L’Hotel

During the 19th century, L’Hotel was home to Oscar Wilde and also a private residence for Queen Margot. It did a stint as a brothel at the end of that century before becoming a hotel. Its reputation for famous inhabitants has continued into the 20th and 21st centuries, and guests have included a slew of celebrities over the last several decades.

Its 20 rooms and lobby pay homage to its rich history, with gorgeous and carefully curated 19th-century decor accents. Ceilings are adorned with elaborate plaster or wood crown molding, some with intricate carvings, and green and red marble columns are found throughout the common spaces. Exquisitely refurbished antique furniture fills the lobby, bar and restaurant. A spiral staircase leads up to the six floors, which have hallways adorned with candle chandeliers encircling an atrium lit by a skylight above; the architecture is reminiscent of an ornate opera house. 

It’s easy to imagine 19th-century bureaucrats sipping wine in one of the velvet armchairs in the bar, amid the flickering candelabras. The bar is sultry, with crushed lavender fabric on the walls, button velvet chaperone sofas, a wooden bookcase stocked with old leather books, gilded molding with a Greek key pattern, and plenty of marble (on the bar, the mantel over the fireplace, the aforementioned columns). It's hard not to envision Wilde sitting at a small table, brooding over his latest work. The restaurant has a small courtyard dining area with a mossy fountain and a wall completely covered in ferns and flowers. There is a tiny elevator that can fit a maximum of three people at a time, with no room for luggage.

Situated on the bustling Rue des Beaux Arts in the 6th Arrondissement, L’Hotel is in one of the main tourist neighborhoods of Paris, surrounded by art galleries, shops, cafes and popular restaurants. The Musée d’Orsay is a 14-minute walk away along the Seine, the Louvre Museum is a 10-minute stroll across the river, and Notre Dame can be reached in 10 minutes or less. The Eiffel Tower, while a bit farther away at the other end of the city (a 40-minute walk for those who are up for it), can easily be reached by metro in about 30 minutes. Any location in Paris is readily accessible by metro, as the RER C, 10 and 6 lines all have stops within a 10-minute walk of the hotel. Charles de Gaulle Aiport is about a 45-minute drive by car or taxi.

Each of L’Hotel’s 20 rooms is decorated in lavish historical decor -- plush curtains, antique furniture, elaborate wallpaper, and objets d'art; some have wood wainscoting. But a couple of the rooms (the Small Mignons especially) are extremely compact. Although the lamps and light fixtures are beautiful relics, none cast a great deal of light and you might find yourself using your phone’s flashlight app to search through your suitcase at night. Guests who want (and can afford) more space should opt for the Chic, Grand, or Apartment rooms, which are substantially larger than the other categories; each has a sitting area and private patio or balcony, and is decorated individually to honor a specific historic character (from Wilde to Marco Polo to Mata Hari). Fresh flowers await new guests in these larger rooms and they also have both a bath and walk-in shower. All rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi access, and (the world’s tiniest) minibars. Rooms do not have coffee or tea-making facilities.

While there is no parking, fitness room, or business center available at L’Hotel, the historic property is equipped with a one-of-a-kind hammam pool and steam room free for guest use. The Hammam pool is tiny and cave-like, surrounded by the original stone walls that give one the feel of soaking in an ancient Roman bath. There is also a small but elegant spa with a number of massages and body treatments available by appointment. The Michelin star-rated Le Restaurant serves seasonal French fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations, for dinner in particular, should be made far in advance. Le Bar serves a creative selection of cocktails. Hotel staff is available at all hours and helpful in booking tours and taxis.