Novotel Toulouse Centre Compans Caffarelli is a mid-range chain hotel in the Compans-Caffarelli district, a modern business and leisure quarter a little north of the historic centre. It is the sort of hotel that suits a family, a group of friends or a mixed trip that combines city sightseeing with a visit to the aerospace attractions on the edge of Toulouse. Novotel is known for rooms that work for parents travelling with children, and for a straightforward approach to breakfast, a bar and an on-site restaurant, though the details of what is offered vary, so check when you book. The old town, the Capitole and the Garonne are a short ride away, and the district around the hotel has parkland, a conference centre and plenty of everyday restaurants, so you are not paying a premium for a location in the middle of the cobbled streets.
Location and getting around
The district sits north of the centre, so you will use public transport or a taxi to reach the Capitole, Saint-Sernin and the Jacobins, or enjoy a longer walk if the weather is good. Toulouse has an efficient metro, tram and bus network, and a day pass is good value for a short stay.
For the Cité de l'Espace and Aeroscopia you will need a bus, a tour or a car whichever hotel you choose, so a base outside the old town loses little. Check the route from the hotel to the places you most want to see, using the map when you book, and ask the hotel what it recommends from the door.
The stay itself
Expect a standard, modern, comfortable room with a good bed, a desk and a private bathroom. Family rooms and connecting rooms are a strength of the brand, but availability varies, so book early for school holidays and for weekends when events fill the city. Light sleepers should ask for a room away from the road.
Breakfast is normally optional, and it can be worth comparing it with a bakery or a cafe nearby. If you arrive by car, ask about parking, which is easier here than in the old town but may carry a charge. The area is calmer at night than the centre, which suits families.
Who it suits and what to know: this is a good choice for families, small groups, business travellers and anyone who prefers predictable standards and a fair price to the atmosphere of a boutique hotel. It is less suited to travellers who want to step out of the door and into a medieval lane, so look at the old-town hotels in this guide if that matters most.
Rates change with the calendar, and are often lowest in winter and at weekends outside the major events. Toulouse is mild in winter but wet days are common, so check opening times for the sights you plan, and book timed tickets for the busiest attractions in advance.
Why stay here
- ✓Mid-range chain hotel
- ✓Compans-Caffarelli district
- ✓Family room options
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Breakfast available
- ✓Public transport to the old town
- ✓Good for business and leisure
- ✓Check parking when booking
Good questions
Is the hotel in the old town?+
No, it is in the Compans-Caffarelli district north of the centre. The Capitole and the old town are a short ride away by public transport or taxi, so check the route when you book.
Is it good for families?+
Yes, the brand is known for rooms that work for families. Availability of larger and connecting rooms varies, so book early for holidays and ask when you book.
Can I get to the aerospace sights from here?+
The Cité de l'Espace and Aeroscopia are best reached by bus, tour or car from any hotel in Toulouse. A base north of the centre is as practical as most.
