Indagare suggested the boutique Hôtel Récamier for a recent long weekend girls’ trip to Paris. On previous trips to Paris I have stayed at the Hotel d’Aubusson destinations/3/departments/26#article_19 and Relais Christine, which while charming and in a great location on the left bank, left me discouraged. Both accommodations were dark and cramped and made me feel like I was living in a cell. (The views of other than neighbors’ laundry didn’t help.) But I loved the Récamier. The neighborhood (St. Sulpice) was filled with charming streets with terrific boutiques and restaurants. The Luxembourg gardens and a metro stop were just a block away.
The hotel décor was really beautiful–up to date without being too trendy or modern. The rooms, while very small, were beautifully appointed with floor-to-ceiling windows facing Place St. Sulpice and the Eiffel Tower, so I never felt confined. The staff was attentive and pleasant. The breakfasts (which are included with the room rate) in the tearoom were pleasant with fresh croissants and juices. I was told that in good weather, there is a small outdoor courtyard where guests can have their breakfast. Due to its intimate size, the Récamier might not be the best hotel for a family (in my opinion, Hotel de la Trémoille (14 Rue La Trémoille; 33 156 521 400) would be better) but it is ideal for those travelling with a companion or solo. I would return here again instantly.
Some places to check by the hotel:
Shopping
La Vaissellerie (85 Rue de Rennes; 33 9 64 01 57 96) Inexpensive, touristy but charming gifts.
Metal Pointu’s (13 Rue du Jour; 33 1 42 33 51 52) Terrific inexpensive jewelry.
Pom d’Api (28 Rue Four; 33 1 45 48 39 31) unique children’s shoe store in every color of the rainbow.
Bon Marche – a must-stop. The basement and top floors are great diversions for kids. The home furnishing floor is incredible.
Across the street from Restaurant Kitchen Galerie Bis lies the wonderful Venetian, Bois de Lune (24 Rue Grands Augustins; 33 1 46 33 97 78). The good-looking owner only speaks French and Italian but I still managed to buy gorgeous Murano sconces.
Dining
Matteo & Paola (20 Rue du Cherche Midi; 33 1 42 22 56 52) for lunch or late afternoon tea.
Merci, Le Paradis du Bonbon (49 Rue Harpe; 33 1 43 26 13 00) and Ralph’s, the Ralph Lauren restaurant (all clustered together) made for a lovely two-hour diversion on afternoon.
A small Laduree outpost and a few other macaroon shops are right by the hotel and are hard to pass up en route back to the hotel.
Restaurant Kitchen Galerie Bis had a unique tasting menu was a hit.
La Société, a hip new restaurant mentioned on every list was a huge disappointment with an overpriced menu, mediocre food and slow service.
I spent everyday getting a café at Le Comptoir du Saint Germain, a great people-watching spot a block from hotel.
Facebook
Delicious
Twitter
