The specialized youth hostel site Hostelworld.com has published the annual ranking of the best youth hostels in the world. For the second consecutive year, the Meyerbeer Beach establishment in Nice takes the top spot in the youth hostel ranking in France. Report.
“How are you, my friend!” says Elsa Martin, manager of the hostel located at 15 Meyerbeer Street. She has just bumped into Francesco, who arrived two weeks ago. “Originally, I was supposed to stay for 3 days,” the young Argentine tells us with a sandwich in his hand and a smile on his face. “This often happens here. People arrive planning to stay two or three days with us, and ultimately they stay longer,” emphasizes Elsa while giving a friendly fist bump to Francesco. “It’s become a ritual,” she continues. Sitting in her office chair at the entrance of the establishment, Elsa stands up to chat with her “amigo” as she likes to call him. “Yes, they are clients, they pay for a service. But here we prefer to consider them as guests or friends. This way, they immediately feel more at ease,” explains the manager.
Double French Champion of Youth Hostels
Just above her desk, two plaques resembling trophies stand proudly on the wall. The two titles of “Best Youth Hostel in France” in 2018 and 2019. Already elected last year by customer votes on the HostelWorld.com site, this year’s votes again favor the Meyerbeer Beach with a score of 9.5 out of 10, ahead of its Parisian, Marseille, or Lyon competitors. “It’s really nice. It was a bit of a surprise because we received the plaque (with the title of Best Youth Hostel in France) before knowing the result. But the surprise adds even more joy. I even fell off my chair,” Elsa confesses to us with a big smile, not hiding her pride.
“It feels good here”
“The overall atmosphere is good. The location 100m from the Promenade des Anglais is great, but above all, there’s a wonderful atmosphere. It feels good here. The staff is largely responsible,” explains William, a young Quebecer who arrived yesterday in the azure city. In terms of size, the youth hostel cannot be compared to large establishments. Meyerbeer Beach has “only” 42 beds scattered across 10 dormitories and 5 private rooms. “That’s its strength,” notes Francesco. He continues with conviction, “When I arrived in Nice, I hadn’t chosen an establishment. Walking through the streets, I stumbled upon this small place, hard to find. I went up to the first floor (the youth hostel is located on the 1st and 2nd floors of 15 Meyerbeer Street) and discovered this place. It’s perfect!” exclaims the Argentine in shy English. Though the space is not big, it has all the comfort: a common room, TV, kitchen, relaxation area, towels included in the price (as well as shampoo), and luggage storage. “We do everything to make tourists’ stays easier. We offer many little things like luggage service, fridges in the rooms, internet, or even a bathroom per room. Normally, it’s chargeable,” highlights Elsa while showing dormitory number 6. There are 3 double beds set up in a 20m2 room, and the bathroom is reserved for this dormitory. “It’s very clean; there’s nothing to say about cleanliness,” Francesco remarks.
Located 100m from the Promenade des Anglais and less than a 10-minute walk from Place Masséna, the Meyerbeer Beach hostel enjoys an exceptional location. Add to that perfect rooms, pleasant common areas, and a staff that is attentive to their guests, and you get the best youth hostel in France.
