Hotel le Petit Paris

The Scene

Situated in the Latin Quarter very close to Saint Germain des Pres, you don't get much closer to the literal and cultural heart of the city than Hotel Le Petit Paris. Iconic sights such as the Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens) are a stone's throw from the hotel; others equally famous such as Notre Dame are a few minutes' walk away. The restaurant and bar scene is particularly vibrant in the Quartier Latin due to the proximity of the Sorbonne and abundant student life.

The Concept

The five great eras of France-Medieval, Louis XV, Napoleon III, the Roaring 20s and the Seventies-are brought to life in designer Sybille de Margarie's selection of fabrics, colors, and wall decorations. The building Le Petit Paris now occupies has seen its own fair share of history, transforming from a coaching inn during the reign of Louis XV, a family home during Napoleon III's time, and finally a hotel frequented by artists. Without being tremendously literal and sticking with an overall sleek, contemporary design, de Margarie hearkens you back to bygone days of glory; look for small details like a coat of armor lamp to invoke the Medieval period, for example.

The Look

The designer employs bright colors like orange to boldly reference the 1970s or richly detailed fabrics to call up the Napoleonic era. Above all, she surrounds you in stylish comfort during your stay in le Petit Paris. The selection of colors, though often lively, paired with a modern design aesthetic creates an inviting atmosphere where you want to sit down and stay a while. The 20 rooms are chock-full of luxury amenities, but it's the small touches that make the difference: look for small lights amongst the carefully laid mosaics in the shower for an unexpected touch reminiscent of the night sky. Deluxe rooms have the best views of either the renowned rooftops of Paris or offer terraces, but with so much to see in the rooms, you'll never have a bad view.

In Short

Subtle historical references entwined with a modern design create a suave and sophisticated atmosphere in the middle of the Latin Quarter. Le Petit Paris is a must-stay for the discerning traveler looking to balance Paris' past with its cool present.