Reviewed by
Kate Parsons
What a perfect Parisian pair this is. Formed of two 19th-century houses on a private, gated road, Adele and Jules feels exclusive and quiet. But it has a favourable spot in the Grands Boulevards district, so getting here is a breeze; the Gare du Nord is close (you can walk it if you wish), as are a bunch of Metro stations. We walked almost everywhere - the Opera Garnier in 20 minutes, the Sacre-Couer in 25, the Louvre in 30. My pedometer recorded 30,000 steps on our first day!
The two buildings are almost identical, both with 30 stylish rooms spread across five floors, each one themed by colour like a layer of the rainbow. Shunning the minimalist look, rooms are styled with geometric patterns in tones of blue, pink, purple and red, giving them a warm and textured appearance. Some have petite balconies overlooking the leafy private street. Down in the two salons, breakfast and complimentary afternoon tea are laid out among easy chairs and vintage finds, the soft lighting and rich shades giving them a cosy, speakeasy kind of vibe. We paused here to rest our tired feet, then headed back out to experience the neighbourhood’s buzzing bistro scene. There are bars, cafes, bakeries and restaurants everywhere, you’re in the thick of it, yet cocooned in a little gated mews you can call your Parisian home.
The two buildings are almost identical, both with 30 stylish rooms spread across five floors, each one themed by colour like a layer of the rainbow. Shunning the minimalist look, rooms are styled with geometric patterns in tones of blue, pink, purple and red, giving them a warm and textured appearance. Some have petite balconies overlooking the leafy private street. Down in the two salons, breakfast and complimentary afternoon tea are laid out among easy chairs and vintage finds, the soft lighting and rich shades giving them a cosy, speakeasy kind of vibe. We paused here to rest our tired feet, then headed back out to experience the neighbourhood’s buzzing bistro scene. There are bars, cafes, bakeries and restaurants everywhere, you’re in the thick of it, yet cocooned in a little gated mews you can call your Parisian home.
Highs
- An unbeatable location - walkable to sights, theatres, public transport and a vast array of restaurants and bistros
- Reasonably priced for such a central hotel
- Located on a private, gated street so there’s no through traffic and few pedestrians walking past
- Brimming with Parisian charm - handsome on the outside; stylish and homey on the inside, with colours adding character, and decent-sized rooms for Paris
- Friendly and attentive staff can help with restaurant recommendations and anything else you need
Lows
- Currently, building work nearby is causing some street noise during the day
- Jules doesn’t have a bar, so you’ll need to pop over to Adele or order room service for a drink
- We’ve heard that rooms on the ground floor can be a little noisy
- Breakfast is pricey, but it’s a decent spread
Best time to go
Paris is worth the trip whatever the season. Expect pleasantly warm sunshine but bigger crowds in early summer (May and June). July and August are quieter but it can be hot, and lots of places close in August. Watch out for fashion weeks (January, July and late September) when things can get busy and accommodation prices spike.
Our top tips
To see a side of Paris unseen by most, join one of the fascinating Covered Passages walking tours that departs a few streets over from the hotel. It takes you to a host of private shopping arcades built in the 18th and 19th centuries, some with spectacular glass roofs, others with Art Deco or Neoclassical architectural features. Browse the boutique and vintage shops, then refuel in one of the cute cafes.