Mercure Toulouse Wilson

Two business/personal stays, Nov/Dec 2004 for 7 nights and Feb 2005 for 6 nights.

Nov/Dec I found an internet rate for weekend nights for 79 euro a night & then had an "Airbus" rate of 99 euro the rest of the week. Check-in was business-like, but welcoming. Room 204. It was a small room with one double bed -- yes, a bit small, even by French size standards. It was clean and comfortable and the bathroom had a shower stall and was more than adequate. The room had a large window that opened onto a very boring looking courtyard. The room was very quiet, both day & night.

Feb, I paid 87 euro for the weekend nights & 112 for the week nights. Check-in again was more welcoming this time...probably because I had brushed up on my French and manners and greeted the clerks with a hearty Bonjour! I was given room 219. A larger room with 1 double bed -- in fact, the headboard appeared to be sized for a king size bed. The bathroom had a large, deep bathtub with a shower door. The room had "French" doors that opened onto a little "Juliette" balcony that overlooked the street. Unfortunately, the noise from the street was absolutely horrible. The hotel was full-up, so I could not move to another room. I am one of those people that prefers to sleep with my window open and delivery trucks and garbage trucks and garage doors and motorcycles -- it was soooo noisy! And Thursday night was the worse -- that's when the local college kids go to the Discotheque that is practically right next door. It was Noisy -- I mean loud -- outside until about 3 or 3:30 in the morning.

Breakfast was not included & was 12 euro. I indulged on both Sunday mornings that I was there as I had time to make it more of a brunch, then. Besides the usual croissants, cheeses, jellies, fruit, and coldcuts, the buffet had scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, cereal, yoghurt, fresh squeezed OJ, and more -- and this was everyday, not just Sundays.

Unique Quality: Location, location, location.

This hotel is located practically right on Place Wilson. There are lots of wonderful restaurants on and around Place Wilson. Place Capitol is a 5 minute stroll away... There is all kinds of shopping near by from exclusive boutiques to department stores. There's a movie theatre around the corner and another one around the block.

A taxi to/from the airport runs 20 - 30 euro depending on the time of day/traffic and how much luggage you have. You can also take the l'aeroport shuttle for 3.90 euro one-way to Jean Jaures and the hotel is about a 5 minute walk from there.

You could spend a lot more money to stay in virtually the same location, but why? Ok, I have to admit, however, that I hate the color schemes of the Mercure Wilson rooms -- oranges and harvests golds make them look dated. I sure hope they update their decor sometime soon. Also, some of my aquaintances that also stayed there complained of "lumpy" beds...although, I did not have that experience.

For a place to sleep and shower in a great, convenient location, I'd stay here again!

Directions: Place Wilson; close to Place Capitol