The ‘where to stay’ in Paris is the hardest question of all to answer.
There is no one solution to this delicious dilemma.
Apart from the obvious requirements of numbers, timing and budget… there are other considerations.
I am hesitant to suggest hotels, not only because we all have very different expectations but also because they can change so quickly.
Location is my number one priority… and my reasons for being in Paris are not always the same.
I enjoy the left and right banks equally and can’t truthfully admit to a preference.
I experiment with new hotels and also frequent a few of the familiar.
Paris, like London, is an expensive place to spend time. Hotels are not always good value and more does not always mean more.
I have stayed in horribly expensive places that were ordinary and cheaper hotels that were fabulous.
Paris accommodations are sometimes trial and error.
Living in Europe I have come to accept that many hotels are space challenged.
Old buildings that have been converted don’t necessarily offer the most modern of facilities.
Rooms are small, bathrooms tiny… and never make the presumption that there will be air-conditioning.
This does not apply to the major name brand establishments, but these comforts do come with a hefty room price.
I believe if you are prepared for a different experience to that of home, then the disappointments will be less.
That’s why we travel isn’t it?
le pavillon de la reine
The Places des Vosges in the Marais, the 4th arrondissement of Paris is a fabulous location.
One of the best… It’s very busy and popular yet the Places des Vosges has a serenity of it’s own.
Places des Vosges is an excellent launching point whether for the right bank or the left bank.
It’s not far to cross the river and it’s a straight walk up the rue du Rivloi if the Louvre and the Jardins des Tuileries beckon.
I stayed at Le Pavillon de la Reine and enjoyed it very much.
Not too big, not to small… helpful service… a good concierge is a bonus for restaurant bookings, taxis and advice.
The decor is beautiful… strong, bold and chic in the way that Parisians have mastered.
The rooms are very comfortable and the wifi speedy… can’t live without that anymore.
Le Pavillon de la Reine is all about the location, not so much the restaurant and bar.
They serve breakfast and offer room service… there is also an honour bar… but it’s more club-like as opposed to foyer/lobby like.
That works for me because I want to be out and about most of the time, yet feel cosy when the tiredness kicks in.
The best part is the location… Places des Vosges… is a hop, skip and a jump outside.
Carette is the best for breakfast… and lunch… and their macarons.
We all love Ladurée and Pierre Hermé… but these are pretty special too.
Dammann is my very favourite place to buy tea.
If you prefer Mariage Frères and their luxurious tea room, then that’s only minutes away.
A short walk over to the 3rd and you are shopping inside Merci or perhaps ordering a wood fired pizza at Grazie.
Places des Vosges… A great location… Have you stayed there? xv
Places des Vosges
Le Pavillon de la Reine
28 Places des Vosges
75003 Paris
+33 (0) 1 40 29 19 19
Carette
25 Places des Vosges
75003 Paris
+33 (0) 1 48 87 94 07
Dammann
15 Places des Vosges
75003 Paris
+33 (0) 1 44 54 04 88
Mariages Frères
30 rue du Bourg-Tibourg,
75004 Paris
+33 (0) 1 42 72 28 11
Merci
111 boulevard Beaumarchais
75003 Paris
+ 33 (0) 1 42 77 00 33
Grazie
