Figuring out where to stay in Menton can feel confusing at first. The town is compact yet diverse, with several micro-areas that each offer a unique experience.
Menton is one of the most charming destinations on the French Riviera with pastel facades, gentle beaches, beautiful gardens, and a relaxed pace that sets it apart from busier coastal towns.
After spending a full week in Menton recently (and many earlier visits), I’ve explored the neighborhoods thoroughly and hand-picked the best Menton hotels and apartments to help you find the perfect place to stay.
This guide breaks down the best areas to stay in Menton in a clear, practical way, along with a curated list of hotels and vacation rentals that consistently offer excellent value and a top location. Spoiler: The most advertised accommodations aren’t always in the best location.
Here are my top recommendations on the best places to stay in Menton.
This article features the best areas and accommodations in Menton for couples, families, and solo travelers alike. Find out where to stay based on your travel plans.
Affiliate links are sprinkled throughout the site content. Clicking on such a hyperlink and making a booking on the accommodation platform it refers to may result in a commission for Nice & Beyond at no additional cost to you. For more information, visit the Disclaimer page.
Quick guide: best places to stay in Menton
Keep scrolling for a comprehensive overview of the best areas and hotels in Menton.
Best area in Menton for first-timers and sightseeing -> Old Town
Best area in Menton for beaches -> Old Town
Best area in Menton for families -> Old Town (vacation rentals in historic buildings) & City Center (hotels and more modern vacation rentals)
Best area in Menton on a budget -> Carnolès–Casino
Best area in Menton for shopping -> Old Town
Best area in Menton for romantic breaks -> Garavan
Best area in Menton for day trips by train -> City Center & Carnolès–Casino
Best area in Menton for tranquility -> Garavan & Menton Hills
Best area in Menton for exploring mountain villages and Mercantour National Park -> Menton Hills
My Top Picks
My in-depth guide on the best places to stay in Menton, France, includes a hand-picked selection of amazing hotels and apartments for each. For your convenience, all accommodation suggestions link to a booking site where you can check availability and make your reservation.
Menton has a smaller hotel inventory than its neighbours, which means the best-rated stays – especially those near the seafront and in Menton Old Town – disappear quickly.
Staying in Menton gives you the chance to slow down and experience one of the French Riviera’s most relaxed towns at your own pace. To complement your accommodation choice, this Menton travel guide brings together the town’s key sights, seaside areas, gardens, and practical tips so you can plan your stay with confidence.
As part of my French Riviera travel planning support, I offer a package that matches you with the perfect place to stay. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the endless accommodation options, this might be just what you need.
Best places to stay in Menton: Map
This map will help you locate the areas to stay in Menton. Continue reading to discover them all.
Tip: While choosing where to stay, it helps to know what’s nearby. Check my full guide to the best things to do in Menton for beaches, gardens, and landmarks you can easily explore from each area.
Where to stay in Menton: Areas compared
Menton is compact, but its micro-neighborhoods feel surprisingly different from one another. Here’s a clear breakdown of the areas you’ll actually consider when choosing where to stay.
Note that I use traveler-friendly names rather than obscure administrative labels. (Carnolès–Casino isn’t an official name, but I use it here because it accurately describes the full seaside stretch between the Casino Barrière and Carnolès, where most modern hotels are located.)
1. Old Town (Vieille Ville) – Best for first-timers, classic Menton charm, and beach bliss
This is Menton at its most atmospheric: pastel facades, narrow stairways, baroque squares, and postcard views over the Bay of Sablettes. Staying here puts you steps from top sights such as the Basilique Saint-Michel, the Old Château Cemetery, the waterfront restaurants of Quai Bonaparte, and some of the best beaches in Menton, especially Plage des Sablettes, which is sheltered and ideal for swimming.
It’s the most walkable part of the city, with easy access to cafés, the Marché des Halles, the Old Port, the Promenade de la Mer, and the coastal path toward Garavan. Hotels are limited (many buildings are protected), so the selection leans toward small boutique stays and apartments with character. Perfect if you want atmosphere, views, and the top Menton tourist attractions at your doorstep.
