Hotel Leopold

Hotel review

Thoughtfully designed and with a warmth of atmosphere, Hotel Leopold, in Montparnasse, is one of Paris’s secret gems. A quintessential chic boutique hotel, with just 40 rooms, it delivers everything you need and a small sprinkling of magic too. Notoriously in Paris you can pay a lot of money for a room the size of a handkerchief, but the Leopold offers both space and style in equal measure. Rooms are calm cocoons. Think slate grey-blue walls, floral wallpapers with just the right pop of colour, contrasting velvet headboards and stiped linen curtains. Simple but luxurious with plenty of different textures, the result is a harmonious blend that creates a welcome feeling of peace in the city. From this charming base you can explore the local area and easily walk to areas like St Germaine before then retreating here for some quiet time and rest, or even to catch up on some work. You can sit at tables near the downstairs reception area, where breakfast is also served, and order the perfect cup of tea (not a given in Paris) or spot-on hot chocolate, your laptop in hand and a small team of happy staff looking after you. Help yourself to infused water and do grab a copy of the in-house Orso guide to Paris which will lend inspiration – from nearby restaurants to nightlife. Speaking of which, the beds are properly comfortable with good quality sheets to ensure a deep night’s sleep.  Meanwhile, bathrooms are modern and glossy. All with proper tubs and overhead showers which work. The shower gels, shampoo and body lotions are infused with fig and fennel and intended to be reminiscent of Corsican homes in the summer. Bliss. Best of all, you can expect a delicious breakfast: baguette and croissants yes, as well as artisan jams and honey, fresh cheeses, a choice of butters, cold cut meats and freshly squeezed orange juice. Nothing extraordinary, but all perfectly executed. Just like the Leopold itself.

Daisy Finer