Villefranche Sea Institute

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5 stars) We stayed at Hôtel Excelsior by HappyCulture for five nights. The location is a big plus — just a few minutes’ walk from the Nice-Ville train station, making it convenient for day trips to nearby destinations like Èze or Monte Carlo. The hotel also provides a complimentary filtered water and coffee station, which is a thoughtful touch. The front desk staff were consistently helpful and professional throughout our stay. However, the room setup left much to be desired. The “king-size” bed was actually two single mattresses joined together, making it impossible to get a good night’s sleep. There was no electrical outlet in the bathroom, and the room design included several unusable millwork cavities instead of practical closet space. The door closers on rooms were extremely loud, often startling us when others exited. Lastly, the breakfast quality didn’t justify its price. Overall, a convenient choice for train travelers with courteous staff, but with several comfort and design issues that hold it back from being a truly enjoyable stay.

This hotel exceeded my expectations in every way! The location is perfectly walkable, the staff are incredibly friendly, and the lounge offers free coffee all day. Rooms are spacious, stylish, and thoughtfully designed, complete with a kitchenette (microwave, fridge, kettle, stovetop, and espresso machine). I loved all the design touches throughout the space. My only suggestion would be to add safety handles/bars in the shower/tub area to make it easier and safer to step out.

Charming little Hotel I have stayed there several times and I will be back.