Hotel M Soleil - Montpellier Centre Saint Roch

There was no staff on the location but got good help over the phone

Loved the little cafe next door (but with an entrance inside the hotel for guests). The optional breakfast that could be included with the room was plentiful and delicious. The people were friendly and tolerated my French. They also had gluten free options for me. Cute outside seating area. My friend suggested Maison Soleil because it was close to both the train station and her home. I would definitely stay there again.

The room agate was so small, but it had a nice terrace. No staff when you arrive, which is the concept of this hotel, however the cafe Madeleine was great. The breakfast was very good and the cafe’s staff friendly.

This was my second time staying at Maison Soleil. I managed to navigate the stressful 'check in' system - which involves standing in the street and scanning a QR code and then filling in a form - by emailing to ask for the access code in advance which they were happy to oblige. I hope this is a useful tip for others less interested in using their phones in this way. During this second stay, I saw & killed an insect (black, oblong-shaped) crawling in the bed in the night. I managed to take a video of it before I killed it. Unfortunately, I then woke with a series of painful bites along my leg. I sent the video and the photos of the bites to the hotel. After a series of emails back and forth, they said they had closed and then investigated the room for bugs but found no infestation and therefore took no responsibility. They issued a refund for the night I was there as a gesture of goodwill. Ultimately, I feel frustrated and upset by the situation and do not believe the one night's refund went far enough given that: I did not have bites after my bath and when I went to bed that night. Emailing back and forth with the hotel was not how I planned to spend the last days of my holiday. The entire experience has been upsetting and stressful. And as it is, the bites still haven't cleared even though this is now six days later. I liked Maison Soleil enough the first time I visited to book this second stay but after my experiences, I won't be staying again.

The room itself and the staff are fabulous. Getting into the building is another thing. Who wants to stand outside flagging around with their phone and trying to scan QR codes and fill in more forms? I will stay again but email for the access code in advance. If not for this, I would have awarded five stars.