Hotel Montalembert

Hotel Montalembert oozes timeless Parisian chic at first glance, with its classic, Haussmann-style carved limestone facade lined with wrought iron and balustrade balconies. A doorman welcomes guests and ushers them into to an equally elegant but more contemporary lounge area, which was updated in 2016. Decor seamlessly integrates handsome modern furnishings and quirky design touches, with plush velvet fabrics and gilded antiques. Built in 1926, the hotel retains elements of its Art Deco-era origins, including charming vintage cage elevators that service seven floors but stop short of the eighth (top floor). The Montalembert claimed the title of the first boutique hotel in Paris when it re-opened in 1990 after a nine-month renovation. Its cafe, restaurant, library, and bar are particularly inviting spaces that continue to be popular haunts for well-heeled locals and literati. Excellent service and a welcoming and intimate ambience of a private residence draws a mix of business and leisure travelers, particularly couples. 

The Hotel Montalembert is located in the 7th Arrondissement in the heart of fashionable Saint-Germain-des-Prés, within walking distance of the Musee d'Orsay, Seine, the Louvre, and other top sights. It is a true shopper's paradise, a short stroll from a plethora of designer boutiques, and the Bon Marché department store, with its "Grande Epicerie" food hall, is just down the street. Art lovers are also in close proximity to the galleries taking up residence in buildings on surroundings side streets. For foodies, there are numerous cafes close by, including the storied Les Deux Magots, Cafe de Flore, and Brasserie Lipp. The closest metro station is Rue du Bac, a three minutes' walk away, and the Saint-Germain-des-Prés stop is 10 minutes on foot. Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports are about 25- and 35-minute drives, respectively. 

All of the hotel's 50 guest rooms and suites were updated in 2016/17. Their smart and stylish finish combines designer furniture with Art Deco accents, such as ebony paneling and polished brass, plus either patterned carpeting or parquet floors. Modern prints provide splashes of color, and even TVs are presented in frames like artworks. Some of the top-floor suites open to small balconies with gorgeous views over the rooftops, and even offer partial Eiffel Tower views. All rooms overlook either the charming Parisian street below, or courtyard to the rear. Even in lower-floor street-facing rooms, noise is minimal. Starting at 172 square feet (16 square meters) rooms can be typically small, though suites that are twice as large are available.In-room amenities are upscale though limited, with 32-inch flat-screen TVs with DVD players, well-stocked minibars, digital safes, and free Wi-Fi, but kettles or coffeemakers aren't standard; upgraded rooms and suites do add Nespresso machines. Bathrooms impress, with chrome fixtures, Carrara marble, and Bisazza mosaic; most have either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, with all suites offering them separate. Amenities include bathrobes, professional hairdryers, and luxury-brand toiletries. Junior Suites each come with a free bottle of Champagne.

An impeccably styled restaurant opens for breakfast, serving a variety of excellent a la carte and buffet options; breakfast isn't included in the rate, however, and it's on the pricey side. The restaurant also offers lunch and dinner, with a menu themed around earth, sea, vegetables, and sun, with the occasional Asian touch. The menu changes every month and the food is top-notch, plus there's 24-hour room service. Next to the intimate bar is a small library with a cozy fireplace, popular for afternoon tea, and in summer, a small garden opens for early evening drinks. While there's no no-site spa or fitness facilities, the concierge can arrange in-room treatments, and guests have use of a gym at the property's sister hotel Bel Ami, about a seven-minute walk away. The hotel is welcomes small dogs, with a VID (very important dog) service that includes canine-friendly amenities, such as dog baskets, dishes, and even shampoo. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Travelers with limited mobility should be aware that the elevator doesn't access the hotel's eight floor.