Privilege Hotel Eurociel Centre Comedie

On an attractive narrow street near a small highway underpass and the Montpellier train station, the Privilege Hotel Eurociel Centre Comedie is a modern six-story hotel with colorful panels between facade windows and an external spiral staircase. This contrasts the more historic-looking buildings across the street, which house Apartments and Suites. Interiors are mostly contemporary, though faux-leather seating, flat striped throw pillows, and vases with fake flowers feel outdated and cheap. Star-like ceiling lights and wall photography of famous sights add character, as do each floor being named after various countries such as Greece and Italy. A particularly cheerful area is the breakfast room outfitted in a pink-and-gray color scheme and black-and-white photos. A third-floor terrace offers shaded seating, but trains can be heard from here and most visitors spend their days off-site. Guests are primarily French couples and business travelers.

The hotel has a convenient location a five-minute walk from the Gare de Montpellier Saint-Roc train station and the beautiful Old Town. The Du Guesclin tram stop is right outside, although guests will need to climb steep stairs to reach it. Place de la Comedie and its famous fountain and Opera House is a five-minute walk away, while the wide green Esplanade Charles de Gaulle is just five minutes farther. Montpellier's historic Place de la Canourgue is a 15-minute walk. The Polygon shopping center is just three minutes on foot (with a small grocery store even closer), and there are numerous bars and restaurants within easy walking distance. The nearest beach is a 25-minute drive. Montpellier Airport is a 15-minute drive and it's 40 minutes for Nimes Airport. Gare de Montpellier Saint-Roc train station has links to many other cities.

Rooms vary from typical guest rooms in the main building to Suites and Apartments in a building across the street, though interiors are modern throughout. Expect a clean and contemporary low-frills look consisting of black wood furniture, red or purple patterned carpet, attractive wall photography, and the same small frumpy throw pillows found in the lobby. Upgraded units have nicer-looking light-wood furniture, wile or wooden floors, and patterned bathroom tiling. Suites and Apartments also add living spaces and fully equipped kitchens with stovetops, microwaves, fridges, and stools at bar areas. Some have furnished patios with jetted tubs, while Family Suites have a second mezzanine bedroom. One and Two-Bedroom Apartments have washing machines, however, sloping attic ceilings are low in some. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, kettles, Nespresso machines, free Wi-Fi, desks, and closets with safes. Bathrooms vary in size -- Economy Rooms have sinks in the bedrooms - but all have rainfall showers, hairdryers, and toiletries.Unfortunately, some guests have complained of noise and vibrations from nearby trains.

Features are limited at the Eurociel, as there are no full restaurant, bar, or fitness facilities here. However, a buffet breakfast is served daily with cooked items such as scrambled eggs, sausage, and bacon, and continental fare like cereal, cold meat and cheese, fruit, coffee, tea and juice. The third-floor terrace is a pleasant space in warm weather, but trains can be heard here. A basic, meeting room is available, and a lobby business corner is free to use. Secure on-site parking requires a fee, while Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.