Hotel des Arts

Charming, central, chic, cheap

Want a double room for 31 euros a night right in the centre of Toulouse - a quiet up-market street - AND in an attractive old building, high ceilings, shutters and grand fireplaces? This is the place.

Some people I know, whose opinions and taste i otherwise respect, tell me that they always stay in a 'Hotel Ibis' or similar chain hotel when they travel because: " you always know what to expect". This seems to be a good rule when choosing cars or airlines or underwear but makes for a dull life when choosing husbands or hotels..... If you want a certain international standard go to the Hotel Ibis, but if you want something relatively basic but clean, cheap and interesting, come here to Hotel des Arts.

We had a room with a shower - hot water all day and night. The toilets are all on the stairs - a possible disadantage if you go to the loo in the night having drnk too much wine... Everything is kept nice and clean, with posters from art exhibitions, but this is an old building so some things will look a little dog-eared.

Unique Quality: Location: The rooms at the front look out onto a narrow street that isn't much used by traffic, and onto Hermes and other grand shops. (also onto an alarming aesthetique salon that promised treatments 'minceur' and other unpleasent sounding things). If you lean a bit further out of your window you'll see the back of the Musees des Augustins (a place essential to visit).

A friendly cheap and attractive place to stay.

• Opinion of Price: least expensive
• Related to: Backpacking

Hotel des Arts Photo: Hotel des Arts

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