Hotel Verneuil, St Germain des Pres, Paris, France - Explore & Book

"This beautifully renovated 17th-century townhouse exudes charm, tucked away on a quiet street in one of the world's most beautiful cities. You're just a stone’s throw from the Musée d’Orsay, among the art-drenched cafés and historic houses of St Germain des Prés. Verlaine, Rimbaud, Camus and Sartre all lived, wrote and drank near here; today Karl Lagerfeld is your neighbour. Inside you'll find stylish reception rooms with exposed beams, a literary theme throughout, wine by the glass, and a roaring fire in winter. The small but tastefully decorated rooms include on-trend touches like grouped vintage mirrors and little bookshelves behind the beds. You also get 20th-century mod cons, including air conditioning and complimentary smartphones to borrow. If, like us, you spend most of your time sightseeing, and want somewhere tranquil and elegant to lay your head, this makes for an excellent choice. Highs We liked the sociable atmosphere - guests share stories in front of the fire in the library before going out to dinner Staff are friendly, helpful and happy to assist with restaurant bookings, travel recommendations and show tickets You're in a great neighbourhood - you can walk almost everywhere (the Musée d'Orsay, the Louvre, Les Invalides) and pass glitzy shops en route (Armani, Dior, Cartier, Vuitton) Serge Gainsbourg, the iconic French singer-songwriter, lived on the rue de Verneuil until his death in 1991. His house remains untouched but for the fan graffiti that covers the exterior walls Lows Bedrooms and bathrooms are very small, but that is par for course in Paris Public spaces (lobby, library and breakfast room) are also pretty cosy - but very friendly The circular staircase may be difficult for some, and the tiny lift only starts halfway up to the first floor Rates spike during fashion weeks: June, Sept/Oct and end of Jan (check for exact dates)" - Tom Bell