Sometimes, Bigger Is Not Better
Don't think "Chain Hotels" when the term "Boutique Hotels" comes up. "Boutique" hotels come in all sizes, some have as few as ten rooms and some are quite a bit larger. We have limited our selections to hotels with 40 rooms or less. Frequently independently owned, often run by families, and sometimes housed in former nunneries, abbeys or even townhouses of famous people; these hotels offer more charm and character than most of the top rated Michelin hotels. Although starting to become popular in the U.S., they're a rapidly increasing phenomenon in Paris. Rather than tearing down a block, in order to construct a monolithic monstrosity with halls that go on forever, the French hoteliers would rather lovingly restore their architectural treasures.
It's a valid alternative-and it's catching on. Part of the reason for the success of boutique hotels is that there is a growing market of people who choose not to "drop a wad" in a large, super-deluxe hotel. And it's not because they're cheap. It's because, in Paris one spends precious little time in a hotel room. Tourists are so busy sightseeing and tasting their way through the city, that it seems practical to re-allocate their Euros for shopping and dining. However, that does not imply that clients want to flop down in a fleabag at night. Pas du tout! A few caveats: - Some hotels are not air-conditioned.
If you happen to be in Paris during the really hot days, your sleep may be interrupted because of the heat or the noise (should you have a room facing the street). On the other hand, newly renovated hotels are adding AC because guests, especially Americans, want it-even if they never turn it on. Never assume that if a hotel doesn't have a big lobby-with hot and cold running concierges-that it isn't one of the most sought after lodgings. Charme fou goes a long way. Very few of these hotels serve anything other than breakfast. This is the least of your concerns since there's a restaurant (or more) on every block.
Don't expect to (necessarily) have a terry cloth robe hanging on the back of your bathroom door. After all, you're not paying for a room at the Ritz. Rooms in Left Bank hotels tend to be smaller than those on the Right Bank. However, some swear that the ONLY place to hang your hat is the Left Bank-but you'll never convince Right Bank aficionados of that. A chacun son goût. Here are a few of our favorites-in no particular order-that cost under $200 per night; all have unique styles and decors.