Where to Stay in Menton: Best Areas & Hotels for Every Budget (2026)

I visited Menton on a day trip from Nice, so I didn’t spend the night there. But before my trip I looked into where to stay in Menton, the different areas, and after walking around the town for a few hours, I got a much better idea of where I’d stay if I came back.

The good thing is that Menton isn’t a big city, so wherever you stay, you’ll never be too far from the beach or the Old Town. It really comes down to the kind of trip you’re planning, whether you want to be right by the sea, in the middle of the action or somewhere a little quieter.

Where to stay in Menton: My Quick Answer

If you don’t want to read the whole guide, here’s what I’d recommend:

First time visiting Menton: Old Town or the seafront.
Beach holiday: Promenade du Soleil.
Quiet stay: Garavan.
Budget travelers: Around Menton Train Station.

My Hotel Quick Picks in Menton

Budget: Hôtel Riva Art & Spa

Mid-range: Hotel Napoleon

Luxury: Villa Genesis

1. Old Town (Best for First-Time Visitors)

If it was my first time visiting Menton again, this is exactly where I’d stay.

This is the part of Menton that made me fall in love with the town. It’s full of colorful buildings, narrow streets that seem to go on forever, little cafés, restaurants and viewpoints around every corner. I spent most of my time here just wandering around without really following a plan, and that’s honestly the best way to experience Menton.

Another reason I’d choose the Old Town is that you can walk everywhere. The beach is only a few minutes away, the seafront is right below you, and most of the main attractions are all within walking distance. You don’t need buses, taxis or anything like that.

If you’re only visiting Menton once, I really don’t think you can go wrong staying here.

Best Hotels in Menton’s Old Town

Budget: Best Western Hotel Mediterrâneo Menton

Mid-range: Hotel Gabriel

→ Check prices and availability here

2. Promenade du Soleil (Best for the Beaches in Menton)

If your plan is spending as much time as possible by the sea, this is probably where I’d stay.

The Promenade du Soleil runs along Menton’s beachfront, so you’re literally only a few steps from the beach. It’s also one of the nicest places to go for a walk in the morning or in the evening, with sea views almost the entire way.

This area has plenty of cafés, restaurants and beach bars, so it’s ideal if you’re planning a proper summer holiday where you can spend the day swimming and then have dinner outside without having to walk very far.

When I visited Menton in summer, this was one of my favorite parts of the town. The weather was perfect, people were relaxing on the beach, the cafés were full, and it had exactly that French Riviera atmosphere I’d imagined before coming here.

Best Hotels on the Seafront

Budget: Hôtel Riva Art & Spa

Mid-range: Hotel Napoleon

Luxury: Villa Genesis

→ Check prices and availability here

3. Garavan (Best for a Quiet Stay)

If you’re looking for a quieter part of Menton, I’d probably choose Garavan.

This area is a little further from the Old Town, close to the marina and right near the Italian border. It feels much calmer, with fewer people walking around, making it a good choice if you’re planning a more relaxing holiday.

I think Garavan makes the most sense for couples, longer stays, or anyone who just wants somewhere peaceful to come back to after spending the day exploring the French Riviera. You can still walk into the center, but you’ll avoid the busiest parts of town.

4. Around Menton Train Station (Best Budget Option)

If you’re traveling on a budget, the area around Menton Train Station is worth looking at.

Hotels here are often a little cheaper than those in the Old Town or right by the beach, while still being within walking distance of the main attractions. I arrived in Menton by train, and it only took me a few minutes to walk from the station to the center, so staying here is actually much more convenient than it might seem.

It’s also a good option if you’re planning to arrive by train, especially if you’re carrying luggage or continuing your trip to other places along the French Riviera afterwards.

Best Hotels Near Menton Train Station

Budget: Hotel Lemon

Mid-range: Hôtel de Londres

→ Check prices and availability here

Should you stay in Menton or Nice?

This is probably one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your French Riviera trip.

I stayed in Nice and visited Menton as a day trip, and honestly, if it’s your first time in the region, I’d recommend doing exactly that.

Staying in Nice

Nice makes the best base if you want to see as much of the French Riviera as possible.

It has a much bigger choice of hotels, restaurants, cafés and nightlife, plus it’s really well connected by train. From Nice, it’s easy to visit Menton, Monaco, Èze, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes and several other towns without constantly changing hotels.

If you’re only spending a few days on the French Riviera, this is personally the option I’d choose.

Best rated Hotels in Nice:

Budget: Hotel Busby

Mid-range: Best Western Hotel Lakmi Nice

Luxury: Hotel du Couvent, a luxury collection hotel

→ Check all hotels in Nice here

Staying in Menton

Menton is a much better choice if you’re looking for a slower and more relaxing trip.

The atmosphere is quieter, the beaches are right on your doorstep, and the whole town feels much more peaceful than Nice. If your idea of a holiday is spending the morning at the beach, wandering around colorful streets in the afternoon and having dinner by the sea, Menton is a fantastic place to stay.

I still think Nice is the better base for first-time visitors, but if you’ve already seen the French Riviera before or simply want somewhere more relaxed, I’d happily stay in Menton next time.

FAQs About Where To Stay in Menton

What is the best area to stay in Menton?

If it’s your first visit, I’d recommend staying in the Old Town or close to the seafront. You’ll be within walking distance of Menton’s main attractions, restaurants, beaches and the colorful streets that make the town so special.

Is it better to stay in Nice or Menton?

For most first-time visitors, I’d stay in Nice and visit Menton on a day trip. Nice has more hotels, restaurants and transport connections, making it a much better base for exploring the French Riviera. If you’re looking for a quieter beach holiday, then staying in Menton is also a great option.

Are there hostels in Menton?

Not really. Unlike Nice, Menton doesn’t have proper backpacker hostels. If you’re traveling on a tight budget, I’d recommend staying in Nice instead, where you’ll find several hostels and can easily visit Menton by train in around 40 minutes.

Are hotels in Menton expensive?

It depends on the season. Summer is the most expensive time to visit Menton, especially if you want a hotel near the beach. During spring, autumn and winter, prices are usually much lower and it’s much easier to find good deals.

Can you visit Menton without a car?

Absolutely. Menton is a very walkable town, and that’s one of the things I liked the most about it. You can easily explore the Old Town, beaches and seafront on foot, and trains make it easy to visit nearby places like Nice, Monaco and even Italy.

Is the Old Town the best place to stay in Menton?

For most travelers, I’d say yes. If it’s your first visit, the Old Town puts you close to almost everything you’ll want to see, with restaurants, viewpoints, colorful streets and the beach all within walking distance. It’s where I’d choose to stay if I spent the night in Menton.

Where to stay in Menton: Final Thoughts

If it was my first time visiting the French Riviera again, I’d still stay in Nice and visit Menton as a day trip.

That’s exactly what I did, and I think it’s the best option if you want to explore the region. Nice simply has more going on, a bigger choice of hotels and restaurants, and it’s much easier to use as a base for visiting places like Monaco, Èze and Menton without having to keep changing accommodation.

That said, Menton completely surprised me. It actually ended up being one of my favourite places on the French Riviera.

If I ever came back, it would probably be to slow down for a couple of days. I can easily imagine spending the morning wandering around the colorful Old Town, grabbing lunch by the sea, relaxing at the beach for a few hours and finishing the day with dinner outside. It’s the kind of place where you don’t really need a plan, and I think that’s exactly what makes it so special.