Jeff S.
Yelp
First of all, it's annoying that the two 1-star Yelp reviews on here are from people who don't understand how check-in times work. This is a very busy/booked hotel -- especially during the summer -- so don't expect to waltz in here at 11am and have your room ready for you: check-in time is 3pm!
With that out of the way -- to sum it up -- this is a pretty good hotel with the only significant downside being that it's not cheap. That being said, there's a lot to like.
I booked a partial sea view room and was slightly concerned that their definition of "sea view" meant that if I leaned over the balcony railing, I would barely be able to see the water. That isn't the case. Even with a "partial" view, it's still very nice, and having a patio on which to enjoy the scenery and your breakfast is a bonus.
The hotel is generally well-designed with most of the rooms facing the ocean, overlooking a center courtyard where one of the restaurants (which was pretty good)/bars operate and where the indoor/outdoor pool is situated. I will say the pool is quite family-friendly, but that may be a downside for some. It was very convenient to be able to so easily lounge by the pool and get drinks, though.
The housekeeping came twice a day and was detailed and efficient. Staff was pleasant, mostly spoke English... we didn't experience any major problems.
The rooms are mostly updated and there are separate showers, which isn't always a guarantee in France. I will say the rooms are perhaps slightly bland, but they are clean and pleasant enough.
Probably the best thing about the hotel is the location! You're right on the water, super close to the most interesting part of Nice, plenty of great nearby restaurants blocks away, 15 minute walk from the train station, etc. And getting a taxi is trivial too, if you're going to go that route. If you are planning on never leaving your room maybe this hotel isn't the best option for you, but we were looking to explore Nice and its surrounding areas (via Train), so it worked out well for us.
One slight disappointment is that the hotel doesn't have any direct beach access, despite the beach being just across the street. If you want a chair/umbrella on the beach, there's a club nearby that you'll have access to, but it's around $27 Euro per day per person. The nearby beach, by the way, is quite rocky (as most beaches in the area are, to varying extents) and the waves can get quite aggressive... I actually wouldn't recommend it if you have small children, but you can take the train to calmer, less rocky places.
I don't know if I'd categorize the Hyatt Regency Nice as a 5-star, super luxury resort or anything, but it's definitely above average in nearly every respect and we enjoyed our stay. I'd recommend staying here if you're looking for a nice place in Nice and the price fits your budget.