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So many of us dream of one day packing up and leaving for Paris.
When I think of Paris, I think of walking everywhere, fresh-baked baguettes, lingering in corner cafes and the grand architecture and fashion around every corner.
St. Germain-des-Prés is one of the most popular neighborhoods in all of Paris. For many years, people have visited Paris to stay in this particular neighborhood.
St. Germain-des-Prés is known as being the cultural heart of Paris, with its iconic cafes, art museums, cultural sites, and amazing stays.
St. Germain-des-Prés is, after all, the neighborhood where Picasso and Hemingway lived and worked. Oscar Wilde also frequented the area.
Since the 1950s, St. Germain-des-Prés has been a magnet for intellectuals and artists. Its narrow, meandering streets, galleries, and view of the River Seine have intoxicated so many of us.
However, when thinking of the major landmarks of Paris, many first think about the famous Notre Dame Cathedral, which is in a different arrondissement.
Saint Germain-des-Prés Abbey is the oldest church in all of Paris and is just around the corner if you plan to stay in St. Germain-des-Prés. Saint Germain-des-Prés is also home to the second-largest cathedral in Paris— Saint Sulpice.
However, if you don’t want to miss out on other classic Parisian sites like the Notre Dame Cathedral, you’re not far from them. Depending on where you stay in Saint Germain, you can walk to Notre Dame in minutes! For other sites, you can easily find some public transportation.
So, if you’re looking to visit the heart of Paris, aka Saint Germain, then read on to find out which of the top hotels in the neighborhood is best for you.
Relais Christine
Guests from all over the world come to stay in the famous Relais Christine, an iconic luxury hotel situated in the heart of Saint Germain des Prés. The establishment has historical roots in the 17th century when it was originally a lavish mansion.
Luckily, Relais Christine is located on a quiet street, which is surprising. Plus, it’s less than half a mile from the most-visited attraction in all of Paris— the Eiffel Tower.
You can relax with your partner in one of their luxuriously-decorated, yet cozy rooms. Each of them has its own unique design, most of which have warm colors and a traditional Parisian atmosphere.
Other than the rooms, the two most romantic aspects of the Relais Christine are the lush garden and the bicycles for rent.
Here are the highlights and main features of the Relais Christine:
- Standard rooms at 22 square meters
- Fitness center/workout room with sauna
- Free bicycle rentals available
- Currency exchange in hotel
- Spa with massage, facials, waxing treatments
For FREE, you can rent a bicycle for yourself and your partner to explore the capital together— either on separate bikes or on a two-seater.
Nearby Restaurants and Cafes (via 10 minute walk or less):
Nearby Entertainment and Sites (via 10 minute walk or less):
If you want to get some fresh air but aren’t ready for the tourist scene, some rooms have direct access to courtyard gardens and/or a view of them from a balcony.
L’Hôtel
Don’t let its simple name deceive you. This hotel brings charm with all its colors and its imperial yet refreshing style.
If you stay in the L’Hôtel, you may feel like royalty within a revamped Versailles.
This hotel is a hidden cultural gem— it was the beloved and favorite of the Victorian Era writer and playwright Oscar Wilde. He frequented L’Hôtel most of his adult life and even spent his last moments there.
If not for the historical value, consider a stay in L’Hôtel’s Oscar Wilde Suite for the bragging rights.
Here are the highlights and main features of the L’Hôtel:
- Basic rooms at 17 square meters
- Hammam (Turkish bath)
- Historic hangout spot of author Oscar Wilde
- Popular bar with unique cocktails
Nearby Restaurants and Cafes (via 10 minute walk or less):
Nearby Entertainment and Sites (via 10 minute walk or less):
There are some negative things to keep in mind: the street noise, small spaces, tight elevators, and aged pipes.
Overall, however, this hotel has a transporting, dream-like feel.
Relais & Châteaux Cazaudehore – La Forestière
The hotel is named after the Cazaudehore family, who’s owned the hotel for 4 generations.
In this family spirit, Château Cazaudehore truly celebrates life.
In the Spring and Summer months, its gardens and terrace welcome guests for peaceful leisure under the açai trees. For more active leisure, there’s a golf course next to the hotel.
Summer and Spring aren’t the only good times to stay, however.
During the Fall and Winter, the hotel hosts a cozy brunch on Sundays and Jazz performances on Fridays. See more jazz clubs in Paris.
Here are the highlights and main features of the Châteaux Cazaudehore:
- Standard rooms at 26 square feet
- Childcare services
- Soundproof rooms
- Gourmet restaurant, Restaurant Saint Germain En Laye
- Full spa with aromatherapy, massages, facials, and reflexology
Michelin-starred Restaurant Saint Germain En Laye has three extensive menus that are popular with locals in addition to guests at the hotel.
Head Chef Gregory Balland experiments with taste and texture, with dishes such as the squid with langoustine cream with peas and Iberian ham condiment or the half-cooked foie gras with mirabelle and saffron.
In addition to the restaurant, another interesting thing about it is the Jazzedehoure in the evenings. The show has a calendar of jazz artists who begin past 10pm and play long into the night and early morning hours.
To see who’s booked for the Jazzedehoure at Château Cazaudehore, go here.
Nearby Restaurants and Cafes:
Nearby Cultural Spots and Attractions (via 10 minute walk or less) :
- The National Park and the Château de Versailles Saint-Germain-en-Laye
- The Cité du Cheval in Maisons-Laffitte
- Claude Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny
If you want a hotel that has reasonable prices and covers the needs of your entire family, we recommend Château Cazaudehore. It began as a family business 4 generations ago, and it’s certainly held true to those values.
