Hotel Da Vinci & Spa

When Italian immigrant Vincenzo Peruggia stole the Mona Lisa from the Louvre in 1911, he intended to bring the painting back to its birthplace in Florence, where he believed it rightfully belonged. While devising a plan to flee France, Peruggia hid with the painting in a sixth-floor room in the building that is now Hotel Da Vinci & Spa. The hotel emphasizes its fascinating history by tastefully imbuing its guest rooms and amenities with a da Vinci-inspired theme. There’s even a sixth-floor room called the “Adorator” that’s decorated with pictures of the thief, old newspaper clippings about the story, and a fake framed Mona Lisa hiding in a trunk. Hotel Da Vinci is an excellent option for art history buffs (it’s also a quick eight-minute walk across the river from the Louvre), and also a solid choice for couples and solo travelers looking for a charming boutique hotel in Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Kids are welcome, but guest rooms are too cramped for families. The quaint lobby has a rich, Italian feel — likely a nod at its namesake’s heritage. Gold walls are complimented by mahogany paneling and thick velvet drapery, while tufted wing back chairs and leather ottomans add textural contrast. Replicas of da Vinci paintings hang in ornate frames, but the filigreed tin ceiling is the most stunning component. Adjacent to the lobby is a cozy breakfast room, which doubles as an honor bar in the afternoon and evening.

Hotel Da Vinci is well located in Saint-Germain-des-Pres in the 6th Arrondissement, known for excellent shopping and dining. Famous cafes such as Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore, both haunts for American literary greats of the Lost Generation, are a five-minute walk from the hotel. Other nearby attractions include the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay (both about a 10-minute walk), as well as Notre Dame and Luxembourg Gardens (both about a 20-minute walk). The nearest metro stations are Saint-Germain-des-Pres (line 4, five-minute walk) and Rue du Bac (line 12, eight-minute walk). From the hotel, Charles de Gaulle International Airport is a 40-minute drive, and Orly International Airpot is a 25-minute drive. 

Each of the hotel’s 24 guest rooms feature a mural inspired by the most famous aspects of Leonardo da Vinci’s life. One is dedicated to the Mona Lisa, while another pays homage to his patrons, the Medici family. Some reference the Renaissance, and others depict his numerous inventions. And, of course, the sixth-floor suite celebrates the famous Mona Lisa thief who gave the hotel its unique place in history. While da Vinci is certainly the inspiration for decor, you don’t have to be an art buff to appreciate the tasteful accents. Velvet headboards, intricate hanging lanterns, and patterned wallpaper are pretty enough to stand on their own. The wood floors and wood beam ceilings aren’t real, but they add character lots of character to the small spaces. Large armoires house minibars with baskets of snacks, electronic safes, irons and ironing boards, and umbrellas, but they barely have room for personal storage. Additional amenities include small desk spaces, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, fluffy bathrobes, slippers, and cloth tote bags emblazoned with the hotel’s name. Bathrooms are also a bit tight on space, but they have attractive slate floors and mosaic-tile walls. Most bathrooms only have shower stalls, but some have shower/tub combos. Vanities are stocked with toiletries and hairdryers, and the heated towel racks are a nice touch, but the electronic scales, maybe not so much. (Well, that is, if you’re anything like us and your trips to Paris include a few too many stops at the boulangerie.) Views are of the street or the hotel's tiny interior courtyard. Some rooms have long skinny balconies with cute cafe tables and green astro turf. Street-facing rooms on higher floors offer peeps of the Louvre.  

Hotel Da Vinci’s standout feature is its subterranean spa, which has a steam room and small heated pool, and guests are entitled to one free hour of luxuriating. Every surface is covered in dark, shimmery mosaic tile, which gives the space a nighttime celestial feel. Behind the pool, a mirrored focal wall is etched with da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, which makes the already intriguing space feel like it was plucked from the pages of a Dan Brown novel.  The hotel serves a buffet-style breakfast every morning in its cozy cafe space. The buffet consists of fresh pastries, yogurt, fruit, scrambled eggs, meats and cheeses, and smoked salmon. There’s also an assortment of coffees, teas, and juices, and champagne can be added for an additional fee. Breakfast isn’t included in all room rates, but it’s reasonably priced. In the evenings, the breakfast room transforms into an honor bar, where guests can mix their own drinks and pay for them at check-out. Wi-Fi is free for all guests, and it works well throughout the hotel.