A hotel has opened in Montpellier, France, whose interior is a treat for fans of good design.Maison Soleil, the latest project from Mr. & Mrs. Hotels, is an example of combining new technologies with a warm, homely atmosphere. Designer Amandine Ellingsen was responsible for the original atmosphere of the hotel rooms.
Maison Soleil is a boutique hotel on an intimate scale – just ten rooms ranging in size from 17 m² to 32 m² – but with an exceptionally strong identity. Amandine Ellingsen, responsible for interior design and visual identity, set herself an ambitious task: to translate a fully digital concept into a space that exudes the warmth and character of a private home. The effect is noticeable from the moment you step inside.
From the outset, Mr. & Mrs. Hotels has focused on complete guest autonomy, which is why there is no reception or traditional formalities at Maison Soleil – everything is done via an app. Booking, payment, room access, lighting and temperature control – every stage of your stay is intuitive and immediate. However, technology does not dominate, but discreetly accompanies you, allowing you to focus on what is most important: rest and experiencing the place.
The entrance leads through a darkened, theatrical corridor that creates tension like the prelude to a performance. After a moment, a world of bright, organic forms opens up before the guest. The leitmotif is the sun – its movement, energy and symbolism. In the arches, curves and soft lines, subtle references to its journey across the sky can be seen. Natural materials, varied textures and carefully selected colours create an atmosphere that is both soothing and stimulating.
Each room has its own personality, emphasised not only by its individual design, but also by its name. Instead of numbers, there are names in the Occitan language – a nod to the local culture and a way to make the stay more personal. The interiors have been adapted to the natural light, which works differently in each room. Some rooms pulsate with energy, others envelop you in tranquillity, but all of them share a consistent attention to detail.
Maison Soleil is also deeply rooted in the urban fabric. The ground floor of the building is occupied by a local business – a café, bakery or boutique, depending on the day and season – making the hotel part of everyday life in Montpellier. Guests are not isolated from the city, but become part of it. This was the idea behind the designer’s vision.
Maison Soleil is a hotel that does not need grand words to impress. Its strength lies in harmony: between technology and sensuality, privacy and openness, modernity and local colour. Maison Soleil is an option for those who value independence but do not want to give up the beauty and character of a place. For travellers who are looking for more than just accommodation – an experience that will remain in their memory.
Montpellier is one of the most vibrant cities in the south of France – full of student energy, elegant architecture and history intertwined with modernity. It is famous for its culture, art and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. After all, just outside the hotel, you can explore the Place de la Comédie, the Musée Fabre, the medieval streets of Écusson, the botanical gardens, the region’s vineyards and the seaside beaches.
interior design and visual identity: Amandine Ellingsen
photos: A. DI FRANCESCO
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