Where to stay in Toulouse

The choice of hotels, chambres d’hôtes (b&b’s) and self catering flats is HUGE in the pink city. It all depends on how long you’ll be staying and and what you’ll be up to during the daytime…. and in the evenings. Toulouse is a busy city and traffic is no fun for anyone, so if you want the real city experience, forget about renting a car and stay in the city centre. You can walk everywhere, it’s easy not to get lost and all roads lead to the Place du Capitole.

Place du Capitole

Hotels

To be fair, after years as a flight attendant I am very comfortable in hotels. Cleaning up after yourself and cooking is not really a holiday. Besides, with all the great restaurants, bars and cafés in town, you don’t want to be in an apartment all on your own, unless you’re staying for more than a few days or on a work trip.

I have chosen a few of my favourites, due to their charm and comfort and location. So here’s a quick reference guide to hotels in Toulouse.

Expensive

Luxury 5***** http://www.accor.com

The Cour des Consuls Hotel and Spa

From the Mgallery Hotel Collection, it’s an exclusive luxury 5-star hotel housed in a well preserved historic site from the 18th century, next to the posh neighbourhood of les Carmes, close to the Garonne riverbanks and the museums and galleries. Splurge!

Style

Le Grand Balcon 4 **** http://www.grandbalconhotel.com

At the corner of Place du Capitole, my go to hotel before the major relook a few years back, the interior decor of this 1930’s mythical hotel is by architect Jean-Philippe Nuel. The rooms are smaller now but much more luxurious and comfortable, chic and stylish.

Built in the mid 19th century, known as the stop over point for Aéropostale. Jean Mermoz, the aviator stayed in room 20 and Antoine de Saint-Eupéry the author and aviator in room 32. It is a legendary address in the Pink City! feel the history!

lobby bar @ hotel le grand balcon

Not too shabby

Hôtel des Arts*** http://www.hoteldesartstoulouse.fr

In the centre of Toulouse around the corner from the chic and lively place St Georges with cafés, restaurants and shops. The rooms are well decorated and comfortable and adorned with original artworks. (great shopping area too) live like a local!

hotel des Arts

Cool

Mama Shelter Toulouse *** http://www.mamashelter.com

Someone once described The Mama Shelter as a bar with a hotel attached. Even so, the rooms are comfortable and stylish. It has a gorgeous rooftop bar with views of the city and loads of atmosphere. There is also a small cinema and another restaurant on the ground floor at this very central location.so cool!

rooftop @mama shelter

Comfort

Hôtel Croix Baragnon ** http://www.hotelcroixbaragnon.com

A reasonably priced hotel for such a chic street. All the rooms look out over the street or the courtyard.

Rooms are comfortable and you can walk everywhere from here, already one of the most beautiful corners of Toulouse with bars, restaurants, shops, museums and churches at your doorstop.

Cheap and cheerful

Hôtel La Chartreuse * http://www.chartreusehotel.com

Hôtel La Chartreuse is very close to Matabiau Train Station and a 10-minute walk from Place du Capitole. It offers wifi and flat screen TVs, and is within easy walking distance of restaurants, bars and the Canal du Midi.

Self Catering

Appart Hôtel Clément Ader **** http://www.apparthotel-clementader.fr

If you really want your own space to cook (and work) there is always the option of a furnished ‘appart hotel’. Located in Toulouse city center, this 4-star residence features a heated outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and a sauna and pretty much everything you would expect in a self catering city flat.

Calm & nature (on the edge of town)

ibis Styles Toulouse Cite Espace *** http://www.accor.com (cité de l’espace Toulouse)

The ibis Styles Toulouse Cité Espace is next to the City of Space theme park and easy to get to from the motorway. It is a great option for anyone who wishes to run in the park in the morning and make an easy escape by car to continue your journey in Occitanie. It has a bar and restaurant opening on to a large outdoor patio. Rooms are comfortable and parking is free. You can bus into town in the morning, spend the day in Toulouse and retreat back to the calm at night and most importantly visit the wonderful Cité de l’Espace.