Kristen C.
Yelp
I have been going back to the Hotel Montalembert for years, and it is probably one of the original boutique hotels. Stylish yet comfortable, a bit artsy without being overwhelming, a bit trendy without be off putting. Rooms can be a bit on the smallish side but that should be expected for a European city hotel. But you can't beat the location which is stone's throw from Blvd St. Germain and a short walk to the famous cafes of Flore and Deux Magots.
What is unreliable is the service. For the most part it is helpful, professional, and the concierge staff usually friendly. That is until recently. I highly recommended the hotel to a friend who checked in on a hot summer day to find the shower not working properly. They claimed nothing could be done until the next day to fix it and no other room was available to change her too. It wasn't so much what was done but how, and the concierge on duty seemed annoyed to be put out.
That report was followed a few days later by my own unfortunate episode with the concierge desk (and we believe it is the same person). A reserved taxi for me did not show (another problem with this hotel as this happened 3 times in my recent stays). The doorman went to try and flag one down on the street as the cab was 10 minutes late and threatening to be another 10 more minutes until arrival. The concierge canceled the cab without letting us know or without being asked to do it. When she realized her mistake instead of apologizing she gave me MAJOR attitude and started to blame me for having the doorman get another cab (which as I pointed out to her I did NOT do, he did this on his on accord, I am sure in his attempt to be helpful -which was more then she was doing). She actually scolded me! and was SO rude, it nearly ruined my whole night! My main problem with this whole situation was the way I was treated and spoken to, followed by the total lack of help, or even an apology on behalf of the concierge. This is an expensive hotel, I expect professional and courteous service. I can honestly say I am not a demanding or high maintenance client, I ask for the minimum in service. Now because of this incident, I will have to rethink going back. There are newer and nicer boutique hotels now and I rather go to one that treats female travelers with more respect.