Olympics? Nice!

I love the Olympics.

I of course had my aspirations shattered of becoming an Olympian through a bizarre and unfortunate accident with my bike, a toaster and a world atlas. I don't want to go into it too much - but let's just say that the shattering was not just of my dreams!

I've been watching a lot of it from Nice, as I've been sent here from work to um... well - I'm not really sure why. One person told me it was to look at some of our hotels, someone else said that it was to 'get the French perspective on the hotel industry', whilst my manager said it was to 'get you out of the office, you do my head in when the Olympics are on with your banners, bunting, cheering, shouting and obssessing the whole time you're here'.

Ha ha! He cracks me up - such a sense of humour!

I have taken the opportunity to check out some of the hotels in Nice. I have been told that it will be a £1 penalty for every time I describe anything as nice. In Nice. Which I still think is funny, but it always brings out plenty of eye-rolls in the office.

The Plaza hotel in Nice really dragged me away from the Olympics coverage with it's beautiful terrace with views of the sea.

The terrace has a lovely restaurant and bar, and I've whiled away many an hour daydreaming of being on that top step, and ducking my head for that gold medal.


The Park hotel in Nice is surrounded by lovely greenery, and even has a cute indoor fountain.

It's just two minutes walk from the beach too, which is perfect if you fancy not just a bit of swimming, but also a romantic stroll along the promenade.

It's also handily close if you forget anything... like your towel, or um, swimming trunks... whilst you're in the middle of getting changed.

I'm back off home tomorrow, but I think I'll come back (in my own time!) maybe a bit later in the year.

Nice is nice (nearly!) great when it's hot, but I've been told by the others in the Sports Bars that in the cooler months it's not so crowded, and feels a lot more 'French' (their words for - not so many tourists!).


When I come back, I'll definitely stay in the Nice Riviera Hotel. It's central - close to everything and it has an indoor pool and beautiful spa.

Everyone reckons that it's the best value 4 star in the city. All of the bathrooms are done out in marble too.

Nice. (doh!)

Laters,

Secret Agent

Monaco grand prix, Nice hotels & more!

Wow what a week I've had. Now I've always been a bit unsure about this sport formula 1, but having just spent a week in Monaco, I'm hooked! What a setting for a fabulous sporting spectacle and what's more we have a british hero to boot! That Lewis Hamilton is pretty cool - and in case you didn't watch the whole thing - he managed to win despite his car limping off half way through with a flat tyre! Pretty impressive I'd say. I now can't wait to see what happens in the rest of the championships...maybe I'll plan my travels around the grand prix circuit in future hmmmmm.

Anyway despite my new passion for speeding cars, I can also tell you about the incredible small country, Monaco. Right on the Mediterranean coast, it is totally enclosed by France but is its own country - officially the Principality of Monaco.

Well known for housing the rich & famous, you can wander the streets feeling glam & getting a glimpse of the lives of Brad & Angelina; P Diddy; or the Minogue sisters - I even dusted off my smartest tux in the hope I might bump into one of them. Having spent a fantastic day watching the most exciting grand prix - rain, tight corners & a narrow tunnel are all part of the course, making Monaco one of the most demanding tracks - I then headed to the bars, had a bit of a boogie at Jimmy's disco & then headed to the casino where I managed to lose quite a lot of cash - it was incredible - has 5 different rooms my favourite being the Salon de l'Europe where I fancied my chances at roulette. I then headed back to my luxurious hotel - the 5 star Fairmont Monte Carlo - located right on the grand prix track with spectacular sea views - I couldn't have been happier!

The hotel was fantastic - a great place to relax after the excitement of the grand prix action - with a roof top gym & luxurious spa - I also spent a lot of my time by the rooftop pool sipping cocktails - that was the life! (don't tell my employers - I was making the most of my stay & checking the facilities were good enough for our customers - honest!). The Fairmont Monte Carlo currently has a special free night offer - 4 nights for the price of 3 from £342 pp!

My next stop is Nice - not far from Monaco at all. I'm going to be staying at the 4 star Massena hotel Nice - very centrally located for my shopping addiction & all customers are promised a FREE upgrade to a privilege room when you book a tradition room - how good is that??!!!

This is valid until 28 Dec 08 and even more dates in 2009 if you're that organised. Prices at the Massena hotel Nice start at £63 pppn. The hotel has been recently refurbished & the rooms look fabulous. I also spotted a great hotel - the 2 star Comte De Nice hotel offering fantastic value for money - from £26 pppn - includes breakfast & the hotel is centrally located!

So my next few days will be spent relaxing, wandering along the promenade des anglais, visiting the colourful markets & cosy squares of Old Nice, exploring the famous cathedrals and indulging in french cuisine - maybe a Bouillabaisse - which Nice is particularly famous for. Not a bad life I lead!