If you plan a short stay in Menton, or a family beach vacation, then this is where you want to stay. Menton Old Town is the city’s beating and offers proximity to all sights, shops, restaurants, the top beaches, and the Promenade de la Mer.
Best for:
Historic charm, postcard views, sightseeing, first-time visitors, foodies, steps from Les Sablettes Beach, mostly pedestrianized so minimal traffic noise.
Downsides:
Lots of stairs, few elevators, limited hotel choice (mostly small properties), can feel busy in peak season, direct drop-off and pick-up not possible in pedestrianized streets.
2. City Center (Centre-Ville) – Best for convenience, transport & easy beach access
Menton’s City Center stretches along the Promenade de la Mer from the Jean Cocteau Museum to the Biovès Gardens. This is the practical heart of the city: close to restaurants, grocery stores, public transport, and Menton’s main train station. If you want a no-car stay where you can walk everywhere and rely on the train for day trips to Monaco, Nice, or Italy, this is a reliable home base.
This area of Menton is home to Plage du Marché and offers easy access to Plage de Fossan. The City Center is also where you’ll find several historic Belle Époque palaces that are still in operation today, along with boutique hotels and practical apartment-style stays that work well for short or longer trips. It’s a lively neighborhood with easy access to everything.
Best for:
Convenience without a car, short walks everywhere, shopping, markets & train access, easy beach access along the promenade.
Downsides:
Lacks the charm of Old Town, some noise on major streets.
3. Carnolès–Casino – Best for modern hotels, value & straightforward seafront stays
This long, linear stretch between Casino Barrière and Palais Carnolès is practical, well-connected, and close to everyday amenities, with good public transport links and a pleasant promenade setting. This is not Menton’s top beach area (the best beaches are around the Old Town and City Center). In fact, there are only two beaches on the easternmost side of this area, towards the Casino, and situated between two river mouths. But the seafront Promenade du Soleil is easy to navigate, and great for morning walks or sunsets.
It includes many of the area’s larger, more modern hotels, including Menton’s best-known mid-range and upper-mid-range properties. Thanks to the larger rooms, balconies, and seafront options, many travelers end up here despite the slightly less charming setting than in Menton Old Town. Choose this area if you prefer comfort, modern amenities, and good value over atmosphere.
Best for:
Modern stays with balconies and sea views, spacious accommodations, good value for Menton, supermarkets, seafront promenade.
Downsides:
Beaches less attractive than Sablettes, the setting can feel more practical than scenic, slightly farther from the Old Town vibe and top beaches.
4. Garavan – Best for tranquility, gardens & longer stays
Garavan begins just east of the Old Town and extends all the way to the Italian border. It’s the most elegant and peaceful part of Menton, known for its Belle-Époque villas, lush botanical gardens – Val Rahmeh and Maria Serena to name a few – and a long waterfront promenade lined with caroubiers and pepper trees. The area has a strong “dolce vita” ambiance. It’s quieter than the center, but still within walking distance of Les Sablettes and the Old Town. It’s also home to one of my favorite Menton beaches: Plage Rondelli.
Many accommodations offer sea views, greenery, and more space than in the historic core. It’s ideal for longer stays, couples seeking a peaceful base, and anyone who values greenery, beauty, and an unhurried atmosphere with an undeniable Italian flair.
Best for:
Peaceful, elegant, and leafy, great for gardens and scenic walks, beaches and port nearby, excellent for longer stays and couples, day trips to Italy and the Mercantour National Park.
Downsides:
Limited selection of dining right nearby, longer walks to restaurants and nightlife, limited train service from the Menton Garavan station, other transport connections are further away.
