When I first decided to spend a few days in Montpellier with the intention of treating myself, I wanted nothing less than indulgence. I had been through my fair share of charming guesthouses and budget-friendly stays in the south of France, but this trip was different. I wanted luxury, pure and unapologetic. Montpellier might not be the first city that comes to mind when people think of “luxury travel in France,” but trust me—it should be.
The city blends medieval charm with Mediterranean elegance, and when you pick the right hotel, the entire trip transforms into a curated experience where every detail feels like it was designed just for you.
I’ll walk you through my personal stay at Domaine de Verchant Hotel & Spa, and then recommend four other top-tier luxury hotels that I carefully researched and visited during my time here.
My Stay at Domaine de Verchant Hotel & Spa
Location and First Impressions
Domaine de Verchant Hotel & Spa is just a 15-minute drive from Place de la Comédie and only 10 minutes from Montpellier Méditerranée Airport. As soon as I arrived, I was struck by the quiet beauty of the surroundings: 17 hectares of lush vineyards wrapped around a restored 16th-century mansion. It felt like stepping into another world—a tranquil countryside escape, yet close enough to the urban buzz.
Driving down the tree-lined avenue toward the estate, I already knew this stay would be something memorable. Staff welcomed me at the entrance with a glass of chilled local white wine, and before I could even set down my bags, someone whisked them away with a smile. That moment set the tone: seamless, graceful service.
My Room Experience
I stayed in a Prestige Double Room (€350 per night). Spacious, with high ceilings, neutral tones, and a large bed dressed in crisp white linen—it was minimalist but luxurious. The floor-to-ceiling windows opened onto a terrace overlooking the vineyard.
The bathroom was easily the highlight: a deep freestanding bathtub, rain shower, and Clarins toiletries (a detail I noticed and loved). There was also a Nespresso machine, which became my morning ritual before heading out to the spa.
Dining at La Plage Verchant
One evening, I dined at La Plage Verchant, the hotel’s chic restaurant beside the outdoor pool. I ordered the seared sea bass with fennel and citrus reduction (€38), paired with a glass of their own estate-grown Verchant Chardonnay (€12). The freshness of the dish, the delicate flavors, and the service made it one of my most memorable meals in Montpellier.
The restaurant also had an excellent breakfast spread (€25 per person, included in my booking), with fresh pastries, cheeses, smoked salmon, and plenty of seasonal fruit.
Spa & Leisure
The spa here is award-winning for a reason. I booked a 60-minute hot stone massage (€120), which left me feeling like melted butter. Facilities include:
• Indoor heated pool with hydrotherapy jets
• Outdoor infinity pool with vineyard views
• Turkish hammam & sauna
• Relaxation terrace with sunbeds
I also took advantage of the bike rental service (€20 per day) to cycle through the vineyards.
Service, Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Attentive staff who seemed to anticipate my needs
• Serene vineyard setting while still close to Montpellier
• Exceptional dining and wine list
• Spa is world-class
Cons:
• Pricey (but worth every euro for a splurge)
• Limited nightlife nearby—you need a car or taxi if you want to head into the city after dinner
Booking Info
I booked through Booking.com, which offered a Genius discount and free cancellation. I noticed that Relais & Châteaux’s official website sometimes offers exclusive spa-inclusive packages, so that’s worth checking too.
Other Luxury Hotels I Recommend
Even though Domaine de Verchant stole my heart, I also toured and researched other Montpellier luxury hotels that are perfect for different types of travelers.
- Hôtel Richer de Belleval
Location: Place de la Canourgue, in the historic heart of Montpellier.
Why it’s special: This Relais & Châteaux property is set in a 17th-century mansion, recently renovated with a stunning blend of classical and contemporary design.
Highlights:
• Rooms starting from €320 per night
• Michelin-starred restaurant Le Jardin des Sens, led by the Pourcel brothers
• Elegant courtyard for evening cocktails
• Walking distance from Place de la Comédie and the Fabre Museum
Best for: Art and history lovers who want to stay in the city center.
Booking tip: Use Relais & Châteaux’s website for special dining-inclusive packages.
- Pullman Montpellier Centre
Location: Just next to the Polygone Shopping Center and a 5-minute walk from Place de la Comédie.
Why it’s special: A modern luxury choice with rooftop views and a fantastic pool area.
Highlights:
• Rooms from €210 per night
• Rooftop pool and terrace with panoramic city views
• Excellent breakfast buffet (€24 per person)
• Pet-friendly (for those traveling with furry companions)
Best for: Travelers who want a contemporary luxury hotel with easy access to shopping and nightlife.
Booking tip: Accor’s ALL loyalty program often provides discounts and points redeemable for future stays.
- Courtyard by Marriott Montpellier
Location: Near the Hôtel de Ville, about 10 minutes by tram from Place de la Comédie.
Why it’s special: A sleek design hotel popular with business and leisure travelers alike.
