Saint Germain des Prés is the elegant area in Paris’s 6th Arrondissement surrounding the former Abbey of Saint Germain des Prés, which was founded in the 6th century and is one of the oldest churches in the city. It’s borders are the River Seine to the north and the rue du Four to the south, within which are some of Paris’s most famed cafes, and some exceptionally charming squares. There are also a number of very nice hotels, so choosing the 10 best hotels in Saint Germain des Prés is quite a challenge.
Saint Germain des Prés is also known for its cafes and the chatter that’s happened here. It was the centre of the existentialist movement, and home to the École des Beaux-Arts. And is where Oscar Wilde spent his final days, strolling the streets and lamenting. Much to appeal has sprung up here as the decades have passed, art galleries, theatres, more cafes and restaurants, and now it’s a popular area for visitors, and there’s a lot to see and do without leaving the arrondissement.
If you think Saint Germain is for you then to help you choose where to stay our Gurus have curated a list, ranging from the Christian Lacroix designed Le Bellechasse to the superbly located Hotel Verneuil, a recently refurbished gem.
The Relais Christine is a truly elegant, 27 room hotel not far from the banks of the Seine. It’s tasteful to a ’t’, and peaceful with it, with lovely gardens and an excellent buffet breakfast. This is a wonderful place for couples, but they also have some excellent family suites.
The Hotel Verneuil’s 26 rooms are cosy and well lit, and the decoration includes books and antiques. There’s also a cosy sitting room and a breakfast room in the cellar. The location is excellent and the atmosphere is welcoming, relaxing and homely.
It’s difficult to think of a hotel more iconic or romantic than L'Hotel. The decor has been much updated since Oscar Wilde lived, and died, here, but the fabulous circular atrium remains, and if you can bear the tristess you can stay in the room where he expired beyond his means. There's also a divine candlelit plunge pool, perfect for romantic assignations, and Michelin-starred Le Restaurant, one of the city's most popular places to dine.
Once a private home, the Hotel Duc de Saint-Simon is now a 34 room hotel beautifully decked out. The richly coloured bedrooms are elegant yet cosy, as is the little cellar bar. The atmosphere is that of a private house, with TVs only on request and room service instead of mini-bars.
If your Paris plan is to play flaneur in the Café des Deux Magots or the Café de Flore, both favourite haunts of Simone de Beauvoir and Jean Paul Sartre, and stretch your legs in the Luxembourg Gardens, then one of the best hotels in Saint Germain des Prés for you might be the Hotel de L'Abbaye, with its sophisticated suites, chic salons, fragrant conservatory breakfast room and charming, leafy courtyard.
Designed by Christian Lacroix, Le Bellechasse is a remarkable riot of colour and pattern, with exotic murals and frescoes aimed to make you think of the Roman era. Before laid his hand on it this was a simple townhouse hotel with boxy rooms a few steps from the Musee d'Orsay, but now it’s an artistic experience in itself.
The hotel Le Placide a relatively new offering, with 11 chic, contemporary, colour-themed bedrooms, a peaceful courtyard and a charming lobby, which is designed to look something like a boat. Bruno Borrione, associate of Philippe Starck is the man behind the decor, and here he’s favoured rosewood, mirror, chrome, velvet and stone.
Or, at the traditional end of the boutique scale try the romance of the Hotel d'Aubusson, which occupies a handsome, 17th Century honey-coloured stone townhouse with a grand coach entrance, a pretty courtyard and the popular Café Laurent.
As well as the gardens and the Abbey of Saint Germain des Prés, the Louvre and Musee d’Orsay are also close by, as are the Eugene Delacroix museum and the Mundolingua languages museum. So there’s really a lot to be getting on with round here. If you like the idea of being close to the gardens, the Hotel Recamier is a good choice, with 24 classic chic rooms in a calm, intimate setting sheltered somewhat from the hustle and bustle that surrounds it.
The Hotel Montalembert is a stalwart boutique hotel - it was the first in Paris - which offers guests a choice between modern and classic rooms and access to a cosy library, a ‘fireplace lounge’ and an excellent, fashionable restaurant.
If you’re here to sight see the best hotels in Saint Germain might be the Hotel Saint Vincent, a great value option in a quiet street.
If there’s nothing for you on our list of the best hotels Saint Germain des Prés you might want to consider our Guru’s pick of the 10 best hotels in the Latin Quarter, next door, Or our recommendations for 10 hotels in Paris with Character? or one of our Paris Hip Hotels x13? Or you could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Paris.
Paris (St-Germain-des-Prés)
Iconic, small, five star hotel where Oscar Wilde once lived on the Left Bank. Flamboyant interiors by Jacques Garcia, and the popular Le Bar. Comfortable and romantic rooms are dark and intimate — the perfect luxurious bolthole in the heart of Paris.
Paris (Saint Germain des Pres)
This romantic and intimate, formerly private, Parisian home is decked with plush fabrics, stylish interiors keeping tradition and elegance the main focus. Wallpapered rooms are small but delightful in their unique and comfortable charm. Prime location near St Germain and the famous Rue du Bac.
Paris (St-Germain-des-Prés)
Classic luxury in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Sophisticated suites with fine attention to detail. A charming leafy courtyard, plus chic salons and fragrant conservatory dining room. A grown up getaway in the most exclusive area of Paris.
Paris (St-Germain-des-Prés)
Quiet and romantic hotel nestled in the historic and arty area of St Germain des Prés. Recently refurbished rooms are well lit, cosy and complete with antiques and books. Wake up to breakfast in bed before heading out and exploring the city. A true Parisian gem.
Paris (St-Germain-des-Prés)
17th-Century honey-stone townhouse turned luxury hotel. Ideally situated on the Left Bank of the Seine, this period-style hotel is smart and well run. Comfortable rooms are decked with quality furnishings and exposed beams. Enjoy a drink at the Piano Bar or on the quiet patio.
Paris (Saint Germain des Pres)
Elegant and warmly decorated hotel decked with classical antiques. Family run and intimate, a charming choice with good rates. Rooms are stylishly designed. This is a quiet haven, not far from the action and with its own tranquil garden to relax in after a day exploring.
Paris (St Germain des Pres)
Stalwart boutique hotel - the first in Paris - with a choice between modern and classic rooms. Mostly compact, with a good restaurant, a cosy library, and well located for Left Bank action. Fashionable and lively area in vibrant Paris.
Paris (St Germain des Pres)
A stylish and intimate boutique, in the heart of fashionable Saint-Germain. The eleven colour themed rooms (larger than you average Paris hotel) are bathed in natural light. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in bed or in the charming courtyard. Perfectly placed for a glamourous weekend away.
Paris (Saint Germain des Pres)
Enjoy the riot of colour, pattern and fresco in a remarkable Christian Lacroix-designed hotel. Fun and frivolous, the rooms are comfortable and unique. Enjoy breakfast on the terrace or in your room, before stepping out and exploring the city. A few steps from the Musee d'Orsay. Good value.
Paris (Saint Germain des Prés)
An elegant haven, tucked away from the bustle in a charming Left Bank square close to the Luxembourg Gardens. Hotel Recamier is a calm oasis ideally placed to explore the city.
Paris (latin quarter)
Nestled on the Left Bank in a peaceful area not far from the banks of the Seine, the small luxury five-star Relais Christine is a relaxing retreat that gives guests a true taste of classical French style and romance. Lovely gardens and excellent buffet breakfasts. Perfect for a romantic break.
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