Courtyard Marriott Montpellier ★★★★

Elegant charm is the name of the game in Montpellier, with its wide boulevards lined with ornate mansions and an old quarter bursting with whimsical delights. I didn’t quite know what to expect from this high-end French city, and thought it would probably compare to Marseille or Nice. But, as it turned out, Montpellier had a unique personality that balanced on the crux of old and new – detailed, heavy architecture rubbed shoulders with contemporary design, and old family-run bistros sat side by side with glass-fronted, high-ceiling cafes.

I found this combination evident in the Courtyard Montpellier Marriott, too. Aesthetically, it was a modern delight but it was imbued with a classic French charm and top-notch hospitality befitting of a luxury four-star hotel. Sat right next to the city hall, the Courtyard Montpellier Marriott is plonked in the perfect location for sightseeing and soaking up all that Montpellier has to offer. In just moments you can find yourself wandering the streets of the historical centre, a twisting labyrinth of old architectural relics and visual history, or in the downtown area which is a hubbub of stylish shops and restaurants. And, for the attractions further afield, there is a tram stop nearby – the perfect way to travel between old and new.

Stepping inside the Courtyard Montpellier Marriott is like stepping into a chic future. Again, there is a contrast between the whitewashed walls and the energetic splashes of plums and mustard, and it oozed with Nordic charm despite being a very French affair. From the in-house bistros, the lounge bar, and the lobby, there was a colourful painting to admire or a plush, embroidered cushion to try out around every twist and turn. My room was equally as stylish, shadowing the rest of the hotel in a neutral palette with the odd dash of colour every now and again. From my private balcony I could look out over Montpellier, admiring the hodgepodge skyline of old, jutting spires and new, sleek designs.

During my stay, I came to the conclusion that it is impossible to be bored in Montpellier, especially if you are staying at the Courtyard Montpellier Marriott. On-site there are a whole host of activities to get stuck into, including a relaxing spa with a whirlpool, massage facilities, saunas and more, an outdoor terrace perfect for cocktail hour, the in-house Mediterranean bistro which served a flurry of fresh, sumptuous flavours, and a gym to work off all those sumptuous flavours in.

Then I would leave the new behind and hop on the tram in search of the old – a wander through the Fabre Museum and its eye-catching collections, a stroll amongst the artisan shops in the historical centre, an exploration of Montpellier’s Odysseum, and perhaps an evening spent at the Place de la Comedie. Thankfully all this exploring was possible after the hearty breakfast at the Courtyard Montpellier Marriott, a classic combination of sweet and savoury to kick start the day.

No, I didn’t know what to expect from Montpellier, but I’m glad that I didn’t. Montpellier exceeded all my comparisons to Marseille and Nice, offering a slice of old and new in a very picturesque setting. The Courtyard Montpellier Marriott offered the perfect dose of new to the party – and mark my words, I’ll be back.