5. Menton Hills – Best for views, spacious rentals & trips into the mountains
The hills rising above Menton, including Saint-Michel, Ciappes, the upper Borrigo valley, and the slopes toward Sainte-Agnès and Castellar, offer panoramic views, residential calm, and some of the best-value apartments and villas in the region. If you don’t mind the uphill location, and you’re arriving by car, the Menton Hills reward you with spacious terraces, pools, gardens, and sweeping Mediterranean vistas.
This area suits travelers with a car or those who prefer peace over proximity. The hills also make an excellent base for exploring mountain villages like Castellar, Sainte-Agnès, and Gorbio, all of which are among the most scenic day trips from Menton. It’s also the perfect gateway to the Mercantour National Park. A great pick if you’re looking for space, views, and a more local-feeling stay.
Best for:
Accommodations with large terraces, views, and space, great value for families and longer stays, ideal base for mountain villages (Castellar, Sainte-Agnès, Gorbio), calm and local feel, cooler in the heat of summer.
Downsides:
You need a car, uphill walks or steep streets, not ideal for popping to the beach multiple times a day, colder in shoulder and low season, very limited public transportation.
Best accommodations in Menton
Once you’ve chosen the right neighborhood, the next step is finding a place to stay that fits your style and budget. The properties below include a mix of hotels and well-located vacation rentals across Menton, from charming Old Town apartments to modern seafront stays and quiet hillside retreats.
Remember to book well in advance, especially for high-season stays, as the best properties fill quickly.
Best hotels in Menton
Whether you want a boutique stay in the Old Town, a practical base in the City Center, or a modern property along the Carnolès–Casino stretch, the selection here focuses on consistently well-rated hotels with great locations and solid value. These are the best Menton hotels for a comfortable, convenient stay.
It’s worth noting that some hotels close their doors during the winter season (often with the exception of the Lemon Festival in February).
1. Villa Genesis
Villa Genesis is the most luxurious hotel in Menton, a beautifully restored Belle Époque villa with a serene pool and manicured gardens. It’s my top pick if you want an upscale stay in complete tranquility without being too far from the action. The Old Town and beaches are about a 20-minute walk away, and while nearby restaurants are limited, the hotel’s peaceful setting and excellent breakfast more than compensate.
2. Hôtel Gabriël
Hôtel Gabriel is the town’s most recent addition to the Menton hotel market and shines in value and location. It sits right where the City Center meets the Old Town, just a couple of blocks from the beach, and its cheerful Mediterranean decor and service with a smile earn glowing reviews. A great choice if you want a fresh, modern base close to everything.
3. Hôtel de Londres
I love the inviting entrance of this stylish boutique hotel in Menton: a leafy courtyard with a pétanque area and relaxed bar that sets the tone immediately. Rooms are cozy and colorful, and the location is spot-on: lively street near the Casino, one block from the beach, and close to the train station.
4. Best Western Premier Hotel Prince de Galles (Prince of Wales)
Housed in a former residence for the Prince of Monaco’s personal guards, this property blends Belle Époque history with fully modern interiors. Rooms come in soothing tones with sea or mountain views, many featuring balconies, and the bar terrace overlooking the Med is a highlight. It’s right on the border with Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, great for coastal walks but a longer stroll into Menton’s historic core.
Best vacation rentals in Menton
Menton has excellent vacation rentals in every part of town, from atmospheric apartments in the Old Town to contemporary units along the promenade or hillside villas overlooking the bay. The options below are handpicked for their location, comfort, and strong guest reviews, making them ideal for longer stays or travellers who want a more local experience. These are the best apartments and holiday homes in Menton.
All Menton vacation rentals listed here have air conditioning, which is essential in summer, and I’ve verified that each property is legally registered for short-term stays in Menton.
1. Sidi Brahim
I stayed here! My family and I spent a in this rental last summer. We loved the peaceful setting despite being right in the heart of Menton. Also, the air conditioning held up perfectly during the heatwave.
This is my personal pick for apartments in Menton! The location is unbeatable: a quiet side street just off Rue Saint-Michel, only a 4-minute walk from Sablettes Beach and the Old Town restaurants. Light, modern, and well-equipped, with a walk-in shower and a kitchen that makes family stays easy.
