Hôtel Le Royal Promenade des Anglais (Nice, France)

Le Royal is superbly located, enjoying stupendous views over the beach, sea and the Promenade des Anglais. The old town where there is a wide choice of restaurants is within walking distance; the bus to the airport runs past the hotel's front door.

Checking in was smooth and efficient, having said that the service and attention given by the staff was somewhat intermittent although guests report that the hotel has a pleasant atmosphere.

The approach to their room was unimpressive, however guests were pleased to find a suite that had been newly refurbished. It had a large and luxurious bathroom that looked brand new. The bedroom was very spacious with fairly new furniture and bedding.

Much of the hotel seems to be in need of a comprehensive make-over. The en-suite shower rooms in some cases consist of the old-fashioned continental layout where the shower is open to the rest of the room, and soaks everything as well as the bather. Guests found the bed be to extremely uncomfortable, the bed linen and towels were old. There was no help of any kind with luggage.

The hotel suffered a power cut and had no generator backup available, for 24 hours guests were expected to endure summer temperatures without air-conditioning or electricity. An English lady was refused any refund, and met with a sudden inability on the part of the staff to speak English, when her French husband appeared with a threat to call the police the problem was quickly resolved: other British guests struggled.

An Australian felt that this was the worst hotel in the best location, and does not offer value. One is put in mind, metaphorically speaking, of an aged lady of the night whose heavy make-up conceals a tired and not very friendly level of service.