Maison Heler Metz, Curio Collection by Hilton

A Surreal Masterpiece in the Heart of Metz Staying at Maison Heler Metz, Curio Collection by Hilton is not simply a hotel stay… it is an immersive design experience. Imagined by legendary French designer Philippe Starck, Maison Heler is probably one of the most unique hotels in France. The concept itself is fascinating: a monolithic modern tower topped by a traditional 19th-century Lorraine house suspended above the city, as if lifted into the sky by some surreal dream. The entire project was inspired by Starck’s fictional character Manfred Heler and his poetic novel The Meticulous Life of Manfred Heler. The result is spectacular. Every detail carries Starck’s unmistakable signature: playful, sophisticated, artistic, and slightly surreal while remaining elegant and comfortable. The interiors perfectly mix modern minimalism with warm textures, poetic details, and references to Lorraine’s history and architecture. You constantly discover little design touches that make you smile or stop and think. The hotel itself has quickly become a landmark in Metz, located in the modern Amphithéâtre district near the Centre Pompidou-Metz. Beyond the extraordinary design the stay itself was excellent: beautiful rooms, attentive service, generous quality breakfast and a real feeling of stepping into a living work of art rather than simply another luxury hotel. A truly unforgettable experience and a must for anyone interested in architecture, design, and unique hospitality experiences.

The hotel is wonderful and the service is magnificent. We were assisted by Ludmila, who is simply amazing ,her charisma, her smile, and her fluent English perfectly complement the hotel’s atmosphere. The rooms are beautiful with an incredible view. It’s a peaceful place that somehow feels steeped in history. Maison Heler is cozy and I totally recommend it.

Passing through Metz we decided to stay at the Hilton designed by Starck. Knowing that his designs never disappoint. Arriving by 19:30 we were welcomed by a very gentle man. We requested to have a room in the south. It took him 30 minutes to find the room we wanted. He recommended us to take an upgrade we wouldn’t regret. Once upstairs we understood we were on the wrong side of the building. But after a long drive and 30 minutes at the reception, being exhausted and starving we decided to accept our faith, freshen up and go up to the restaurant on the roof. The maitre d’hotel immediately addressed us very unwelcoming. He appeared as a very uptight person. Asked us if we had a reservation and as we answered we were hotel guests that just arrived. He wanted to place us in a corner behind the bar next to a table of about 20 very loud people. We requested to have a table in one of the dinning rooms both on the opposite sides of the bar were the atmosphere appeared to be more serene. He refused to put us there although there were many tables still free. Tired as we were and experienced travelers as we are we decided to leave. Downstairs in the lobby restaurant they were so kind to give us a table. Although this was not why we choose to stay at this hotel. Another disappointment arrived when we studied the menu. Everything was very complicated and overpriced. Meanwhile my appetite had been reduced and I chose to just eat the shrimp carpaccio which was a starter. This was literally one shrimp sliced in 2 pieces. The burger and fries my husband ordered were rather cold than warm. The apfelstrudel was a mini version of 5x5cm. Once back in the room, which looked very luxurious, we were treated to more discomforts. An impossible procedure to get connected to wifi, which in the end didn’t connect, build in shutters in the windows which are not adjustable, very bad light direction which made it impossible to shave or do your make up anywhere in the room. In the morning we didn’t take the risk to have another bad restaurant experience so we ate outside. When we were ready to check out, it took us 10 minutes to unlock our door which put us in a state of panic for a moment. There were a few positive things about the hotel but as annoying it was to write the bad experiences I’m not taking the effort to write anything down on this.