"Boutique Hotels"
Don't think “Chain Hotels” when the term “Boutique Hotels” comes up. “Boutique” hotels come in all sizes, some have as few as ten rooms and some are quite a bit larger. We have limited our selections to hotels with 40 rooms or less. Frequently independently owned, often run by families, and sometimes housed in former nunneries, abbeys or even townhouses of famous people; these hotels offer more charm and character than most of the top rated Michelin hotels. Although starting to become popular in the U.S., they're a rapidly increasing phenomenon in Paris. Rather than tearing down a block, in order to construct a monolithic monstrosity with halls that go on forever, the French hoteliers would rather lovingly restore their architectural treasures.
It's
a valid alternative—and it's catching on. Part of the reason for the
success of boutique hotels is that there is a growing market of people
who choose not to “drop a wad” in a large, super-deluxe hotel. And it's
not because they're cheap. It's because, in Paris one spends precious
little time in a hotel room. Tourists are so busy sightseeing and
tasting their way through the city, that it seems practical to
re-allocate their Euros for shopping and dining. However, that does not
imply that clients want to flop down in a fleabag at night. Pas du
tout! A few caveats: - Some hotels are not air-conditioned.
If
you happen to be in Paris during the really hot days, your sleep may be
interrupted because of the heat or the noise (should you have a room
facing the street). On the other hand, newly renovated hotels are
adding AC because guests, especially Americans, want it—even if they
never turn it on. Never assume that if a hotel doesn't have a big
lobby—with hot and cold running concierges—that it isn't one of the
most sought after lodgings. Charme fou goes a long way. Very few of
these hotels serve anything other than breakfast. This is the least of
your concerns since there's a restaurant (or more) on every block.
Don't
expect to (necessarily) have a terry cloth robe hanging on the back of
your bathroom door. After all, you're not paying for a room at the
Ritz. Rooms in Left Bank hotels tend to be smaller than those on the
Right Bank. However, some swear that the ONLY place to hang your hat is
the Left Bank—but you'll never convince Right Bank aficionados of that.
A chacun son goût. Here are a few of our favorites—in no particular
order—that cost under $200 per night; all have unique styles and
decors.
Hotel Britannique:
40 rooms with that British look and feel. Right smack in the heart of historic Paris, you are just steps away from Notre Dame and the Louvre. This hotel has been famous for its warm greetings since 1861. It's a fast walk to the Place du Châtelet and the Quai de la Méssagerie with its numerous flower and animal stores that sell: rabbits, roosters, billy goats and out-of-the-ordinary creatures. 20, avenue Victoria
75001 (Métro: Châtelet)
Tel: 331 42 33 74 59
Fax: 331 42-33-82-65
www.hotel-britannique.fr
40 rooms with that British look and feel. Right smack in the heart of historic Paris, you are just steps away from Notre Dame and the Louvre. This hotel has been famous for its warm greetings since 1861. It's a fast walk to the Place du Châtelet and the Quai de la Méssagerie with its numerous flower and animal stores that sell: rabbits, roosters, billy goats and out-of-the-ordinary creatures. 20, avenue Victoria
75001 (Métro: Châtelet)
Tel: 331 42 33 74 59
Fax: 331 42-33-82-65
www.hotel-britannique.fr
Hotel du Continent:
26 newly renovated rooms with spacious baths, contemporarily decorated in calming tones of gray and pale green. If you are interested in doing the historical gig, Jardin des Tuileries, L'Opera and the Place Vendôme are nearby. But, if you want to shop and drop, this might be the best place to rest your wallet—directly off Rue Saint Honoré and Rue de Rivoli. 30, rue du Mont Thabor
75001 (Métro: Concorde)
Tel: 331 42 60 75 32
Fax: 331 42 61 52 22
www.continent@cybercable.fr
