Normandy, Brittany & the Best of the North_ With Paris (Fodor's) - Fodor's [158]
$$$$ | The staff greets you warmly at this 17th-century town house and former literary salon. The showpiece is the stunning front lobby spanned by massive beams and headed by a gigantic fireplace. Decked out in rich burgundies, greens, or blues, the bedrooms are filled with Louis XV– and Regency-style antiques and Hermès toiletries; even the smallest rooms are a generous size by Paris standards. Behind the paved courtyard is a second structure with three apartments, which are ideal for families. The hotel’s Café Laurent hosts jazz musicians Thursday through Saturday evenings, and piano on Wednesdays. All returning guests (and new guests who book at least three nights) get VIP treatment such as champagne and flowers on arrival. Pros: central location near shops and market street; live jazz on weekends; personalized welcome. Cons: some of the newer rooms lack character; busy street; bar can be noisy on weekends. | 33 rue Dauphine, St-Germain-des-Prés | 75006 | 01–43–29–43–43 | www.hoteldaubusson.com | 49 rooms | In-room: a/c, safe, DVD (some), Wi-Fi. In-hotel: room service, bar, laundry service, parking (paid), some pets allowed | AE, DC, MC, V | Station: Odéon.
Hôtel de l’Abbaye.
$$$ | This hotel on a tranquil side street near St-Sulpice welcomes you with a cobblestone ante-courtyard and vaulted stone entrance. The lobby’s salon bears vestiges of the original 18th-century convent and the spacious garden comes replete with a fountain. Rooms are either a mix of floral and striped fabrics with period furnishings or contemporary minimalist with wood paneling and modern art. All have flat-screen TVs, and upper floors have oak beams and sitting alcoves. Duplexes (split-level suites) have lovely private terraces. Pros: tranquil setting in upscale neighborhood; good value for price. Cons: rooms differ greatly in size and style; some are quite small. | 10 rueCassette | 75006 | 01–45–44–38–11 | www.hotel-abbaye.com | 42 rooms, 4 suites | In-room: a/c, safe, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: room service, bar, laundry service, Internet terminal | AE, MC, V | CP | Station: St-Sulpice
Hôtel de Nesle.
$ | This one-of-a-kind budget hotel is like a quirky and enchanting dollhouse. Services are bare-bones—no elevator, phones, TVs, or breakfast—but the payoff is in the snug rooms cleverly decorated by theme. Sleep in Notre-Dame de Paris, lounge in an Asian-style boudoir, spend the night with writer Molière, or steam it up in Le Hammam. Decorations include colorful murals, canopy beds, and custom lamps. Most rooms overlook an interior garden, and the dead-end-street location keeps the hotel relatively quiet. If you book one of the 11 rooms without a shower, you’ll have to share the one bathroom on the second floor. Pros: unique, fun vibe; good value for chic location; small garden. Cons: few amenities or services; reservations by phone only. | 7 rue deNesle | 75006 | 01–43–54–62–41 | www.hoteldenesleparis.com | 20 rooms, 9 with bath | In-room: no a/c, no phone, no TV, Wi-Fi. In-hotel: Internet terminal, some pets allowed | MC, V | Station: Odéon
Hôtel du Lys.
$–$$ | To jump into an inexpensive Parisian fantasy, just climb the stairway to your room (there’s no elevator) in this former 17th-century royal residence. Well maintained by Madame Steffen, the endearingly odd-shape guest rooms have tiny nooks, weathered antiques, and exposed beams. It may be modest, but it’s extremely atmospheric. Breakfast is served in the lobby or in your room. Pros: central location on a quiet side street; historic character. Cons: old-fashioned decoration is decidedly outdated; perfunctory service; no air-conditioning. | 23 rueSerpente | 75006 | 01–43–26–97–57 | www.hoteldulys.com | 22 rooms | In-room: no a/c, safe. In-hotel: some pets allowed | MC, V | CP | Station: St-Michel, Odéon
Hôtel Millésime.
$$$ | Step through the doors of this St-Germain-des-Prés hotel and you’ll feel transported to the sunny south of France. Rooms in this 17th-century city mansion are decorated in warm reds, yellows, and royal blues, with rich fabrics and sparkling tiled bathrooms.