Hôtel Alizé

WOW, this was the best find of our entire trip. So inexpensive and much more fun than I'd imagined staying in the burbs. This hotel is well located from Toulouse Airport. We caught the public bus 4E to Compans Caffarelli ( there was a metro stop just 5 metres from where the bus dropped us off) We then went two metro stops to Minimes Claude Nougaro ( Metro Line B) Once we alighted the metro and took the lift to ground level we crossed to the other side of the road and walked three blocks left where we saw a huge red and white sign for Hotel Alize indicating it was around the next corner to the right. We were greeted warmly by management and after dropping our luggage and with some direction to a good restaurant, we headed back to the metro entrance where we found a selection of quality food outlets. We settled on La Mignardise the menu being all in French and the restaurant full of locals, we decided on the Table D' Hote menu 3 course at 18E- only because thats all we could understand. The food was delicious and didn't disappoint. We then retired back to the hotel which I don't think we fully appreciated until the next morning, both of us being so tired. The bed was uber comfortable, the entire place spotlessly clean. The hotel was simple and basic with a bed, dressing table and bathroom ( including bath) but certainly a steal at the price and in such a lovely area and so close to the city centre. Just a few stops and 10 minutes away by metro you are right in the heart of the city. At E58 a night you can't go wrong here. They even have a continental breakfast if you require at E 6.50. To get to the city centre from the hotel take the metro to Jean Jaures ( 4 stops on Metro Line B) and change to Metro Line A to Marengo which is the metro station attached to Matabiau, the main regional station of Toulouse.The city of Toulouse is certainly worth at least a days sightseeing if not 2 days. At the metro Station Jean Jaures there is a free City Centre shuttle bus which is well worth taking as a tourist. It covers the historic heart of the city and operates between 9am and 7pm Monday to Saturday. The drivers on this bus are extremely friendly and helpful and the city itself has so much to see.I was blown away by the Basilique Saint-Sernin and the Church of Les Jacobins. We were lucky enough to see England v Australia World Cup live at the Haka Corner Pub in Toulouse. It was a fabulous night not only because we won but because the pub is owned by an ex All Blacks player Byron Kelleher who now resides in Toulouse and is the local hero. The Haka Pub is well worth a visit also.This pub has a sports bar and memorabillia and a good vibe to watch any sort of sport covered live on television. If heading to do a Midi Canal cruise as we were, leave time for Toulouse and don't overlook this hotel. Its a gem if you are looking for a clean, inexpensive, basic, comfortable and well located address in a nice area with supermarkets and lots of good authentic local restaurants. The historic centre of Toulouse, while definitely you must see, is 5 times the price in restaurants and for accommodation.Stay local and commute to the centre.