Take a tired 2-star hotel set on one side of the chic Place Saint-Sulpice, add one lady owner with a passion for the superlative, throw in a renovation by the renowned interior designer/architect Jean Louis Deniot, et voilà: the Hotel Récamier.
Stepping through the door, thoughtful touches abound. The daily weather forecast is displayed - and the umbrella stand is stuffed with parapluies to cope with unpredictable Parisian downpours. Sweep through to the stylish salon, where you find snug sofas and comfy armchairs at tête-à-tête tables set for complimentary afternoon tea, or saunter out to the courtyard terrace for an alfresco apéritif. Drift upstairs to the 24 handsome rooms, where original artwork adorns the walls, the unique furniture is sourced from brocantes, and every aspect has been sumptuously finished.
Named after Madame Récamier, a 19th-century beauty famous for entertaining key political and intellectual figures, this gracious hotel extends a welcome worthy of its namesake and provides a pleasingly personal reception to Paris.
Highs
- The courtyard terrace, equipped with cushioned wicker couches and a wrought-iron canopy of large lanterns
- Gorgeous classic-contemporary design; take time to descend the spiralling staircase with its cascade lighting and contemporary artists’ reworkings of Madame Récamier’s bust
- Outstanding personnel, with service, smiles and suggestions day and night
- Faultless location in the intellectual heart of the city, on a square that feels both exclusive and accessible - minutes from the Jardin du Luxembourg
Lows
- In a city with over 10 million inhabitants, space is always at a premium, and the rooms here are no exception (most are 15-20 sqm)
- Avoid fashion week dates (3 times a year), when prices are eye watering and availability is limited
- Breakfast is expensive - if all you fancy is a quick croissant, skip it; but splurge if you're planning a long day exploring the city
- No restaurant - but eating out is one of the reasons you come to Paris
Best time to go
Paris is a magnificent city in any season. Spring and summer offer the opportunity to saunter round the sights before eating on a restaurant terrace late into the soirée. Autumn and winter present an excuse to cosy up in candle-lit cafés in between cultural forays.
Our top tips
If museums are a must-see, avoid Mondays, when many are closed - except the Louvre, which is closed on Tuesdays. Many museums are free on the first Sunday of the month.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 5 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Excellent in all categories. Terrific location, both central but peaceful. Very good value. Lovely staff. Loved it. Would definitely return.
We had a wonderful time at the Hotel Racamier. They couldn't have been more helpful. Our flight back to Edinburgh was cancelled because of the hurricane. They could not accommodate us for the extra night but found us another hotel close by and even took our suitcases around for us. We had gone to Versailles for our extra day. Service par excellence.
Lovely hotel staff. Enjoyed the sweets in the lobby. Perfect location. We did hear people quite late outside on the second night so wished we’d taken a room at the back rather then at the front.
The best thing about the hotel was the position and the service. It's full of Parisian charm and you can tell the staff are very happy there which always makes a difference. The rooms are comfortable but on the small side. There were no tea or coffee making facilities but the hotel does serve complimentary afternoon tea.
Very stylish but also very friendly, welcoming haven to return to after exploring wonderful Paris. Lovely if small room. Beautiful location.
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape