La Citadelle

"With the 2006 opening of La Citadelle, Metz, maybe the most confidential major city in France, finally has the superb new hotel that will turn it into a popular destination. The French turn up their noses at an eastern town that’s traditionally had military connotations, but they’re wrong—Metz is a charmer, with a gorgeous cathedral, one of the best museums in France, a great market, and a lot of night life. As its name tells, the eighty room La Citadelle occupies a thick-walled former military arsenal and barracks in a beautiful park right in the heart of the city. The original architecture, including the barrel-vaulted basement that runs the length of the building, has been intelligently retained, while the spacious rooms upstairs have a sleek contemporary look with vivid jewel tone decors, great lighting, and large beds with wooden headboards. Large plasma-screen televisions, air-conditioning and large well-lit baths make this place very comfortable, and the friendly young staff create a cheerful atmosphere. Too bad the restaurant is so expensive, but they’re lots of other good places to eat in the city, many of which serve the region’s signature quiche Lorraine."