2. Résidence Hôtelière Chambord
Just one block from the Casino and steps from the Biovès Gardens — the stage of the Lemon Festival — this residence offers some of the most convenient accommodations in Menton. Rooms and apartment-style suites are elegant and modern, many with large terraces ideal for longer trips.
3. Régina
This apartment sits in the easternmost part of the City Center, just steps from the Marché des Halles and a short walk to both Plage du Fossan and Plage des Sablettes. Sunlit, tastefully decorated interiors and a small balcony with palm and sea views make it feel like a Riviera retreat. A practical, stylish pick for families or two couples.
4. Le Vallaya Suites & Spa
For peaceful stays with plenty of space, this collection of beautifully designed suites and apartments in leafy Garavan feels like the best of both worlds: independence with hotel-style amenities. There’s a spa, a pool, a rooftop with lovely views, and even a games room. It’s uphill and about 20 minutes from Sablettes, but perfect if you want a tranquil retreat.
5. Le Coq Bleu d’Azur
If waking up to sea views is a must, this apartment delivers: a front-row location right above the Promenade du Soleil with a balcony perfect for morning coffee or an apéro with sunset colors. Inside, everything feels fresh and modern. Plus, free parking and a communal pool make a rare combo in Menton. A little road noise at times, but for a stay this close to the water, it’s a trade-off I’d happily make.
6. Villa l’Ensoleillée
Set high above Sablettes on the Boulevard de Garavan, this villa delivers the views Menton is famous for: turquoise sea, tiled rooftops, and Italy just around the corner. This is the vacation rental I’d pick if you want a French Riviera postcard every time you step outside. There’s a bit of a climb back home, but the huge terrace with dining and BBQ more than makes up for it.
7. La Perle
A fresh, modern one-bedroom set in a historic building right across from the Bastion and Menton’s Old Port, meaning cafés, restaurants, and Plage des Sablettes are just steps away. Although this apartment doesn’t have windows to the outside, clever design and bright decor keep the space inviting. Ideal for a couple wanting a stylish base in the very heart of Menton.
8. Palais de la Rose
A charming place for travelers who want city buzz at their doorstep: cafés, boutiques, and the covered market are just around the corner. I picked it because it’s one of those apartments that make Menton so easy: stroll to Les Sablettes in minutes, grab fresh pastries downstairs, sip on a lemon juice as you browse the shops, and enjoy a stylish base in a super convenient location.
10. Le Bréa
True finds like this are rare in Menton’s Old Town: three proper bedrooms, three bathrooms, sea-facing windows, and even a small balcony overlooking the Vieux Port. The interiors blend modern touches with character; a dream base for a group or family wanting space in the most scenic part of town.
11. Jardin des Muses
This comfortable and nicely designed apartment on the edge of the Biovès Gardens is perfect if you want the city center within quick reach without being right in the bustle. The balcony overlooking the inner courtyard is a lovely spot for breakfast or a sunset drink after a day at the beach.
12. Le Penthouse
This spacious penthouse combines contemporary design with exceptional outdoor living: a huge sea-view terrace with an outdoor kitchen, dining area, BBQ, jacuzzi, and panoramas stretching across the bay and mountains. A fantastic choice if you want space and comfort with a hint of luxury near central Menton.
14. Villa Daniël
A fantastic Menton getaway if you want space to relax and play: a modern semi-detached villa with five bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a private pool, ideal for a holiday with multiple couples or an extended family. Plenty of outdoor fun too: BBQ, trampoline, and a hanging swing chair.
FAQ about staying in Menton
What’s your favorite area to stay in Menton?
That concludes my comprehensive guide on where to stay in Menton, France. By now, you should have a good idea of which area in Menton is right for you. And if you found the accommodation you were looking for, then be sure to book it well in advance.
And hey, why not bookmark or pin this page on where to stay in Menton for future reference?
Bookmark this page or pin it for future reference.
