My wife and I had a very pleasant 6 night stay at the Citidines Antigone Apart’ Hotel in Montpellier. Our room (221) was fairly small but well equipped with all the basics and even more one would expect from such an apartment (fridge, two plate stove, microwave oven, kettle, toaster, small dishwashing machine, vacuum cleaner, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, small hi-fi, TV, free cable internet access and air-conditioning). Although the room was small, it had adequit space (once the fold-up queen size bed was out of the way). We found the bed surprisingly comfortable and easy to unfold once we got the trick. The bathroom, with separate toilet, was equipped with a bath/shower and basin.

The balcony had a lovely view, looking out on the Boulevard d' Antigone and the huge plantain trees in front created a nice shady, private atmosphere almost as if sitting in a tree house. The road is busy with lots of traffic and trams’ rumbling by during the day, but it creates a nice, bustling atmosphere. At night, with the doors closed, it was quiet enough to allow for good sleep.

The indoor market place across the Boulevard d' Antigone is a gem and well supported by many locals. It has a bakery, butchery, cheese stall, coffee shop, fresh fruit and vegetables, pizza counter (with helpful English speaking lady). Typically French, these stalls seem to open and close at random, so they might not be open when you need them. The bakery, however, opens early. Although breakfast is on offer at €8 per person, it did not seem worthwhile to us and we bought our own. Rather make your own coffee, buy fresh croissants, butter, jam and fruit from across the road, have yogurt out of the fridge and enjoy it in private on your own balcony -much more fun! Or have a nicer and cheaper breakfast at one of the many street cafes.

The hotel is on the side of the Antigone (a massive esplanade) with many eateries and with easy access (by foot or tram) to all Montpellier has to offer. A large shopping mall, “Le Polygone” is only 5 minutes away by foot and has anything that you might need. The Gymnase d’ Olympie a sport facility in the Antigone is open to the public and offers three swimming pools.

Do not see this as a hotel in the normal sense but rather as a self service apartment and you would not be disappointed by much. Apartments are nice for longer term stays (3 nights or more) when you have enough time to settle in. However if you prefer fully serviced hotel amenities, rather look for some place else. The staff varied in their command of English, but like most places in France, they seem to be intimidated if they need to explain complicated things like how to take the bus to the beach. Remember to ask for a free tourist map of Montpellier as you check in.

Visiting the beach (Pérols) is very easy from there if you know how: Walk out the front door at reception, turn right and follow the tramline for about 2-3 blocks. There you will find a bus stop (Place de L’Europe) from where the bus to the beach (no. 28) departs. Buy a return ticket (from the automat or on the bus) for (€2.30). This is also close to the point where the bus to the airport (Navette) arrives and leaves from. While on the bus, check out for other passengers obviously going to the beach (wearing beach gear and bags) because you will have to follow them on the other side, as this is a bit tricky. Once at the other side (everyone will get off at the end of the route) follow the stream of beach go-ers as they lead you to the beach. The trip takes about 30 minutes and is worth a visit. At the beach, the public toilettes (WC Public) is well hidden by a tree next a nice little restaurant!