Pullman Montpellier Centre

Pullman Montpellier Centre is a modern property that primarily attracts travelers with its financial-center setting by the mall. Contemporary, if chain-like, interiors include a sleek white reception area partitioned from a cocktail-serving lounge with animal-print carpet and armchairs in fuchsia and purple. Travelers often head to the eighth floor, where a rooftop pool and adjacent restaurant offer panoramic city vistas. Everything is modern and well-maintained here, and visitors are primarily French couples. 

The hotel has a central location next to the Polygon shopping mall, which is packed with stores and restaurants. The Antigone financial district is a one-minute walk and the nearest Antigone tram stop is five minutes. The Old Town is a 10-minute walk, while the charming squares, winding streets, and Neo-Gothic churches of Place Saint-Roch are a 15-minute stroll. Place de la Comedie is 10 minutes away on foot and it's twice that for the Fabre Museum and Saint-Pierre Cathedral. Le Corum convention center is a seven-minute walk and the main train station is two minutes farther. The nearest beach, in Carnon, is a 12-minute drive. Montpellier Airport is a 15-minute drive, while Beziers Airport is just under an hour. 

Rooms aren't bursting with character, but they're contemporary, clean-lined, and well-maintained. The design features simple dark-wood furniture, metallic brown headboards, light-brown patterned carpeting, and white walls. Red, purple, and/or pale lime-green desk and armchairs, accent walls, and drapes add much-needed color and personality. Some guests have complained of compact rooms, but upgraded units provide more space. Great amenities include desks, large flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, free bottled water, free Wi-Fi, and kettles, plus wardrobes with safes. Upgraded units add Nespresso machines and free soft drinks, as well as small seating areas. Suites have separate living rooms. Sliding wood doors open to small but modern bathrooms with shower/tub combos, and hairdryers, upscale C.O. Bigelow toiletries, slippers, and robes are provided.

The highlight here is the rooftop terrace, which houses an unheated pool with panoramic views and limited cushioned loungers. Note, however, that the pool is seasonal. Dining sets are available on one side of the pool for visitors to the adjacent Le Vertigo restaurant. Breakfast buffets are pricey but well-reviewed, consisting of made-to-order eggs, bacon, breads and pastries, smoked salmon, cold meats and cheeses, granola, yogurt, and fresh fruit. Lunch and dinner menus feature Mediterranean fare and cocktails. A lobby bar also serves alcoholic beverages. There's no full spa here but massages can be arranged. A 24-hour fitness center is tiny and has just three machines, a few yoga mats, and a couple of free weights. Granola bars, water, and fresh fruit are thoughtful extras, however. Six meeting rooms can accommodate up to 180 people, and a business center has computer and printing facilities. Laundry services, valet parking, and airport transfers are all available for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout.