Le Grimaldi, Nice, France

The Grimaldi has become a fashionable ‘hideaway’ in the fashion magazines, who have pounced on it – this is a part of the world where there are slim pickings in the good value, character, hideaway department. In any other part of France, however, it would be unremarkable. But what’s nice about Le Grimaldi (opened in 1999, formerly the King George Hotel) is that it is clean, bright and relaxed – so relaxed that you would hardly know there was anyone else here. It’s tiny, with just 23 rooms and little public space. Breakfast is served in reception – how it got it’s four stars without a restaurant is a mystery. But although the fabrics are pretty – Soleiado, checks, stripes and paisley – with some cute seashell-framed pictures to give it a seaside air, you are not invited to spend much time in the rooms. Most are small, with slightly claustrophobic views over rooftops, a narrow street or, an improvement, a sunny courtyard. The ironwork furniture is the sort you buy in trendy Portobello boutiques, and ungainly air conditioning units are clamped to the walls. Bathrooms are white-tiled and simple, with wall-mounted showers. The superior rooms looking onto the courtyard are the biggest – no. 6 has a seating area and is particularly bright. Classique rooms are mid-range – if you want room to swing your cat, these are a minimum requirement. Summary? Le Grimaldi is a pretty and quiet hotel in central Nice for a decent price – a base to explore from.