10 Best Hotels in Saint Germain des Prés, Paris

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.

ayustety

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 Best Hotels in Saint Germain des Prés for a City Break

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.

The most Romantic Hotels in Saint Germain des Prés

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.

The best hotels Saint Germain des Prés for Flaneurs

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.

The best Boutique hotels Saint Germain des Prés

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.

The best hotels Close to the Luxembourg Gardens

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 best hotels in Saint Germain des Prés for gastronomy

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.

The best hotels Saint Germain des Prés for Great Value

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.

 

Written by Sarah Empson

posted Tuesday, 24th January 2023