Citiz Hôtel ★★★★

Toulouse is the fourth-largest city in France (after Paris, Lyon and Marseille) situated halfway between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean on the banks of the River Garonne in south-western France. A thriving city, it is the centre of the European aerospace industry. Its unique architecture, made with pinkish terracotta bricks, has earned it the nickname of ‘the Pink City’. I have heard a lot about this from my client (who happens to be a very proud Toulouse native) and am eager to see what all the fuss is about. As I step off the shuttle bus that has brought me from the nearby airport to the hotel, it is dusk and drizzling. The happy colours of the buildings cheer me up a bit but for now, as today, Toulouse is decidedly grey!

The hotel, which is housed in a beautifully restored historic building, is very grand indeed, even in this miserable weather. I vow to admire its elegant white columns and its terracotta facade when the sun comes out, hopefully before I go home in two days’ time. My first impressions are good. They only get better when I step into the inviting lobby of the classy boutique hotel. In contrast with the traditional façade, the hotel interior is very 21st-century modern. It’s also very purple! Creamy chocolate walls and milky beige flooring are tastefully enhanced by splashes of purple, mauve, burgundy and plum. I make a cheeky comment to the receptionist about this being a very purple hotel for such a pink city and she cheerfully explains that the city’s emblem is the delicate violet and that the entire month of February (when violets are in full bloom) is spent in celebration of the sweet-smelling flower.

The 56 rooms and bathrooms all share the same colour scheme and modern feel. The lighting design in mine is stunning! It is very carefully thought-out with numerous storage units, high quality bedding, free Wi-Fi and real air-conditioning – that works! My bathroom is very spacious with a walk-in shower, fluffy white towels and plenty of (purple) beauty products to try out. A dressing gown and slippers are also at my disposal.

The hotel does not have a restaurant open in the evening so I order sushi from a menu on my bedside table. No need to go out in search of a good place to eat in this rain when I have all I could possibly need in my room. While I wait for my delivery, I fling open the windows that look out over the bustling square below. I love getting a feel for a city this way, observing its inhabitants, taking in the smells and colours from above. I am surprised at the difference in decibel level. The windows are definitely double-glazed!

After a good night’s rest, my client is waiting for me in the lobby and we have breakfast together in the hotel dining room overlooking the city. The weather has picked up and the morning sun is glistening off the damp stone work and pavements. Maybe I will get the chance to see the Pink City in all its glory after all.