Grand Hotel du Midi ★★★★

It’s never easy choosing a weekend getaway. It feels as though my partner and I have already done all the major destinations several times. And as this was to be a quick couple of days, the idea was for things to be manageable and drama-free.

Montpellier was the perfect choice – uncomplicated, not too big, and far enough away from home to feel like a real holiday. After arranging the flight, I happened upon the Grand Hôtel du Midi, a hundred-year old Hausmann-style building in the middle of the town which had just been renovated and promised easy access to all the sites. After quick consultation with my partner, the trip was a go!

Arriving in front of the hotel in town we were amazed at the pristine, newly-renovated façade. Inside, the modern design was the perfect contrast and provided crisp and elegant charm. The hotel overlooks the stately Place de la Comédie in the centre of the city, with easy access to all the major sites. We were keen on seeing the Opera House and private mansions, and were immediately happy with our choice of hotel.

The overall ambience of the hotel is welcoming - cosy even. Its modern décor is chic yet classy, a perfect blend of colour, form, and light evoking elegant and artistic styles one would expect in Paris or Rome. Unwinding here was a cinch, and it was obvious that the hotel put a lot of effort into making the accommodation comfortable, clean, and calm.

We opted for a Superior Room and were happy to be able to take in a wide-open view of the Place de la Comédie. Relaxing after the days’ excursions was made easy by cosy red carpet and wallpaper which reflected the light perfectly. My partner went straight for the bathroom and enjoyed a magnificent soak in a sleek and modern bathroom. The 23 square metre room was plenty big enough for both of us; I found my joy looking outside at the pedestrians below and contemplating the grand Fontaine des Trois Grâces in the square.

We planned a guided tour of Montpellier and also a trip to one of the local beaches. The Grand Hôtel du Midi is perfectly situated for all we wanted to do. In addition, it offers outstanding services such as luggage storage, housekeeping service, a safe, and air-conditioning. A little plus was the breakfast, which we had delivered to the room. Keeping it simple, we were thrilled to be able to take advantage of little perks such as this. I’d recommend Le Grand Hôtel du Midi to anyone with great yet straightforward holiday plans. Southwest France never felt so good, and it was just what we had hoped for.