THE HOTEL
Part of the JdV by Hyatt collection of independent hotels, FirstName is a ‘feel-good’ brand from the Alboran Group, opening first in Bordeaux in 2023 and then in Toulouse in May 2025. The Toulouse property has 126 bedrooms and suites and 102 adjacent serviced apartments, which share the hotel entrance and facilities. It’s in the city’s tallest building, centrally located close to Matabiau station.
THE CHECK-IN
Check-in for both the hotel rooms and apartments is at a reception desk set left of the lobby and the giant sheep (the hotel’s mascot and one of the many fun and quirky touches). I was attending a conference and arrived with a group of colleagues but the reception was well manned and we were all allocated keys very quickly. The lift seemed slow until a staff member told me my ‘third’ floor apartment was, in fact, on the ninth floor, above offices.
THE APARTMENT
The apartment was spacious (50sqm), with a small entrance hall and storage area leading to an open-plan lounge/dining room/kitchen, connected by another hallway to a bedroom, shower room and separate toilet. Large windows stretching along one side of the living area and bedroom made it feel big and bright and provided views across the rooftops of the pink city. The kitchen had a large fridge, hob and microwave and all the utensils for an extended stay. There’s no desk but I was able to work from the dining table, with a power socket nearby. The 55inch TV had mainly French channels, but also BBC News. Soundproofing and premium bedding ensured a good night’s sleep.
THE FACILITIES
An ‘urban canteen’, Le Bada, serves local, regional and eco-responsible cuisine. A lobby cafe becomes a cocktail bar at night and a cosy Japanese-themed speakeasy is tucked away behind a library. A fitness studio is open 24/7. Pets are welcome.
THE BUSINESS
The 11 meetings and event spaces have natural light. The largest is 180sqm, seating 200.
THE VERDICT
For business trips of four days or more, the Residence provides extra space and home comforts but with easy access to hotel services. ‘FirstName’ is a strange name for a hotel but it somehow suits the quirkiness of the brand – and it’s memorable too.
THE DETAILS
One-bed apartments start from €120 a night, depending on the length of stay.