26 newly renovated rooms with spacious baths, contemporarily decorated in calming tones of gray and pale green. If you are interested in doing the historical gig, Jardin des Tuileries, L'Opera and the Place Vendôme are nearby. But, if you want to shop and drop, this might be the best place to rest your wallet—directly off Rue Saint Honoré and Rue de Rivoli. 30, rue du Mont Thabor
75001 (Métro: Concorde)
Tel: 331 42 60 75 32
Fax: 331 42 61 52 22
www.continent@cybercable.fr
Hotel Washington Opera
36 renovated rooms in Madame de Pompadour's former town house. Grab a drink at the bar, walk it out to the terrace and feast your eyes on the gardens of the Palais Royal. Too cold for the terrace? Pull a chair up to the fireplace in the lounge, or go hang out in your spacious room featuring Directoire style furniture. Some of the grander blue and white larger rooms have four poster-canopied beds. Bathrooms are designed using shades of red marble. 50, rue de Richelieu
75001 (Métro: Palais Royale)
Tel: 331 42 96 68 06
Fax: 331 40 15 01 12
36 renovated rooms in Madame de Pompadour's former town house. Grab a drink at the bar, walk it out to the terrace and feast your eyes on the gardens of the Palais Royal. Too cold for the terrace? Pull a chair up to the fireplace in the lounge, or go hang out in your spacious room featuring Directoire style furniture. Some of the grander blue and white larger rooms have four poster-canopied beds. Bathrooms are designed using shades of red marble. 50, rue de Richelieu
75001 (Métro: Palais Royale)
Tel: 331 42 96 68 06
Fax: 331 40 15 01 12
Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais
If you want to stay in the Marais, try to snag one of these 19 rooms. Charmingly decorated, the hotel is a homage to the author of “The Marriage of Figaro.” 12, rue Vieille-du-Temple
75004 (Métro: Hotel de Ville, Saint Paul le Marais)
Tel: 331 42 72 34 12
Fax: 331 42 72 34 63
If you want to stay in the Marais, try to snag one of these 19 rooms. Charmingly decorated, the hotel is a homage to the author of “The Marriage of Figaro.” 12, rue Vieille-du-Temple
75004 (Métro: Hotel de Ville, Saint Paul le Marais)
Tel: 331 42 72 34 12
Fax: 331 42 72 34 63
Hotel du Pantheon
Ever dreamt of awakening with a view of the Pantheon? This renovated 18th-century maison has been transformed into a hotel with 34 charming, Louis XVI-style rooms. 19, place du Pantheon
75005 (Métro: Cluny, Maubert-Mutualité)
Tel: 331 43 54 32 54
Fax: 331 43 26 64 65
Ever dreamt of awakening with a view of the Pantheon? This renovated 18th-century maison has been transformed into a hotel with 34 charming, Louis XVI-style rooms. 19, place du Pantheon
75005 (Métro: Cluny, Maubert-Mutualité)
Tel: 331 43 54 32 54
Fax: 331 43 26 64 65
Hotel Le St Gregoire
Here's a small 18th century mansion that is now a 20-room hotel where the owners pay attention to the service as well as the décor. If you're into charm and shopping (fall out of bed and you're seconds away from the Bon Marché and Rue Placide), this is a hotel where faithful clients have first call. During the winter, there are fireplaces in the public areas and a courtyard view. Air-conditioned and modem connects.
43 rue de l'Abbe-Gregoire.
75006 (Métro: St. Placide.)
Tel: 331-45-48-23-2.
www.hotelsaintgregoire.com
Here's a small 18th century mansion that is now a 20-room hotel where the owners pay attention to the service as well as the décor. If you're into charm and shopping (fall out of bed and you're seconds away from the Bon Marché and Rue Placide), this is a hotel where faithful clients have first call. During the winter, there are fireplaces in the public areas and a courtyard view. Air-conditioned and modem connects.
43 rue de l'Abbe-Gregoire.
75006 (Métro: St. Placide.)
Tel: 331-45-48-23-2.
www.hotelsaintgregoire.com
Hotel Luxembourg Parc:
Facing the Luxembourg gardens and the Senate, this beautiful 17th century building is now home to 23 air-conditioned (complete with modem connects) Louis XV, Louis XVI and Napoleon III style rooms. Before or after you take a walk among the most beautiful flowers in Paris, you can enjoy its bar or library. The hotel has the feel of a “palace” hotel without the steep price tag.
