Set in a refined 17th-century mansion with an artistic heritage
Quiet location in picturesque Saint-Germain-des-Pres
Close to three metro stations, within a 15-minute walk of the Louvre
Elegant rooms with original artwork
Peaceful inner courtyard with alfresco breakfast in the warmer months
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Noise travels between some rooms
Fee for breakfast
No health or spa
facilities
Rooms can be small
The Hotel des Saints-Peres is a refined, boutique property housed in an elegant 17th-century mansion in the lovely neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Tucked away on charming Rue des Saints Peres, the hotel is within a 15-minute walk of the Louvre and Tuileries Garden on the opposite side of the Seine. While all the rooms are elegant, some features -- such as an original ceiling fresco -- stand out, and rooms overlooking the peaceful interior courtyard are particularly pleasant. While room prices are reasonable for an upscale hotel in this prime location, travelers might want to also check out the K+K Hotel Cayre on the Boulevard Raspail, which is less swanky but has more facilities -- a spa, for example -- at lower rates.
Scene
17th-century mansion with rich artistic heritage and peaceful courtyard
Built in 1658 by Daniel Gittard, the head architect of Louis XIV, the restrained elegance of the hotel's stone facade sets the refined tone of this former private mansion. Stepping inside, guests will find a small understated lobby that leads to the hotel's inner courtyard -- a secluded spot where the peace is broken only by the chiming bells of the nearby of Saint-Germain-des-Pres and Saint Sulpice churches. The property became a hotel at the end of World War I, and was purchased by the upscale Espirit de France chain in the 1980s, when renovation work uncovered a magnificent 17th-century fresco that has since been attributed to the Versailles School. Art is still an important influence at the hotel, and numerous oil paintings and antique works adorn the walls throughout. The hotel has also attracted a roll call of artists throughout the centuries, including painters Francis Bacon and George Dubuffet, singer Juliette Greco, and, more recently, fashion designer Tom Ford.
Location
Set on quiet, narrow street in the picturesque quarter of Saint-Germain-des-Pres
This hotel is tucked away down a narrow street in the heart of picturesque Saint-Germain-des-Pres, at the point where the sixth arrondissement meets the seventh. The area is renowned for its numerous fine restaurants, bookstores, famous cafes, and boutiques.The Jardin du Luxembourg is within a 15-minute walk south of the hotel, and the Louvre is a 15-minute walk across the Seine in the opposite direction. Saint-Germain-des-Pres metro station (Line 1, which crosses Paris north-south) is the closest, at about a four-minute walk, while Mabillon (Line 4) is a six-minute walk away. The Eiffel Tower is about a 10-minute cab ride away, while the Arc de Triomphe is a seven-minute ride from there. Orly Airport is about a 30-minute drive from the hotel, while Charles de Gaulle Airport takes about 45 minutes by car.
Rooms
Original artworks, frescoes, beamed ceilings, and thoughtful touches
Most of the Hotel des Saints-Peres' 38 rooms are decorated in a blend of muted, contemporary decor, with traditional touches and original artworks. Higher-priced rooms tend to include antique furnishings and overlook the peaceful inner courtyard. La Chambre a la Fresque (Fresco Room) features a gorgeous 17th-century ceiling painting, parquet flooring, and an in-room claw-foot tub. Some rooms also feature original exposed beams, though ceilings tend to be low. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and welcome trays with posh tea and chocolate, as well as bathrobes and designer toiletries. Typical for Paris, rooms can be on the small side, and internal soundproofing could be better in some.
Features
A cozy lounge bar and buffet breakfast
As is common with historic, boutique properties, there's little in the way of facilities. A buffet breakfast (for a fee) is served in the hotel's elegant dining room or in the peaceful inner courtyard during warmer weather. There's also a small, cozy bar and lounge, with plenty of seating, though there are no spa or fitness facilities on-site. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.