Normandy, Brittany & the Best of the North_ With Paris (Fodor's) - Fodor's [154]
Hôtel de la Bretonnerie.
$$ | This small hotel is in a 17th-century hôtel particulier (town house) on a tiny street in the Marais, a few minutes’ walk from the Centre Pompidou and the bars and cafés of Rue Vieille du Temple. Rooms are classified as either chambres classiques or chambres de charme, the latter being more spacious, and naturally pricier, but with more elaborate furnishings, like Louis XIII–style four-poster canopy beds and marble-clad bathtubs. Overall, the establishment is spotless, and the staff is welcoming. Pros: central location and comfortable decor at a moderate price; typical Parisian character; Wi-Fi. Cons: quality and size of the rooms vary greatly; location in heart of bustling gay district may not please everyone. | 22 rue Ste-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie, Le Marais | 75004 | 01–48–87–77–63 | www.bretonnerie.com | 22 rooms, 7 suites | In-room: no a/c, safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: laundry service | MC, V | Station: Hôtel de Ville
Hôtel de la Place des Vosges.
$ | Despite a lack of some expected comforts and an elevator that doesn’t serve all floors, a loyal clientele swears by this small, historic hotel on a street leading directly into Place des Vosges. The Louis XIII–style reception area and rooms with oak-beam ceilings, rough-hewn stone, and a mix of rustic finds from secondhand shops evoke the Old Marais. The lone top-floor room, the hotel’s largest, has a Jacuzzi and a view over Rive Droite rooftops. Other, considerably smaller rooms are cheaper. Fans are provided in summer. Pros: excellent location; fans on request; historic Parisian decor; good value rates for the amenities Cons: no air-conditioning; most rooms are very small; street-facing rooms can be noisy. | 12 rue de Birague, Le Marais | 75004 | 01–42–72–60–46 | www.hotelplacedesvosges.com | 16 rooms | In-room: no a/c, safe, Wi-Fi | AE, DC, MC, V | Station: Bastille
Hôtel Duo.
$$$ | The former Axial Beaubourg hotel doubled in size and changed its name in 2006. It now has a fresh, contemporary style with bold colors and dramatic lighting, particularly in the newer wing, and the original 16th-century beams add character to the older rooms. Amenities include a small fitness area, a sauna, and a stylish bar and breakfast lounge that fits in perfectly with the hip design vibe of the Marais district. Pros: trendy Marais location; walking distance to major monuments; choice of two different room styles. Cons: noisy street; service not always delivered with a smile. | 11 rue du Temple, Le Marais | 75004 | 01–42–72–72–22 | www.duoparis.com | 58 rooms | In-room: safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: room service, bar, gym, laundry service | AE, DC, MC, V | Station: Hôtel de Ville
Hôtel du Vieux Marais.
$$ | A great value for the money in one of the most popular neighborhoods in Paris, this pleasingly minimalist hotel with a fin de siècle facade is on a quiet street in the heart of Le Marais. Rooms are bright and impeccably clean, with contemporary oak furnishings, burgundy-leather seating, and velour curtains. Bathrooms are immaculately tiled in Italian marble, with walk-in showers or combination shower/tubs. If you prefer a bit of extra space, ask about special rates on the triple rooms. The staff is exceptionally friendly, and the lobby has Wi-Fi. Pros: quiet side street location in central Paris; good value for the size and comfort. Cons: some rooms are very small and face a dark inner courtyard; decor lacks character. | 8 rue duPlâtre, Le Marais | 75004 | 01–42–78–47–22 | www.vieuxmarais.com | 30 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, Wi-Fi | MC, V | Station: Hôtel de Ville
Hôtel Saint Louis.
$$ | The location on the Ile St-Louis is the real draw of this modest hotel, which retains many of its original 17th-century stone walls and wooden beams. Tiny balconies on the upper levels have Seine views. Number 51 has a tear-shape tub and a peek at the Panthéon. Breakfast is served in the vaulted stone cellar. Pros: romantic location on the tiny island Ile St-Louis; ancient architectural details;