I love sharing my favorite spots, especially when it comes to hotels! I’m always happy to offer recommendations based on my personal experiences. While I don’t often stay in hotels in Paris, the ones I have stayed in are absolute gems, and I wholeheartedly recommend them. They are all nestled in my beloved left bank neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, making them conveniently located for exploring the city’s iconic landmarks.
A Literary Escape: The Hotel Pont Royal
Imagine stepping into a book! The Hotel Pont Royal offers a unique literary experience. Its décor is a beautiful tribute to the famous authors who frequented the hotel’s basement bar in the 1940s. Think Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir! It’s like stepping into a bygone era.
This hotel ranks among my top five favorites because its service is exceptional! The front desk staff is incredibly friendly and goes above and beyond to ensure their guests’ comfort. I remember booking my first stay at the hotel over the phone and inquiring about the room size since I was bringing my niece on her first trip to Paris. To my delight, they offered me a complimentary upgrade from a deluxe room to a junior suite, even including breakfast! This thoughtful gesture made our Parisian adventure even more special. We had a spacious two-room suite with breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower. Our luxurious accommodations at the Hotel Pont Royal created unforgettable memories for both my niece and me.
Another memorable experience occurred when a close friend needed to store her suitcase for a few hours before heading back to London. Even though we weren’t guests, the friendly staff at the Hotel Pont Royal willingly offered to keep her bag. Their kindness and professionalism truly impressed me.
It’s no surprise that I’ve recommended this hotel to many friends, all of whom have shared similarly wonderful experiences – outstanding service, beautiful rooms, and stunning views of the Eiffel Tower.
A Modern Oasis: The K+K Hotel Cayre
Sometimes, you crave a change of pace! A few years ago, I found myself in Paris without a hotel reservation. I had booked my flight last minute and was too busy to plan ahead. Landing at Charles de Gaulle, I started calling around for availability. My search led me to the K+K Hotel Cayre. Initially, I was hesitant about its mid-century décor. I usually prefer hotels with traditional French charm, complete with elaborate moldings, sumptuous draperies, parquet floors, and Louis-style furniture. However, the K+K Hotel Cayre had a decidedly modern vibe.
But this hotel had a secret weapon! The hotel manager, a charming and accommodating individual, completely won me over. He not only offered me a better rate than I had found online but also a complimentary upgrade and daily breakfast buffet. To my surprise, upon arrival, he further upgraded my room, reasoning that since I was staying for a week, I would appreciate the extra space. I was overjoyed by his generosity!
This hotel had it all! The staff was incredibly friendly, and the location was perfect – just off the intersection of rue du Bac and boulevard St. Germain. The daily breakfast buffet was a culinary delight, featuring a wide variety of delicious breakfast items. I had easy access to two of my favorite bus lines, a cash station, a Monoprix grocery store, a pharmacy, a hair salon, and my favorite cheese shop, Barthélémy, across the street. The hotel’s bar was also a great spot to unwind in the evenings, with its lively atmosphere and friendly guests.
Understated Elegance: Hotel d’Aubusson
There’s something about Parisian charm! I simply adore the Hotel d’Aubusson. I’ve stayed here countless times and have encouraged friends and family, including my parents, to do the same. This hotel embodies understated elegance. It has a warm and welcoming atmosphere and every comfort imaginable.
It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the city! There’s nothing better than returning to your hotel after a busy day and sinking into a beautifully made bed or relaxing with live music in the lounge. One of the best features of Hotel d’Aubusson is Café Laurent. It’s the perfect spot for enjoying smooth jazz and stylish cocktails. It’s a world away from my college days spent in underground jazz clubs, which are still scattered throughout the neighborhood. Evenings at Café Laurent are truly special, and even a simple cup of tea by the cozy wood-burning fireplace is delightful.
The staff is top-notch! Whether it’s a dinner reservation, last-minute concert tickets, or retrieving a suitcase left in a taxi, they go above and beyond to make sure guests have a fantastic time in Paris. The only drawback to this hotel is its location. Over the years, this part of Saint-Germain-des-Prés has become quite congested. It can be a bit challenging to navigate the crowded streets or hail a taxi. But, it’s literally in the heart of Paris – just steps away from the Louvre, Ile de la Cité, and Ile Saint Louis.
A Touch of History: Hotel Récamier
History meets luxury! Although I haven’t stayed at Hotel Récamier since its renovation a few years ago, I’m still recommending it because it retains everything I loved about it – a fabulous location on place Saint Sulpice and incredibly friendly staff. It’s conveniently close to the Luxembourg Garden, one of my favorite spots in Paris. The hotel’s décor is by famed designer Jean Louis Deniot.
The hotel is named after Jeanne Françoise Julie Adélaïde Récamier, known as Juliette, a renowned French socialite and icon of neoclassicism whose salon drew prominent figures from the literary and political circles of early 19th-century Paris. You might recognize her name as the subject of the iconic painting by Jacques-Louis David, which is displayed in the Louvre.
It’s a haven of tranquility! I stopped by last year for a tour and was immediately impressed by its beauty, discretion, and quiet ambiance. The staff was excellent, offering a brief tour and a complimentary cup of tea, which is offered to guests every evening. If you appreciate the intimate setting of boutique hotels, you’ll fall in love with Hotel Récamier.
A Budget-Friendly Gem: Hotel de Saint Germain
You don’t have to break the bank to experience Parisian elegance! I call Hotel de Saint Germain the deal of the century. Last summer, I spent two weeks in Paris, indulging in museum visits, special events, and shopping for my Chicago apartment renovation. Since I was spending a lot on home furnishings, I wanted to save on my hotel. My room at Hotel de Saint Germain cost approximately $100 per night in June!
Cleanliness is key! At the end of the day, what matters most to me is a clean and comfortable room. The Hotel de Saint Germain, not to be confused with Hotel Saint Germain des Prés, was impeccable. It had been completely renovated during the pandemic and reopened less than a year before my arrival. Everything looked brand new. My stay was perfect – a small, clean room with quality white linens, a brand new bathroom, and a desk. My top-floor room even had a small balcony overlooking Le Bon Marché and a bustling intersection. Breakfast was offered for an additional fee, but I chose to enjoy the spectacular weather by dining at my favorite café, Aux Sauvignon, just down the street. The staff was incredibly helpful and happy to accommodate every request.
The Hotel de Saint Germain is a wonderful option for budget-conscious travelers seeking a clean and comfortable room in the heart of Paris. C’est absolument parfait!
