Etap Hotel, Menton, French Riviera

For the budget-conscious traveler, the Etap Hotel in Menton is an ideal base for touring Monaco, Nice, Cannes, and the rest of Provence. Located within a kilometer of the Italian border, the Etap overlooks the marina and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean. Most rooms have balconies, the perfect place to enjoy a glass of French wine while watching the sun set over neighboring Monaco.

Rooms are basic and comparable to a Motel 6 in the US in both price and furnishings. We've always found the hotel clean and the staff extremely helpful and friendly, giving this chain hotel a small 'boutique' feel.

One bonus of this hotel is the bountiful breakfast of fresh French breads, yogurt, and cereal that awaits you in the morning for only a few euro extra.