UPDATE: only localized upkeeping since the comprehensive 2009 overhaul when it was reopened as Hotel le Petit Paris

Newly renovated stylish boutique hotel with friendly staff in an adequate location:

As we traveled with our son and our goddaughter, we needed three rooms. Therefore we decided to choose a somewhat less expensive hotel than we usually do, Hotel Le Petit Paris. For instance, the last two times we stayed at the Renaissance Paris Vendome and at the Meurice. My research on TripAdvisor led me to this boutique hotel. And it was definitely the right choice for this two-night trip to Paris!

Not only underwent this historic hotel a remodelling, but it was expertly done too. We very much liked what we saw. There is a chic reception area with some chairs, a few tables (for breakfast) and a small courtyard.

We had the following rooms: a superior room with twin beds to the street, a superior room with a queen bed to the street (an upgrade!) and a classic room with queen bed to the courtyard. All were tastefully furbished with an optimal use of the admittedly small space. And they were kept spotlessly clean. The bathroom was nicely decorated with fabulous sparkling lights on the ceiling and on one wall. But it was very much on the small side. There was a lack of storage room, we had no idea where to put our vanity bag. On the positive side, it featured a spacious shower with a good water pressure. Unfortunately, the shower cabin leaked and caused mini floods on the floor. The windows were double glazed and we did not hear the considerable traffic noise from the street. The air condition was efficient and quiet. Although, it did not work properly in one room. This was quickly settled while we were at dinner the first evening.

The (continental) breakfast (not included in the rate) was excellent. There was a small but attractively presented buffet with a good choice and products of high quality (i.e. freshly squeezed orange juice). Complimentary coffee, tea, water and biscuits were available during the day in the reception area too. In the evening, the whole changed to a pleasant honor bar with alcoholic beverages. In terms of service, the employees were always very friendly and helpful.

The only aspect that we were not especially fond of was the hotel’s location. It is situated on a rather busy street (therefore the above mentioned importance of double glazed windows) in the Latin Quarter. You can reach the Luxembourg Gardens in a five-minute walk. And you are close to the Marais and the Île de la Cite. This situation is not perfect but far from being bad for sightseeing in Paris. You get to the RER (suburban train) in a short walk, but the Metro is further away (about a ten-minute walk).

All things considered, Hotel Le Petit Paris is a recommended boutique hotel with contemporary, chic furnishings, a courteous staff and an acceptable location.

Date of stay: October 2010