Madison Hotel by MH

Madison Hotel by MH is a quaint little property with a traditional Parisian exterior and sentimental, classically decorated interiors. The building's facade, laced with wrought-iron balconies, is the quintessential "City of Lights" postcard. Inside, the tiny lobby has a round front desk with heart-shaped chairs and red-and-white light fixtures, hammering home a "love is in the air" theme. But the lobby bar and its adjacent seating area feel a bit more stately. The atmosphere throughout is quiet, almost business-like. Given its rather overt romantic decor and its hushed surroundings, the Madison tends to appeal to adult travelers, usually couples on a getaway or business people working in the area. Families are welcome, but there's nothing kid-oriented here to appeal to them.

Located on a tiny pass-through that cuts across the Boulevard Saint Germain, Madison Hotel by MH is technically located on the famous boulevard, but benefits from a recessed location off the street. This gives the Madison Hotel prime views of the neighborhood, but prevents its front rooms from picking up too much traffic noise. The hotel’s immediate area, St-Germain-des-Pres, is a charming, classically Parisian neighborhood in the 6th Arrondissement. St. Germain is well known for its shopping, dining, and famous cafes. Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore, where American literary greats used to rub elbows, are essentially across the street from the hotel (two minutes on foot). Other nearby attractions include the Luxembourg Gardens (an eight-minute walk), the Louvre (14-minute walk), Notre Dame (15-minute walk), and Musee d’Orsay (17-minute walk). The nearest metro stations are Saint Germain-des-Pres (line 4) and Mabillon (line 10), both of which are a one-minute walk from the hotel’s front door. From the Madison, Charles du Gaulle International Airport is a 50-minute drive and Orly International Airport is a 35-minute drive, depending on traffic.

Rooms at the Madison Hotel are decorated with elegant Parisian decor. The look is a tad subdued, but bright, unexpected pops of color keep things interesting. Taupe walls, beige carpeting, and blond-wood accents give a tasteful, if sleepy, backdrop. But whimsey comes from playful details like red polka-dot chaise lounges and striped magenta bed runners. Decor varies a bit from room to room, but all are nicely equipped with flat screen TVs; Nespresso machines; electric kettles; and full-stocked minibars holding mini liquor bottles, sparkling water, and (naturally) Champagne, among other drinks. Bathrooms feature their own playful embellishments, with multicolored basins and patterned tile work in the shower/tub combos. Vanities are stocked with L’Occitane toiletries and hairdryers. All of Madison’s rooms lack outdoor space, but some have pretty views of the Boulevard Saint Germain or the hotel’s interior courtyard.  

The Madison Hotel doesn’t have many on-site amenities -- there’s no full restaurant, spa, or fitness center -- although that isn't unusual for small-scale boutiques in Paris. The hotel does serve a continental breakfast each morning in a cute breakfast room, though it isn’t free. Paying guests can serve themselves pastries, fresh breads, yogurt, fruit, and hard boiled eggs from a tiny buffet. Coffee, tea, and juice are also included. In the evenings, the lobby bar serves wine and cocktails, while guests lounge in the adjacent living room area.  Wi-Fi throughout the property is free, and guests can bring their pets for an additional nightly fee.