Hotel Recamier, Paris, France - Explore & Book
"Take a tired 2-star hotel set on one side of the chic Place Saint-Sulpice, add one lady owner with a passion for the superlative, throw in a renovation by the renowned interior designer/architect Jean Louis Deniot, et voilà: the Hotel Récamier.Stepping through the door, thoughtful touches abound. The daily weather forecast is displayed - and the umbrella stand is stuffed with parapluies to cope with unpredictable Parisian downpours. Sweep through to the stylish salon, where you find snug sofas and comfy armchairs at tête-à-tête tables set for complimentary afternoon tea, or saunter out to the courtyard terrace for an alfresco apéritif. Drift upstairs to the 24 handsome rooms, where original artwork adorns the walls, the unique furniture is sourced from brocantes, and every aspect has been sumptuously finished.Named after Madame Récamier, a 19th-century beauty famous for entertaining key political and intellectual figures, this gracious hotel extends a welcome worthy of its namesake and provides a pleasingly personal reception to Paris. Highs The courtyard terrace, equipped with cushioned wicker couches and a wrought-iron canopy of large lanternsGorgeous classic-contemporary design; take time to descend the spiralling staircase with its cascade lighting and contemporary artists’ reworkings of Madame Récamier’s bust Outstanding personnel, with service, smiles and suggestions day and nightFaultless location in the intellectual heart of the city, on a square that feels both exclusive and accessible - minutes from the Jardin du Luxembourg Lows In a city with over 10 million inhabitants, space is always at a premium, and the rooms here are no exception (most are 15-20 sqm)Avoid fashion week dates (3 times a year), when prices are eye watering and availability is limitedBreakfast is expensive - if all you fancy is a quick croissant, skip it; but splurge if you're planning a long day exploring the cityNo restaurant - but eating out is one of the reasons you come to Paris" - Kate Erith