42 rue de Vaugirard.
75006 (Métro: St. Sulpice)
Tel: 331- 53-10 36 50
www.hotelluxparc.com.
Facing the Luxembourg gardens and the Senate, this beautiful 17th century building is now home to 23 air-conditioned (complete with modem connects) Louis XV, Louis XVI and Napoleon III style rooms. Before or after you take a walk among the most beautiful flowers in Paris, you can enjoy its bar or library. The hotel has the feel of a “palace” hotel without the steep price tag.
42 rue de Vaugirard.
75006 (Métro: St. Sulpice)
Tel: 331- 53-10 36 50
www.hotelluxparc.com.
L'Atelier Montparnasse
This 1930's feel 17-room hotel is seconds away from Bv. du Montparnasse— once home to some of Paris' most famous artists and authors. The rooms tend to be small but correct and you can be at one of the area's cafes or restaurants such as Le Select, Le Dome or La Coupole without having to worry about rain! 49, rue Vavin
75006 (Métro: Vavin)
Tel: 331 46 33 60 00
Fax: 331 40 51 04 21
www.ateliermontparnasse.com
This 1930's feel 17-room hotel is seconds away from Bv. du Montparnasse— once home to some of Paris' most famous artists and authors. The rooms tend to be small but correct and you can be at one of the area's cafes or restaurants such as Le Select, Le Dome or La Coupole without having to worry about rain! 49, rue Vavin
75006 (Métro: Vavin)
Tel: 331 46 33 60 00
Fax: 331 40 51 04 21
www.ateliermontparnasse.com
Hotel Sainte Beuve
Decorated by British designer David Hicks, this 22-room hotel is conveniently located in the shadow of Bd. du Montparnasse and the Métro. The public rooms are charming while the bedrooms are tastefully painted in celadon green and white, evoking a peaceful feeling. 9, rue Sainte-Beuve
75006 (Métro: Vavin)
Tel: 331 45 48 20 07
Fax: 331 45 48 67 52
Hotel du Danube
Located in the midst of Paris' antiques area, this 40-room hotel is very sought-after because of its charm and location. Expect chintz and charm as well as some of the lowest rates in this très chic quartier. 58, rue Jacob
75006 (Métro: St. Germain)
Tel: 331 42 60 34 70
Fax: 331 42 60 81 18
Email: info@hoteldanube.fr
Located in the midst of Paris' antiques area, this 40-room hotel is very sought-after because of its charm and location. Expect chintz and charm as well as some of the lowest rates in this très chic quartier. 58, rue Jacob
75006 (Métro: St. Germain)
Tel: 331 42 60 34 70
Fax: 331 42 60 81 18
Email: info@hoteldanube.fr
Hotel Bourgogne et Montana
This historic building dates back to 1789. Its newly renovated 32 rooms and suites furnished à la Louis XV and XVI styles are totally equipped with very large and luxurious bathrooms.
3, rue de Bourgogne.
75007 (Métro: Invalides, Assemblée Nationale)
Tel: 331-45-21-20-22.
www.bourgogne-montana.com.
This historic building dates back to 1789. Its newly renovated 32 rooms and suites furnished à la Louis XV and XVI styles are totally equipped with very large and luxurious bathrooms.
3, rue de Bourgogne.
75007 (Métro: Invalides, Assemblée Nationale)
Tel: 331-45-21-20-22.
www.bourgogne-montana.com.
