Hotel Signature St Germain des Pres

Housed in a typically elegant Haussmannian Parisian building, the Hotel Signature St Germain des Prés (formerly Hotel Lindbergh) underwent a 14-month renovation and transformation and reopened in 2013 in its current incarnation. Run by the friendly Prigent family, the vibe is unabashedly modern and colorful, with a mid-century aesthetic. The bright and vibrant lobby is filled with retro-inspired furnishings, playful contemporary art pieces, and quirky knick-knacks that create a chic, homey ambience. A classic wooden spiral staircase winds up the hotel's six floors, though most of the vacationing couples who frequent the hotel prefer the spacious elevator (often a luxury in Paris!).

The hotel is set on a quiet road among well-preserved historic buildings in the well-heeled St Germain-des-Prés area of the Paris' 6th arrondissement, on the Left Bank. The location has a particularly strong literary and intellectual heritage; the neighorhood attracted many renowned 20th-century writers and artists to its numerous bars and cafes. The Musée d'Orsay and Musée Rodin are within walking distance, and there are several metro stations with just a few minutes of the hotel that can get you nearly anywhere else in the city within 10 minutes.

The hotel's 26 rooms are tastefully and individually decorated with an understated modern style punctuated by retro furnishings. Vintage-style phones, hanging lamps and, in some rooms, patterned wallpaper give a real sense of character and playfulness, while the classic large Parisian windows guarantee plenty of light. Sleek, contemporary marble bathrooms have L'Occitane bath products, bathrobes, and Italian showers or shower-tubs combinations, with designer fixtures. Rooms also have free Wi-Fi, minibars, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. All rooms are also air-conditioned and double-glazed and look out over the street or a quiet courtyard -- some of the higher-tier rooms have a balcony with a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower.

As is typical of many such small, boutique Paris hotels, the Hotel Signature St Germain des Prés has little in the way of facilities. A good but simple breakfast is served in the downstairs breakfast room (renovated after our visit), although it is not included in the rate, so guests are better taking their petit déjeuner at one of the many nearby cafés. The quality and attentiveness of service is generally agreed to be excellent, and the staff can help with recommendations and arrangements for dining, sightseeing, transport, and more.