Holiday Inn Express - - Grand Arenas, an IHG Hotel

Inefficient check-in and poor selection on breakfast but perfect location

I checked into the hotel well after 3 o’clock, yet the process still took around 10 minutes due to a quoted lack of available rooms, even though it was quite late in the day. We were also asked for our passports, which was the first time in France that we had all been asked for passports at check-in. I understand this is a regulation, but having stayed in many hotels in France before, we had never been asked. Not a major problem as we had our passports with us.

The breakfast selection was quite poor, but if you’re only staying one or two nights it’s manageable as you can still find something to eat. This isn’t the kind of hotel you’d stay in for an extended holiday — it’s very much an event or airport-style property.

The best part about the hotel is its location: just a two-minute walk from Nice-Saint-Augustin station, which connects you to most local attractions; five minutes’ walk to Terminal 1, and about 20 minutes’ walk to Terminal 2 of Nice Airport. The surrounding area has been developed recently and is very pleasant. The hotel doesn’t have a designated car park, but there are public car parks nearby — however, prices are high, around €20 per day.

The hotel follows a French government regulation on air conditioning, keeping it between 21–22°C. This was fine for us, but it was the first time we’d encountered such a rule in France.

The property was clean. The first staff member we encountered seemed unfriendly, but the second person who helped us was very friendly and left us with a good impression. The price felt high, but compared to other locations it was reasonable for the area, which is generally cheap.

All in all, I would recommend this hotel, as there’s probably not much difference in value or service compared to other options nearby.

Very good hotel with easy access to the airport and public transportation. Free breakfast with a nice selection and good coffee.

New hotel. Comfy and clean bed. Quiet. Offers 15% off Balm (reataurant in the Crown Plaza). Professional staff. Stayed here for one nightn for a 6 am flight beware that the walk to the terminals was more like 20 minutes (a good mile at least). It was a bit scary to do it in the dark at 4 am when there was no one around and hardly any signs, only until when one approaches the parking garages for the airport. Be prepared for this.

The location was perfectly near to the airport and train stations which was what we needed. Staff very professional and friendly which added to our lovely experience overall. Rooms had a very comfortable bed and everything very clean. Nice experience

great location and walk.distance.ro Nice T1 terminal. Also tram station is just at corner to city center.

We loved our stay! Our flight landed early in the morning, so we were able to leave our luggage for the day while exploring Nice until our room was ready. We were graciously handled by Diogo at the front who was very kind & accommodating, offering us coffees upon returning to check-in. The room had just enough space for two of us on a short trip, and the bathroom was beautiful. Nice breakfast selection. As long as you’re okay with being about 10-15min from the city center (easily accessible by public transport), we had a beautiful budget-friendly stay that was perfect for our first visit to Nice!

Very close to airport
good room
breakfast good
reasonable price

The hotel location is strategic, just a 5-minute walk from Nice Saint-Augustin train station. The tram to the airport is free from Grand Arenas station, making transportation very convenient.

We booked a Mountain View Twin Room but were given a lower-quality room instead (please refer to the photo).

Additionally, we had to request a room change due to a serious bed issue—the mattress was split in half, which was quite shocking as they were still using a damaged mattress for guests.

To their credit, the front desk responded immediately and changed our room. However, the new room still did not meet our expectations. The bed quality was poor, too soft, and provided no proper back support.

Breakfast was also disappointing, with very limited options. The only hot food available was scrambled eggs and sausages, while everything else was cold. Coffee and juice were from a machine, which didn’t add much to the experience.

Overall, the stay was tolerable for the price, but definitely not worth it given the quality of the rooms, beds, and breakfast. Would not recommend unless you’re on a very tight budget.