The Best Hotels and Inns in Toulouse, France

The Privilege rooms at this hotel come with the veritable advantage of windows overlooking the beautiful Place du Capitole and its buildings that date as far back as the 16th century. Standard rooms have views of the courtyard, where you’ll no doubt spot other guests enjoying a drink in the Occitania air. When checking in here, be sure to look up – the lamps are unexpectedly accompanied by various musical instruments dangling from the ceiling.

At La Galerie, you’ll find a wooden stove, leather chaise longue and pink ottoman in a lounge and dining area bursting with quirk. In the Roseraie district northeast of Toulouse, the hotel is only a few metro stops from downtown via the nearby Argoulets station, a five-minute walk away. The art-inspired guesthouse features three rooms honouring renowned painters, with antique trinkets and framed prints scattered all over the property. Outside, there’s a small swimming pool.

You’ll have the choice of a suite or an apartment at this chic, spacious hotel, just off the east side of the Pont Neuf, Toulouse’s 16th-century stone bridge. Whichever you choose, you’ll discover a minibar and an audio system that pumps music into the shower; some also have a balcony overlooking the Garonne River. At the onsite Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Cénacle, the impressive stone hearth is given a mood lighting treatment, while chef Thomas Vonderscher works his magic with dishes such as beef tartare.

The bright white floors, ceilings and walls transform the lobby area here into the perfect canvas for a range of colourful contemporary art and sculptures. If you’re particularly taken by any of the prints adorning the walls, ask at reception for a price. The cuisine on offer at the onsite South West Bistrot Ramblas is just as creative and colourful, with chef Yousri Ben-Jeday prioritising organic produce from regional producers.

The 1pm check-out time here is ideal for those who aren’t in a rush to leave. It allows you more time to enjoy the well-equipped fitness centre, with running, stepper, bike and elliptical machines accompanied by a wide selection of free weights. For those with limited mobility, the hotel includes five accessible rooms, accessible parking and ramp access to the hotel restaurant.

Once a 17th-century convent, this historic hotel sits on the south side of the Place du Capitole, opposite the theatre that inspires its name. Opera-red tones dominate the bedroom interiors, along with giant gold-framed paintings. An old-world charm pervades throughout the property, and those who enjoy a traditional hotel service will be right at home. The gold-hued brasserie continues the theme with a classical French menu, including Gillardeau oysters, a veal chop and a risotto of the day.

As Europe’s aerospace hub and the home of Airbus, Toulouse’s proud flying history is honoured at this 1930s hotel. Bedrooms are decorated to resemble fluffy clouds, while pioneering French aviators such as Jean Mermoz, Henri Guillaumet and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry stare out from black-and-white photos on the lounge walls. Younger guests will enjoy spotting model aeroplanes – and even copies of Saint-Exupéry’s famous book Le Petit Prince (1943) – dotted around the building.

If you’re in Toulouse for a short stay, you won’t find a better option than this 90-room hotel, just 10 minutes from the Toulouse-Blagnac Airport. Book the spacious suite with its king-size bed, HDTV and private terrace. Downstairs, the spa features Californian, Chinese and Balinese massages, while the hotel also hosts regular events in its auditorium, including classical music, comedy and magic shows.

With a view of a beautiful garden in a town square, this Novotel is a great choice for families, thanks to its central location and top amenities. It has an indoor play area, babysitting options, speciality kids menus and a dedicated video-game room for the older kids. Rooms sleep up to four people, with two on a sofa bed. If you get the chance, take advantage of the onsite fitness centre, jacuzzi, sauna and hammam.

This family-run property was born in 1905 when Léon Sentenac – the current owner’s grandfather – opened it as a wine bar. More than a century later, and the offering has extended to incorporate a 41-room hotel, its founder remaining present and honoured in its name (“father Leon”). The room options include double, triple and family, while breakfast is a self-serve buffet divided into sweet and savoury. The latter offers prosciutto, fresh eggs and baked baguettes, while the former comprises a wide choice of pastries, spreads and fruit.

Couples will enjoy a stay at this charming boutique hotel in the city centre. With only 11 rooms available, choose between the affordable standard room with views of the Musée des Augustins, or splash out on the custom room, which comes with champagne, rose petals and candles on request. Each one is decorated with original artwork. Hot croissants and baguettes from one of the top 100 bakeries in France are served at breakfast each morning.

While the Best Western brand might seem like another chain hotel, the Innès has teamed up with UK brand Habitat to kit out its rooms with jungle-pattern wallpaper and chic Scandi-style furnishings, creating a quirky, individual feel to this four-star, central hotel. Grab a quick bite at Le Bon Gourmet before exploring the nearby Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse.

Close to the Capitole train station, this Mercure hotel is within easy walking distance of Place Wilson and the Basilique Saint-Sernin. Stroll down to the Canal du Midi, which makes for a pretty walk on a warm day. While there’s no onsite restaurant, the hotel is just around the corner from several dining options, including the popular tapas spot, Le Saint Jérôme. Private indoor parking is a real perk, and the hotel is pet-friendly.