Nice hostels are relatively plentiful, which might be surprising in this glittering Riviera destination. However, the existence of low cost, safe accommodation for young people has been a tradition throughout Western Europe for generations—a tradition that remains honored even in the most expensive cities and the resorts along the beaches of the Cote d'Azur. You have several choices for hostels in Nice France right in the city center and convenient to the major attractions.

Unlike other cities (particularly in Spain and Portugal), most all Nice hostels that use the word "hostel" are truly hostels—not hostals, which are basically cheap hotels, some of which offer small apartments with kitchenettes that are great for family vacations and those who do not necessarily want the party atmosphere that a true youth hostel in Nice generally offers.

Probably the youth hostel in Nice with the most desirable central location is the Hostel Smith, located in the heart of Vieux Nice (Old Nice) very close to Palais Lascaris. It offers a dormitory room with bunk beds that can accommodate ten to twelve guests, a private double room, and a room that sleeps three people. This family-run facility is quite small, but the location can't be beat. There is a communal kitchen and television lounge and shared showers.

Nice Map

Next in line for a youth hostel in Nice with a killer location is the Auberge de Jeunesse Les Camelias, which is located only about seven blocks north of Vieux Nice. This is an official HI (Hostelling International) property. It is quite large and set in a lovely old building that was once one of the city's hotels. There are dormitory rooms accommodating from four to eight people, and several of these have balconies. All of the rooms have their own showers and sinks; toilets are located in the hallways and shared by all. Those who want to save money on dining out costs can use the communal kitchen, and this is one of the hostels in Nice France that includes a basic breakfast (cereal bread, juice, and coffee). Bring your own sheets, or pay a small fee for linen. This property also has a popular bar, which closes at 11:00 p.m. Those who want to enjoy the city's lively nightlife can still do so as there is no curfew (meaning you are required to be in your room). There is a token lock-out period when you cannot get into the rooms from the time the bar closes until 3:00 a.m., which is not really a problem if you're out on the town, as those are peak nightlife hours.

Other hostels in Nice France include the Antares Hostel, which is located right opposite the train station, excellent for those using this form of transportation for their travels through France. This property has some double rooms with full, private bathrooms as well as dormitories sleeping from four to eight people. There is a 3:00 to 6:00 a.m. curfew, meaning you are required to be in your room between those hours.

Travel a bit farther from the city center for the Hostel Villa Saint Exupery, located a little less than a mile north of Cimiez where the Matisse Museum and Roman amphitheater are located. Being further from the city, there is more space, and this lovely restored monastery is set in its own gardens. This is one of the best Nice hostels for space, ambiance, facilities, and service. There is a large Internet café with 24-hour access and a good included Continental breakfast. Rooms are varied and include private rooms with full bathroom, triples, quads, and dormitories. There is a bar and a shared kitchen where you can do your own cooking as well as purchase pizza and full meals served cafeteria style. There is no curfew or lock-out period.