The Hostelz.com Review
Hostel Meyerbeer Beach is a very social hostel in a privileged location in Nice, less than two hundred meters from the beach, with a very friendly and helpful staff, but with a number of points to improve.
The Location
The location is probably the highlight of this hostel. It is only fifteen minutes from the airport by bus, and only ten minutes from the main train station by walking. The directions given by the hostel are not so clear, because the street Meyerbeer is not so visible -- it's two streets after the famous Negresco Hotel, on the second block when walking from the beach. The hostel building has no parking space, but spots are available in some streets nearby.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms are on the first and the second floors of an old building -- there is an elevator in the building, but it doesn't give access only to these floors. This is bad for those who are carrying heavy luggage. There are nineteen rooms that fit one to eight people, all of them with their own bathrooms, and there is an extra bathroom in the first floor, close to the common space, for those who are in a hurry. Mattresses are in a bad condition, generally speaking. The lockers are small (don't fit a mid-size bag), and the guest must bring an own lock.
One big problem is the weird smell in the second floor, both in the corridor and in the bathrooms -- for some non-explained reason, there is a smell of sewer in these locations, and in order to disguise it, an automatic air-freshener spray is placed there, without success (it seems actually that the sewer smell is reinforced). So this is a very negative point for this hostel. The bathroom is small, but with enough space for placing clothes, soap, and shampoo in the shower area (though on the floor). Linen and a towel are provided, but the towel doesn't seem really clean.
Common Spaces
There is a common kitchen, in which many guests cook their food, and also where breakfast is served. This kitchen is connected to a "living room," with a big LCD-TV with many cable channels, a DVD player (with several titles available for watching), a reasonable amount of tables and chairs, a sofa, some books, and some tourism guides. Right in front of the reception there are three computers with internet that can be used for free. Wi-fi is also available all around the hostel, for free. Two or three nights per week there is a small party in the hostel, with wine and some snacks for free. It's a good opportunity to socialize, since most guests will be there. In social terms, this hostel is very good, because all the common spaces are integrated in a big single room, so everyone sees everyone.
Summary
If you just want to party and meet new people and are not worried about weird smells or not-very-comfortable beds, this hostel is made for you, given the many occasions for socializing and the location close to all means of transportation and the beautiful beach of Nice. If you also want to sleep comfortably, some other place may be a better choice.
The Location
The location is probably the highlight of this hostel. It is only fifteen minutes from the airport by bus, and only ten minutes from the main train station by walking. The directions given by the hostel are not so clear, because the street Meyerbeer is not so visible -- it's two streets after the famous Negresco Hotel, on the second block when walking from the beach. The hostel building has no parking space, but spots are available in some streets nearby.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms are on the first and the second floors of an old building -- there is an elevator in the building, but it doesn't give access only to these floors. This is bad for those who are carrying heavy luggage. There are nineteen rooms that fit one to eight people, all of them with their own bathrooms, and there is an extra bathroom in the first floor, close to the common space, for those who are in a hurry. Mattresses are in a bad condition, generally speaking. The lockers are small (don't fit a mid-size bag), and the guest must bring an own lock.
One big problem is the weird smell in the second floor, both in the corridor and in the bathrooms -- for some non-explained reason, there is a smell of sewer in these locations, and in order to disguise it, an automatic air-freshener spray is placed there, without success (it seems actually that the sewer smell is reinforced). So this is a very negative point for this hostel. The bathroom is small, but with enough space for placing clothes, soap, and shampoo in the shower area (though on the floor). Linen and a towel are provided, but the towel doesn't seem really clean.
Common Spaces
There is a common kitchen, in which many guests cook their food, and also where breakfast is served. This kitchen is connected to a "living room," with a big LCD-TV with many cable channels, a DVD player (with several titles available for watching), a reasonable amount of tables and chairs, a sofa, some books, and some tourism guides. Right in front of the reception there are three computers with internet that can be used for free. Wi-fi is also available all around the hostel, for free. Two or three nights per week there is a small party in the hostel, with wine and some snacks for free. It's a good opportunity to socialize, since most guests will be there. In social terms, this hostel is very good, because all the common spaces are integrated in a big single room, so everyone sees everyone.
Summary
If you just want to party and meet new people and are not worried about weird smells or not-very-comfortable beds, this hostel is made for you, given the many occasions for socializing and the location close to all means of transportation and the beautiful beach of Nice. If you also want to sleep comfortably, some other place may be a better choice.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
October 2011
Their Description
Hostel Meyerbeer Beach Details
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Hostel Meyerbeer Beach Reviews on Other WebsitesHostelz.com Guest Reviews
Great Location, Mediocre Hostel Meyerbeer Beach is perfectly situated about a fifteen-minute walk from the SNCF train station and five minutes to the beaches. They also provide beach mats, which are essential because the beaches are rocky. The room we stayed in was spacious, with a fan and a good-sized balcony. The bathroom was decently clean. There was even a kitchenette in our room, although we didn't use it. Also, the tv played British CNN which was nice. Nonetheless, they lack some of basics that make a great hostel. The staff was not particularly friendly or welcoming, the common area was very small, there were only two computers (one of which was not working at the time), no breakfast, and the reception is not twenty-four hours. So, while it isn't an amazing hostel, I would still recommend staying here because the prices are good and you really can't beat the location. — Cait , USA (2007-07-30) Great location!!! We paid to be in two six-person rooms and ended up in four-person rooms. And one night were given a single room for the two of us (myself and my best friend) I don't know about the big rooms but these were great. The four-person room had a beautiful balcony and the room was a nice size with a decent bathroom. The single room was nice and spacious but the bathroom was awful with very little water. We ended up washing our hair in the sink with freezing cold water. It was a great location and the man at the desk was extremely helpful. Great place to stay for a few days with a friend. — Kelly (2005-06-12) The staff are sort of a problem. One moment they're really nice and the next they don't seem to give a crap about the guests. The place REEKS of cigarette smoke; it gets into the sheets and everywhere else. The free Internet is good. Unless you plan to stay in a dorm, the smaller rooms are outrageously expensive. On the bright side, Nice is absolutely fantastic.... chill on the promenade at length because it's one of the best in Europe. — Megan (2005-04-17) We stayed here in March 2005 and thought the location was excellent and the staff were very helpful. It is certainly more of a hostel than a hotel. The rooms were acceptable and overall it was value for money. Don't be put off by the entrance, as the hotel itself has its reception on the first floor. — Anonymous (2005-04-02) Excellent hostel. The staff were really friendy and it was so nice to stay in a CLEAN, private and quiet place. — Anonymous (2005-01-13) I really liked the location, the staff, and especially the kitchenettes in the rooms. I met lots of great people and we took turns cooking meals, which was a lot of fun. For the price you pay, this place was an absolute dream. — Allison (2004-11-07) This place is okay. We stayed in the eight-bed dorm room and it was a bit shady. The room itself was WAY too small; four bunk beds all against the wall, and the only open area had a table blocking it. The bathroom was a bit yucky--the shower curtain had gunk on it. I'll admit, though, that the man at the reception was very helpful. Stay here only if you must, but I would opt for another place. — Anonymous (2004-08-15) It was a pleasure to stay here. Very good location and clean. Well worth the money as you have your own kitchenette. My only complaints are the noise outside on the street. It is very loud with the cars and it was a bit hot in the rooms. Could do with some fans, but all in all it was one of the best I have stayed in. — Anonymous (2003-07-12) Fantasically situated, clean and right in the center of everything. One of the best hostels I have ever stayed at. — Drew (2003-04-29)