Design-style accommodation finally arrived on the Cote d'Azur, hitherto largely dominated by grande-dame establishments, when Hi hotel opened in spring 2003. This 38-room gem, designed by Matali Crasset, a student of Philippe Starck, features bright colours (fuchsia, cobalt, violet, mauve, white), transparent Plexiglas for shower stalls and modular-style furniture. There's a pool on the rooftop terrace overlooking downtown Nice, and the beach is only a five-minute walk away.
THE DESTINATION
The city of Nice, the fifth largest in France, is often neglected, its airport used merely to access French Riviera resorts. But the markets, churches and bistros of the old town are a delight; and there's a museum of modern art, an opera house - plus, of course, the Promenade des Anglais and the beach. Nice is a good base for trips to pretty inland villages such as St-Paul-de-Vence.
THE FLIGHT
Fly from East Midlands or Teeside to Nice with bmibaby (0870 264 2229; www.bmibaby.com) from £63 return in September. Hi hotel is 5km from the airport. Hi hotel, 3 avenue des Fleurs, Nice (00 33 4 97 07 26 26; fax: 97 07 26 27; www.hi-hotel.net). Doubles from €180, including breakfast.
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