Hôtel ParKest

Still fresh from its 2015 opening, the Hotel ParKest offers clean, modern minimalist style. The white and gray square-windowed facade presents the hotel's subtle chessboard theme, which includes a black and white concrete walkway leading up to the entry and a bright mural in the lobby displaying classic game pieces in vivid detail. The restaurant is stylish with floor-to-ceiling windows, a rustic-washed wood floor, and a glass-encased wine-cellar accent set against an exposed brick wall. The trendy decor details don't quite make it to the rooms, though, where the minimalistic vibe starts to tip into "plain." Decor isn't the main draw here, though. For business guests and travelers on airport layovers, this hotel has all the functional facilities for a comfortable night away. 

Hotel ParKfest is situated right off a main highway in an industrial area that offers little ambiance but does give easy access to business hotspots. While there are few shops or restaurants in the neighborhood, the hotel is near major roadways, the airport, and the convention center. The Eurexpo center is about a 10-minute drive from the hotel, while Saint Exupery Airport is a 10- to 15-minute drive. The small town of Genas is about a six-minute drive, and the city center is about 25 minutes away by car. On-site parking and airport shuttles are available, but cost extra fees.

Lacking the splashier decor of the public spaces, guest rooms are modern but rather basic, with geometric-patterned carpeting, off-white walls, and dark and reddish brown accents. Floor-to-ceiling windows across one wall allow natural light to stream in, and bathrooms are roomy with white tiled walls, red accents, and combo showers and tubs. Overall, it feels like standard chain-hotel fare, but it's comfortable. Rooms are air-conditioned and include desks, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, safes, and tea/coffee service with an electric kettle, but no mini-fridges. Bathrooms have heated towel racks, wall-mounted soap dispensers, hairdryers, and little extras like cotton swabs and shower caps. Higher-category rooms might add balconies or sitting areas with sleeper sofas, which can accommodate up to four guests. 

The Hotel ParKest has a nice range of extra amenities geared toward business and airport travelers looking for on-site convenience. For dining, the Italian restaurant, Terminal 50, offers a sleek, modern ambiance with floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor terrace dining. Drinks are served in a simple but pleasant bar with molded stools. A breakfast buffet offers a nice spread of hot and cold choices, though it costs an extra fee, and room service is available during limited hours.Wellness facilities, located on the top floor, include a roomy gym with wood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows. The space is outfitted with weight-lifting equipment, a full rack of free weights, and cardio machines with individual screens. There's also a small but pleasant spa with a hammam, two saunas, and relaxation areas, but use of these costs an extra fee. For families, a bright children's playroom off the dining area offers a table and toys, like a kid-sized wooden car and big blocks. The hotel also offers kid-friendly amenities like changing tables, highchairs, and game consoles. Pets are allowed for an extra nightly fee. The hotel has three meeting rooms, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. On-site parking and airport shuttles are available, but cost extra fees.