunch was also unavailable when we arrived at 1.20 although it was billed to finish at 1.30.
I suspect management is cutting corners on maintenance and has insufficient kitchen staff to cope, which is a pity because it could be a really super hotel.