Be wary when selecting property rental companies. Try to get as much information as possible about the property before you arrive.
We stayed in Nice for a week last year with accommodation organised by TotallyNice, a rental company. Unfortunately, the apartment was entirely unsuitable for us. It was located near the train station, which turned out to be one of the most dangerous areas of Nice, and the neighbours downstairs were a nightmare, playing loud music until 5am.
For anybody booking an apartment in Nice: the 'undesirable neighbourhoods' are the area near the train station, the port and Malaussena. Anywhere else in the centre of town seemed perfectly safe.
Personally, I plan to avoid using 'rental companies' in the future, and approach the property owner directly.
However, don't let my bad experience put anybody off Nice. I had a wonderful time there and I plan to return very shortly. It's a beautiful city.
I totally disagree with this. Sorry, but TotallyNice say very clearly on their site that the Owner's properties are advertised as a favour. So in fact, Johnafton was booking directly from the Owner, which is the very thing he suggests avoiding doing. I always book through an agency and have found them brilliant. I am not advocating booking through TotallyNice, but do book through an agency who has a reputation to protect. I know Nice pretty well now (12 trips in 2 years) and most areas are as safe as any large English city. Most of the crime happens in the outer suburbs (the housing estates). Areas to avoid at night in central Nice are the train station (druggies and weirdos) and the Promenade Anglais (from the Meridien to the airport - hookers, pimps, drunks). The port is actually safe as far back as the Rue Barla and has plenty of happening places worth visiting. The only people I know who have actually had any problems in Nice, were both pickpocketed in the Old Town, which probably feels the safest place to be.
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I have always rented apartments when I stay in Nice from rental agencies and they have been fantastic. TotallyNice just advertise apartments for OWNERS - I think they say on the site that they are just doing a favour for past clients.
So, Johnafton's view is totally flawed - he actually rented DIRECTLY from the owner. He must mean you should rent through reputable agencies. I think if you rent through the agency you have more chance of success. Agencies have a reputation to keep, direct with the owners is simply the owners idea of what he/she thinks is lovely which might not be shared by anyone else!
Agree near the train station is a little dodgy, put the port is fine.