Cal L.
Yelp
My son & I just stayed 7 nights at Hotel Left Bank SG as part of our recent Paris/Reykjavik trip. I can't stress how much this hotel made the first part of our vacation enjoyable. We're familiar with this particular part of St. Germain des Pres as it's our preferred district to stay while visiting Paris. Many find that it's too touristy (yes, it is & so what we are tourists too) and crowded, that the atmosphere has changed from when it was originally a hangout for the poor literary set and antique shopkeepers, quaint cafes of the past. Yes. It has grown with designer boutiques and high end restaurants (ironically many still are more economical than those in SF!!!!). But nonetheless it's still a lovely district if it's for you as it is for us.
Anyway, the hotel was always efficient and helpful whenever I emailed them when I was still in SF. They arranged a private car to meet us at CDG. I have always been a firm believer in taking the legal taxis from CDG in the past, but after experiencing a few dicey cab drivers who would rather take the chance on scamming us putting their medallions in jeopardy and even with the flat rate from CDG I decided no way again. Taxi fare to the left bank is now 55 euro flat rate; the private driver cost was 70 euro...15 euro more for peace of mind!! Our driver was waiting as arranged and we walked to his car (Mercedes van brand new and clean with complimentary bottled water) just a few steps away from the exit doors. He was very friendly and got us to the hotel in good time. We thought this was such a good value that we arranged to have the private car take us back to CDG.
I was fortunate enough to get the hotel's top floor (6th floor) suite-the one that they have shown on their website. Yes. It truly has views of Notre Dame! Two windows with the typical geranium boxes open up onto the Paris rooftops as well as a full view of Notre Dame in the distance. It is awesome to see the cathedral all lit up when you turn in for the night! On the other side of the suite is a window with a second desk. Out of that window is a view of half of the Eiffel Tower.
The suite is huge for Paris. And we truly appreciated the space! There is a small entry way as one enters the room followed by a sofabed with the window/desk overlooking the tower. To the other side is the bedroom with another desk, a bureau, two chairs, a makeup table, and two end tables with small lamps. So much space to walk around and relax it was so good. The bathroom is marble and roomy; comes with a bidet even. Only niggle there was that there was just one clothes hook. There is a window that can open as well. Spacious! Not remodeled as I've seen photos of other rooms, but all the same excellent fixtures. The housekeeping always kept the bathroom and the room spotless.
I booked the 5 euro special breakfast rate online as it is a good deal for Paris. I opted to have breakfast in the room instead of taking the buffet in the dining room. So I had continental with choices (you fill out a card the night before with your choices) of coffee, tea, fresh orange juice, eggs, cereal, yogurt, cheese, ham. The choices all come with a basket of baguette, one each small croissant, pain aux raisins, and pain aux chocolat. I do have to be honest: This was the worst croissant I've ever eaten in Paris; it lacked enough butter.
The staff from the reception (especially Christophe) to the housekeeping and ladies who brought up my breakfast were all lovely. Would recommend this hotel especially in booking the suite.