Stayed here twice. First time was in 2002, Sept. My wife and I had made a booking (via web) some months prior to arrival and had warned them of our late check-in. A delay in flight resulted in our arrival at approx. midnight to be informed our room had been let and no availability. They had, however, arranged alternate one-night stay nearby and arranged taxi transport. Strangely, I did not immediately complain but their 'equivalent' accommodation was very sub-standard. Remaining several nights at the Aston wwas in an upgraded room overlooking the main fountains and park and was very enjoyable in all respects.

In Sept. 2003 we booked to stay in Nice again but not at the Aston - their prices on the web were high. When in Nice however we visited Aston, enquired as to availability and price and struck a good deal. I believed this included breakfast.

On a couple of days the food was limited at breakfast, several items being unavailable. Complaints resulted in little if any action.

We sampled several rooms, each little better than the previous. Some were 'grubby' and ill-appointed. Not what you expect from a 4 star. One was filthy. We finally settled on the best of a bad bunch and slept that first night.

Next morning we became aware of a most unpleasant smell. Our complaint fell on deaf ears. By now they perhaps felt we were being awkward.

Before our departure however they did look into this and it appears something had 'died' in a nearby air-conditioning unit. We never found out the details.

The hotel has a wonderful flat roof, complete with small but adequate swinning-pool. We had made extensive us of this relaxing area (great loungers up their and views to die for) in 2002 and continued to do so throughout our 2003 visit. We dismissed the annoying gentleman who insisted we sign the 'ticket' each day - he initially muttered the need to charge 9 euros per person, per day for the privilage of sitting in this area.

At check-out time, as I suspected, the bill included this charge. We're seasoned travellers and had earlier obtained a copy of the hotel brochure - it matched ours which we had at the time of booking.

I refused to pay their 'pool view' charge on the basis such a charge is not pointed out in the brochure, is not made clear on the advertisement outside the hotel door (a very large and heavy 5ft x 2ft painted board which I brought into the reception area and loudly pointed out for the benefit of everyone else being charged at that same time).

Whilst I avoided that cost, they hit me with a breakfast charge assuring me the 'deal' arranged when booking several days earlier did not include breakfast. Had to pay this - couldn't prove otherwise.

It's a great shame. This hotel has tremendous potential. It's perfectly situated for the 'old' town and beach but they should be up-front about the pool charges - include them in the price - most other hotels do.

I'll put the smell down to poor workmanship - there was some refurb. being undertaken at time.

However, no hotel, when 'caught-out' should attempt to belittle the client. It didn't work with me - I couldn't care what others may think when I'm arguing from a legally strong position.

Pity is, my wife's work colleague's son and wife recently stayed there (August 2004) and they are still charging daily for the pool use. And soft Brit's are still paying.