I just booked cheap flights this weekend with my fiance for a long weekend. We couldn't believe trying to find accommodation until we discovered it was Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes film festival.
Cut a long story short, after much searching the only reasonably priced ghotel was LePante.
It's 2 star and my fiance quoted "it's rustic but clean". Ours was ensuite with a shower with a basic wardrobe, TV and air cond (free). We weren't intending staying in so it was a base.
15 min easy walk from train station, 10 min walk to promenade. Continental breakfast is extra but you can have it on the sun terrace. Guy on trhe desk spoke little English but ran reception, served breakfast etc - a real star.
We visited Monaco (15 mins) and Cannes (35 mins), called in at Antibes on way back - both by train - all well worth a visit. Nice is good to explore by foot. Only there 3 days but seemed to cover so much.