Hotel Saint Germain
Just renovated, this 29-room hotel is drawing rave reviews from those who want to be in trendy Saint Germain—where many Parisians want to live, and where most Americans would probably stay if they new any better. This is one of Paris' hottest areas for shopping and people watching. Try to reserve a room that faces the terrace. 88, rue du Bac
75007 (Métro: Rue du Bac)
Tel: 331 49 54 70 00
Fax: 331 45 48 26 89
http://www.hotel-saint-germain.fr
Just renovated, this 29-room hotel is drawing rave reviews from those who want to be in trendy Saint Germain—where many Parisians want to live, and where most Americans would probably stay if they new any better. This is one of Paris' hottest areas for shopping and people watching. Try to reserve a room that faces the terrace. 88, rue du Bac
75007 (Métro: Rue du Bac)
Tel: 331 49 54 70 00
Fax: 331 45 48 26 89
http://www.hotel-saint-germain.fr
Hotel Le Tourville
How can you go wrong staying near the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides and the Rodin Museum? This charming 30-room hotel is in a more residential section of Paris. Ask for a room with a Jacuzzi bathtub and relax between tourist takes. Le Tourville is one of Paris' charmers. 16, avenue de Tourville
75007 (Métro: Ecole Militaire, Saint-François Xavier )
Tel: 331 47 05 62 62
Fax: 331 47 05 43 90
How can you go wrong staying near the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides and the Rodin Museum? This charming 30-room hotel is in a more residential section of Paris. Ask for a room with a Jacuzzi bathtub and relax between tourist takes. Le Tourville is one of Paris' charmers. 16, avenue de Tourville
75007 (Métro: Ecole Militaire, Saint-François Xavier )
Tel: 331 47 05 62 62
Fax: 331 47 05 43 90
Hotel Galileo
If you want to stay near the Champs Elysees, this 27-room hotel is for you. The lounge has a fireplace plus an Aubusson tapestry. The downstairs breakfast room has a view of a charming, creatively designed garden. The owner has paid special attention to the hotel's décor and amenities. 54, rue Galilée
75008 (Métro: George V)
Tel: 331 47 20 66 06
Fax: 331 47 20 67 17
If you want to stay near the Champs Elysees, this 27-room hotel is for you. The lounge has a fireplace plus an Aubusson tapestry. The downstairs breakfast room has a view of a charming, creatively designed garden. The owner has paid special attention to the hotel's décor and amenities. 54, rue Galilée
75008 (Métro: George V)
Tel: 331 47 20 66 06
Fax: 331 47 20 67 17
Hotel de l'Arcade
A calm, soothing oasis in the midst of Paris in the 8th, just a brief stroll to Fauchon and the Right Bank department stores. L'Arcade's 37 handsomely appointed rooms boast marble bathrooms complete with telephones. 9, rue de l'Arcade
75008 (Métro: Madeleine)
Tel: 331 53 30 60 00
Fax: 331 40 07 03 07
A calm, soothing oasis in the midst of Paris in the 8th, just a brief stroll to Fauchon and the Right Bank department stores. L'Arcade's 37 handsomely appointed rooms boast marble bathrooms complete with telephones. 9, rue de l'Arcade
75008 (Métro: Madeleine)
Tel: 331 53 30 60 00
Fax: 331 40 07 03 07
Hotel Vignon
This recently renovated 30-room hotel is a tiny jewel found in the Madeleine area. Guest rooms are beautifully furnished in Provençal shades of gold and red, and all of the bathrooms have been refaced in white marble for a modern, elegant feel. 23, rue Vignon
75008 (Métro: Madeleine)
Tel: 331 47 42 27 65
Fax: 331 47 42 04 60
This recently renovated 30-room hotel is a tiny jewel found in the Madeleine area. Guest rooms are beautifully furnished in Provençal shades of gold and red, and all of the bathrooms have been refaced in white marble for a modern, elegant feel. 23, rue Vignon
75008 (Métro: Madeleine)
Tel: 331 47 42 27 65
Fax: 331 47 42 04 60
The above hotels are just a few of our picks that won't necessitate your petitioning the bank for a loan. Because of the hotels' sizes, you'll be known the moment you check in. In addition, you'll have the luxury of exploring each neighborhood to ascertain whether or not you want to make it your own. While you're taking your various walks, survey the buildings that are being renovated. Bets are that they might be new “Boutique” hotels when you next visit Paris.
