Relais Christine

From the moment you turn into the quiet courtyard of this uniquely Parisian boutique hotel, you feel like you have been let in on a secret. The bustle of St.-Germain-des-Près turns into a hush as you arrive at the foot of the handsome, honey-colored *hôtel particulier*, located on one of the 6th arrondissement’s most charming side streets. Interiors have been brilliantly updated but maintain a strong sense of place thanks to an abundance of French designers (if you fall in love with the fantastical patterned wallpapers, you can always visit Pierre Frey up the road). None of the 48 guest rooms have the same layout, but all express a color palette with touches of gold, gray and rose. Relais Christine feels intimate with an engaged staff that seems to immediately know you by name. And even though you can reach most everything on the Left Bank on foot, there are complimentary bikes as well as an adorable (rentable) Fiat 500 for trips further afield.

• The excellent location, within walking distance of the best Left Bank shopping, the Jardin du Luxembourg and the quays of the Seine
• The elegant Spa Guerlain, protected within vaulted rooms that date to the 13th century
• The personal service that imbues the hotel with a laid-back atmosphere

From the moment you turn into the serene courtyard of the Relais Christine, a boutique hotel tucked on a side street of the sixth arrondissement, you feel like you have been let in on a secret. The bustle of St.-Germain-des-Pres turns into a hush as you cross the cobblestone street and arrive at the foot of the handsome, honey-colored hôtel particulier.

Perhaps it is the hotel’s origins as an Augustine monastery coming to bear, but Relais Christine feels immediately peaceful and intimate—as well as undeniably Parisian. Since the 1980s, the hotel has been owned by the Bertrand family who knows a thing or two about Parisian icons: they also own Angelina and Brasserie Lipp, as well as sister hotel Le Saint James near the Arc de Triomphe.

But when it came to renovating Relais Christine, they brought on the young, up-and-coming designer Laura Gonzalez and gave her carte blanche to transform the classic interiors as long as they remained très français. Gonzalez worked exclusively with French designers and the resulting mix of fabrics, styles and patterns is bold and confident. The lobby-lounge has been re-conceived in an open floor plan, but with plenty of stylish sitting nooks, including a lovely library, where oversized coffee-table books are stacked on velvet ottomans. The whole thing is an explosion of color—mustard yellows, sea greens, crimson reds—but broken up with an antiques table here, a curved fauteuil there, it somehow works.

All of the 48 guest rooms within the hotel have been completely renovated. As with many Parisian boutique hotels, entry-level rooms are snug but elegant, done in a more subdued color palette, with touches of gold, grey and rose. It’s worth splurging for one of the larger room categories, however, as some come with a separate sitting room. Romantics will love the duplex suites with a skylight right above the bed. Wallpapers, headboards, light fixtures and even the marble in the bathrooms differs from room to room and none of the layouts are the same, but all come with Bluetooth speakers, Nespresso makers and Dyptique amenities.

Note: The Garden Suites have French doors that open onto a patio complete with loungers, and which overlook a small garden (the four Suites share the green space).

Lying below the Relais Christine within 13th century vaults is the hotel’s Spa Guerlain, a hidden, whimsical oasis accessorized by historical stone caverns and vibrant floral displays. A spacious lounge and two private rooms welcome guests for spa facials and body treatments. Down the hall, a relaxing well-being room features a dry sauna, whirlpool and gym.

Francophiles who love the Left Bank and appreciate the setting of a deeply stylish, personal boutique property will love the Relais Christine. And even though you can reach most everything on the Left Bank on foot, the hotel offers bikes (complimentary) or the rental of a Fiat 500 for trips further afield.

Don’t miss making a reservation at Kitchen Ter(re), the third restaurant headed by William Ledeuil, of Ze Kitchen Gallery fame. Also recommended is Le Christine, a charming, modern bistro with an excellent wine list that is literally next door to Relais Christine.

Read **Paris Upon Arrival** to discover what not to miss in the neighborhood around the hotel.

Stylish couples and travelers who prefer to be based on the Left Bank and who appreciate the setting and style of a smaller boutique hotel (and can forgo amenities like room service at 2:00 a.m.).