Highlights:
• Rooms from €180 per night
• Spacious fitness center & outdoor pool
• Stylish restaurant, Oleo Pazzo, serving Mediterranean cuisine
• Convenient tram stop right outside the door
Best for: Travelers seeking reliability and modern amenities in a quieter district.
Booking tip: Use Marriott Bonvoy points to book or upgrade your stay.
- Hôtel Oceania Le Métropole
Location: A stone’s throw from the Montpellier Saint-Roch train station.
Why it’s special: A Belle Époque building transformed into a modern luxury hotel.
Highlights:
• Rooms from €190 per night
• Outdoor pool with a charming garden setting
• Excellent on-site brasserie serving French classics
• Close to both the train station and historic center
Best for: Travelers arriving by train who want luxury without needing a car.
Booking tip: Book directly through the Oceania Hotels website for breakfast-inclusive deals.
Booking Platforms I Recommend
Over my years of luxury travel, I’ve used a mix of platforms to secure the best rates and perks:
• Booking.com: Great for flexibility and Genius loyalty discounts.
• Relais & Châteaux: Best for exclusive packages and unique perks in boutique luxury hotels.
• Accor (ALL loyalty program): Excellent for modern chains like Pullman, with rewards and upgrades.
• Marriott Bonvoy: Perfect if you’re loyal to Marriott properties and want to maximize points.
Tip: Always compare at least two platforms before booking, and check the hotel’s own website—sometimes direct bookings come with perks like complimentary breakfast, spa vouchers, or free parking.
Montpellier, but Make It Luxurious
Staying in luxury hotels in Montpellier reminded me of why I love travel: the chance to experience a city through comfort, design, and hospitality that elevate every little moment. My stay at Domaine de Verchant wasn’t just accommodation—it was an immersion into vineyard living, fine dining, and relaxation that lingered long after I left.
But Montpellier has options for every luxury traveler, whether you prefer a vineyard retreat, a historic mansion in the old town, or a sleek rooftop pool with city views. Each hotel brings its own flavor of indulgence, and if you ask me, splurging here feels entirely justified.
Montpellier may not shout “luxury” the way Paris or Monaco does, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. It whispers it instead—through the warm service of a receptionist, the elegance of a spa courtyard, or the taste of a Michelin-starred dish under the southern French sun.
For anyone wondering whether luxury travel in Montpellier is worth it, my answer is clear: absolutely, yes.
Why Splurging Here Feels Different
Unlike other destinations where luxury can sometimes feel overdone or even pretentious, Montpellier offers an authenticity that makes the indulgence sweeter. Here, I felt the balance between refinement and the laid-back Mediterranean spirit. One morning I was sipping espresso by a pool overlooking vineyards, and that same afternoon I was wandering cobblestone streets in the old town, stumbling into art galleries and street musicians. Few cities manage to deliver both so seamlessly.
The Memories That Stay With You
What I carry back from Montpellier is not just the memory of plush hotel beds and gourmet meals, but the way those experiences framed my connection to the city. Luxury here became a lens: it slowed me down, allowed me to savor each glass of Languedoc wine, each sunset over the rooftops, each quiet conversation with locals.
The concierge at Domaine de Verchant who shared his favorite hidden wine bar.
The waitress at Hôtel Richer de Belleval who insisted I try the chef’s seasonal special instead of ordering my “safe choice.”
The tram ride back from Pullman Montpellier Centre late at night, where even a simple journey felt part of the city’s rhythm.
These are the things I’ll remember.
If you’re planning your own trip and debating whether to save or splurge, my advice is: allow yourself at least one night of indulgence. Even if your budget is tight, book a special stay at one of these hotels for a birthday, an anniversary, or simply as a treat to yourself. You won’t regret it. These places are not just beds to sleep in—they are experiences that shape your trip.
And remember, luxury doesn’t always mean the highest price tag. Sometimes it’s the little luxuries—an infinity pool with vineyard views, breakfast served on a sunlit terrace, or the quiet elegance of a 17th-century building—that leave the deepest mark.
Montpellier’s Secret Luxury Identity
The city might be better known for its student vibe, medieval streets, and Mediterranean beaches nearby, but I’ve come to believe that Montpellier has a secret identity as a luxury destination. It’s discreet, elegant, and, most importantly, still accessible compared to France’s more famous hotspots. You don’t need to be a billionaire to enjoy a Michelin meal or a spa day here. And because Montpellier isn’t oversaturated with tourists, you get the privilege of enjoying these luxuries without the crowds.
My Personal Promise
If I ever return—and I most certainly will—I already know I’ll spend another night at Domaine de Verchant, sipping a glass of wine on that terrace overlooking the vineyards, reminding myself why I fell in love with this part of France in the first place.
So if you’re heading to Montpellier soon, my final advice is simple: give yourself permission to indulge. You deserve it, and Montpellier is the perfect place to make those indulgences feel meaningful.