Paris Hotels for the Stylish Traveler
The Paris hotel scene is officially post Pandemic. The Olympics is over but many hotels are renovated and refreshed and therefore are ready for your visit. What we look for is a fair price in an area of Paris that is both walkable and safe. We also look for unusual designs and great amenities that still keep the room prices down. Nightly rates vary by season. So, travel ‘off season’ for the more luxe hotels that lower their prices by as much as 30 percent.
Here is our checklist to help you find the Perfect Hotel at the Right Price – Remember to Define Your List*
- Duvet Comforters, Bedding or Bedspreads? Does the Hotel “wrap” the blankets or offer a complete DUVET SET?
- Fluffy Towels or Crisp Duvets – The sign of a great Hotel is their towels – If they are rough and scratchy is CHEAPO, Fluffy is Better
- Free Wi-Fi Service – This is usually included in your Room Rate. Make sure the lobby is also free as well.
- Stylish or Quirky Interior Amenities – We love Stylish Details. However, look closely to see what you are Really Paying For.
- Continental Breakfast – The prices are extreme and Depend on the season. Check if Included or Extra with Room
- Slippers/Robe – This is usually a 4 Star or Above Rating. This is always a higher Room Rate
- Room Service 24 Hrs – This depends if a restaurant or kitchen is on site. This adds to the Room Rates.
- Buffet Breakfast Included – Buffet Breakfasts usually included: It saves the Hotel on Room Services.
- Floor Lamps/Lighting – Check to Make Sure Reading Lights are Provided. This could also be a Desk Light.
- Mini Refrigerator or Mini-Bar – As a Rule, don’t eat from the Mini-Bar to avoid extra fees. A Fridge is useful for any Carry Ins to your Room, like Water bottles, or wrapped snacks that need refrigeration.
- Tea/Coffee Service – This is always in your hotel room unless they provide in the lobby. This tells you the cost of your room rate.
- Windows with Views of Quiet Locations – Always ask about the view to enjoy your Room and Avoid possibility of extreme Noise.
- Check the Room before BOOKING. Yes, this is for picky travelers, but we recommend before you pay make sure the room is what you want.
LE PETITE MOULIN – LA DAMES AU PANTHEON – THE GRAND POWERS HOTEL
LE PETITE MOULIN is a hidden hotel in LE MARAIS. (4 Stars) Designed by Christian LaCroix, the designer experience hits you as you enter the hotel lobby *(left) and is higher priced. LA DAMES AU PANTHEON is (4 star) but amazingly is mid-priced and has a quirky BOHO style. It is located right off the Place de la Pantheon (center image) with views out to the famous monument from your room by request. Your boho 50s chic room is both quirky and charming with comfortable appointments and a great breakfast delivered to your room. The GRAND POWERS HOTEL is for the Stylish Shopper who wants to be located off the CHAMPS ELYSEE. This is in the upper price range and is considered a 4 star hotel. The luxury appointments are especially notable.
SUPER qUICK PARIS HOTEL HACK: Corporate Hotels that Outshine WITH Good Value are THE MERCURE GROUP IN FRance
Generally we avoid these hotels but the HOTEL MERCURE de SORBONNE part of the (ACORE/MERCURE group) is recently renovated and very well located. The creme/white interiors are clean and classic. We recommend the excellent beds, with pillow-top mattresses that are usually standard in 5 star hotels. However, at this 4- star location the bedding is standard. The one negative was the un-fluffy towels. A handy hotel elevator for your luggage avoids the stairs. The business class has discovered this this hotel so book well in advance to secure rates that are usually in the lower mid- price range. There is an excellent internet service and the cushy and comfortable lobby is great for computer work and conference calls. All newspapers provided. Typically tourists don’t come to this quiet back street location on the Left Bank, off the Boulevard Saint Michelle, a short walk from the Saint Germain des Pres. The 24 hr room service from the bar is prompt and you can order a Coca Cola at 3 am if you want. A well situated Lobby Bar for a quick glass of Champagne is available for guests.
Hotels that are Quirky & Character-Filled with Key Locations are Memorable
This comfy and quirky room looks out onto the main plaza at the PANTHEON and its mixture of happy patterns, quirky thrift Shop Vibe and even your own Garden Knome Cocktail table, does not tell the story of the ultra luxe bathroom even at entry level pricing, views onto the plaza from the lobby *(order a drink of champagne while you watch the people go by) and don’t forget EMILY IN PARIS fans this location is around the corner from the main set. The hotel is situated in the 5th area close to all the sights. Not all rooms are this design busy. But, you can indulge in a higher priced room that has a bit less decor and an even larger bathroom as the floors go up.
