"A little off the tourist trail (and all the better for it), Saint-Beuve’s homely charm makes it an ideal place to retreat after a long day of sightseeing. The delightfully warm and welcoming salon is a magnet for guests passing through: there are Ionian pillars, balls of rose petals, plush sofas, smart red armchairs and a big marble fireplace where you can saunter up, pluck a log from the wicker basket and stoke the fire. A perfect example of a small Parisian hotel, you feel at home the moment you walk through the door. Manager Amandine is charming, the staff are caring, the bedrooms are crisp and elegant, and the price is spot-on. Though it opened years ago, our latest revisit revealed that standards remain high, and the team are a friendly mine of knowledge on the local area. They will also book tables, supply maps, and even lend umbrellas if the need arises. A real bonus of this hotel is that you’re down in Montparnasse, off the south-western shores of the Jardin du Luxembourg, and next to beautiful Saint Germain des Prés, so you can walk off any excess amid glorious formal gardens. Highs They want you to think of Sainte-Beuve as your Parisian home - we found it to be smart, comfortable, relaxing and very welcomingThe salon is a relaxing and warm spot to lingerThe Jardin du Luxembourg is on your doorstep, the Latin Quarter just beyond, and you're well placed for Montparnasse's charming cafés and eateriesLovely décor with bold colours and antique furnishing; put together by famous British designer David Hicks It's good value considering its location and charm Lows The classic bedrooms at the back overlook the courtyard and are rather bijoux (though this is symptomatic of Paris)The hotel has a classic rather than contemporary chic styleIt's a fair way south of the main sites, but they're easily accessible by metro or on foot" - Tom Bell