There
are so many choices for hotels in Paris it can make your head spin.
First you must consider what is important to you, area, price,
amenities, space or style. While I always need to keep a watchful eye
on my pocketbook, I hate to sacrifice comfort, space and style while
doing so. There is no doubt you do not get the largest hotel rooms in
Paris, but staying at the right place can put your trip off to a good
start. Checking into a fair to bad hotel can really put a damper on
the trip of a lifetime. Here are some smart choices that make sense
for every budget without sacrificing style.
Hotel
Verneuil: Area, Charm and Value
Hotel
Verneuil has recently been bought by Nicolas Nonon who has plans to
make it even more fabulous than it already is. The Verneuil is
located on a quiet street in the 7th arrondissement right
on the border with the 6th making both accessible to you.
You’ll be walking distance to the Louvre, the Luxembourg Gardens,
Notre Dame and the fantastic shops and restaurants in the famous St.
Germain area. The hotel is decorated in a classic French country
style with homey warm touches throughout. The price is right at this
Paris hotel, often coming in at under 200 euros a night.
Hotel
Therese: Style in a Wonderful Area with Good Value
Hôtel
Thérèse is owned by Sylvie de Lattre, who started the Verneuil and
the Recamier; she has crisscrossed the world and knows what travelers
want and need. I recommend this unique hotel for its décor, its
professional staff and the cozy and inviting common rooms. The
Thérèse is in the 1st, near the Palais Royal and quite near the
Opera. Shopping abounds, the Palais Royal boutiques including Marc
Jacobs are some of the best in Paris plus right near the hotel you’ll
find a plethora of tiny and affordable Japanese joints serving sushi
or delicious homemade ramen noodle soup. Rates start in the low 200
euro range.
Hotel
Recamier: Chic Style in a Great Area with Amenities
Hotel
Recamier is also owned by Sylvie de Lattre, this is her newest
addition and her most luxurious. Located on the very exclusive Place
St. Sulpice in the heart of the 6th arrondissement,
overlooking the St. Sulpice church with its Delacroix painting and
the refurbished fountains in the square, this location is simply to
die for. You will spill out of the hotel and run into YSL, Kenzo,
Armani and many other designer boutiques. The café de la Marie
across the street is one of the best terraces and people watching
cafes in Paris. The hotel’s décor is truly inspired, chic and
artistic with the perfect blend of color and warmth. There is a tiny
workout room in the basement and breakfast is scrumptious. Rates run
from 300-500 euros per night.
Mama
Shelter: Trendy with Amenities and Value
Mama
Shelter in larger than the boutique hotels above with 170 rooms, it
is also located in the 19th far from central Paris. But,
the price is right and the hotel is nothing less than a hipster
paradise. Designed by Philippe Starck for the owners of Club Med,
this is a full service hotel with a very large dining room and
several different lounge areas. It is well known among Parisians for
a stellar weekend brunch service, a new yet growing trend. Chef Alain
Senderens had a hand in the resto and world class DJ’s come to play
on the weekends turning the space into a destination club. I-mac TV’s
are in all rooms and price start under 200 euros, an incredible
bargain for this desirable hotel in Paris.
By,
Doni
Belau is the owner and editor of the Girls' Guide to Paris, a travel
website and blog written by Parisian residents and insiders covering
everything from fashion to culture to foodie faves in the city of
light.