I just got back from a quick trip to France. I spent three nights (total, not consecutive) in Paris, a couple of nights in Toulon, and a single night in Nice.

I did an AirBnB for the Toulon stay (despite my intentions not to AirBnB anymore) because the hotels in Toulon seemed unremarkable and I was able to get a good rate for myself and my two companions (who were only with me for that leg of the trip). It was painless, yet unremarkable — excluding the relatively short walk to the beach. While I did not join the others in stripping down and diving in, I could still appreciate the blue water and the gorgeous light.

I stayed at the Palais Saleya while in Nice, which is located in Vieux Nice. It would be a decent spot for a longer stay if I am ever to return to the city because they rooms have kitchens. The front desk staff was notably pleasant and helpful, calling me to return to the hotel when the room was available — before the official check in time. While comfortable and quiet — which is all you really need from a hotel in which you’re staying for one night, the decor in the room resembled Patrick Bateman’s apartment circa 1988.

Prior to my trip, I was most excited about staying at Le Pigalle, which is where I stayed for my first two nights in the country. Le Pigalle is a member of Design Hotels, a collection of 315 independently-owned hotels and resorts around the world that — or so the website says — share “a passion for genuine, culturally rooted hospitality and cutting-edge design and architecture.” Perhaps it was my expectations — and the high nightly rate — that contributed to my disappointment. The room itself was pretty — a more rundown NoMad aesthetic with a lots of references to the red light district roots of the neighborhood — but the hotel itself was a dud, including the disengaged staff. Through their marketing materials, it is clear that they are working overtime to position the hotel as a youthful neighborhood destination — but no one has told the neighbors.

For my final night, I booked Mama Shelter Paris East because my stay was going to be 16 hours and they had a really good rate. I have stayed in Mama Shelter in Los Angeles a number of times and, while it generally makes me feel old, I’m a fan of the staff and have spent a chunk of time perched on a stool at their bar with my laptop, getting work done, and feeling welcomed to do so. Anyway, the staff in Paris had the same sincerely friendly vibe — and I had a great terrace to enjoy the cool Paris air on my final night before flying home.

My Stay: September 22, 2019 (Le Pigalle); September 27, 2019 (Residence Le Palais); September 28, 2019 (Mama Shelter Paris East)