Hotel Dauphine Saint Germain
Hotel Dauphine Saint Germain / Image Source: Hotel Dauphine Saint Germain Official Site
If you’re wanting to venture to Saint Germain-des-Prés but have a tighter budget for your accommodations, Hotel Dauphine Saint Germain delivers a charming value. Dauphine Saint Germain is a boutique, 3 star hotel that’s small, but not short on luxury rooms.
It doesn’t have as many amenities as some of the top luxury hotels; however, it has the classic Parisian style and a convenient location.
When you enter this hotel, you’ll notice its 17th century windows all covered with ivy. From there, the lobby and the rooms are also highly-French and appealing.
Each of the accommodation rooms are styled uniquely, many with floral wallpaper and silk or drapes. Others, are you see below, have bright colors and bold prints.
Here are the highlights and main features of the Dauphine Saint Germain:
- Standard rooms at 13 square meters
- No gym or fitness center / fitness centre
- No restaurant within hotel
- Free, provided parking (if needed)
- Very short distance from Notre Dame Cathedral and River Seine
If you tend not to use the extras like the business center or gym, then you won’t miss them— plus, you won’t be paying extra for them here! You will get air conditioned rooms with free wi fi, flatscreen tv, a private bathroom, room service, and a continental breakfast.
As far as locations go, this hotel definitely has one of the best in Saint Germain des Pres.
It’s right on the threshold of the Saint Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter neighborhoods— just one block away! Plus, it’s walking distance to the Notre Dame Cathedral and the River Seine. Read about more cathedrals in Paris.
Nearby Restaurants and Cafes (via 10 minute walk or less) :
Nearby Entertainment and Sites (via 10 minute walk or less) :
Regardless of what activities you choose, you’ll get a chance to admire the French architecture, sip in the cafes, and dine in the famous culinary capital.
Hotel Dauphin will give you access to all these picturesque areas for reasonable rates.
Hotel Luxembourg Parc
If you appreciate a relaxing and scenic atmosphere in the heart of Saint Germain, Hotel Luxembourg Parc is one of the best hotels in St Germaine Paris for that.
In this hotel, you’re just feet away from the Senate and Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens), which are major reasons tourists flock to Saint Germain des Prés.
In fact, in some of its luxury rooms, you’ll be able to wake up to these views.
Inside this luxury hotel, they’ve based the interior on the aesthetics of Louis XV, Louis XVI, and Napoléon III periods. It has charm, with its velvet curtains, glossy floors, luxury fabrics, sparkling chandeliers, and antique furnishings.
One room in particular comes with a terrance and direct view overlooking the Luxembourg gardens.
Here are some of the highlights and main features of Hotel Luxembourg Parc:
- Standard rooms above average in size, according to reviews
- Fitness center with gym
- Library / study
- No restaurant in the hotel
- Buffet breakfast and bar (for separate price)
- In the heart of Saint Germain
Hotel Luxembourg doesn’t include a renowned restaurant— or any restaurant inside— but it has a beautiful interior, well-equipped fitness center, buffet breakfast, and proximity to just about everything else you’d need. After all, it is in the heart of Saint Germain des près.
If you’ve rented a car for this trip, parking is available nearby for an extra cost. For even more convenience, this hotel has larger rooms and even bathrooms than average for Paris.
Nearby Restaurants and Cafes (via 10 minute walk or less) :
Nearby Entertainment and Sites (via 20 minute walking distance or less) :
- St. Sulpice Church
- Louvre museum
- Mundolingua
- Luxembourg Palace
With so many great location features, Hotel Luxembourg Parc is a tempting choice here in the heart of Saint Germain. In 20 minutes or less, you’ll find yourself wandering in some of the hottest spots in the district.
There, in a prime location like the heart of Saint Germain, you can rest assured that you’re getting an authentic Parisian experience.
Artus Hotel
Hôtel Artus (or Artus Hotel) is a boutique hotel on the smaller side, with a truly retro character and 1950’s style decor.
This boutique hotel is one of the most popular in Saint Germain des Pres with luxuriously decorated rooms and an exceptional location.
Here are some of the highlights and main features of Artus Hotel:
- Retro, 1950s period style decor
- Sauna and luxury rooms for relaxation
- Soundproofed guest rooms
- No full gym (no fitness centre with weights)
- Stationary bike center (cardio exercise room)
- No interior restaurant
- Babysitting
With its distinct, retro style, Artus Hotel provides a unique, nostalgic experience for its guests. Every room has eye-catching pops of color and art that’s different from the typical Parisian hotel.
If you need to relax, it’s wellness center includes a sauna and massage services. If you value your privacy, you can book a private sauna.
Artus Hotel doesn’t have a full restaurant within the hotel itself, although it does have a breakfast room and superior cuisine within its room service.
Nearby Restaurants and Cafes (via 10 minute walk or less) :
Nearby Entertainment and Sites (via 10 minute walking distance or less) :
Besides providing quirky luxury, Artus Hotel is near the specialty museum Mundoligua.
Mundolingua is a museum dedicated to human linguistics. It has linguistic games and exhibits at 3 separate levels of difficulty that can entertain beginners, linguistics, and anyone interested in this field.
If you want a unique, atypical accommodation in Saint Germain des Prés, Hotel Artus is a must!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get around in Paris?
In Paris, you have many options for getting around. Paris is a very bicycle-friendly city.
In St. Germain, you also have access to many sites simply by walking.
However, some other sites in Paris may require using public transportation. Luckily, public transportation is very accessible in Paris.
For information on public transportation in Paris, visit this guide. The RATP Guide is a website that joins virtually all the public transportation guides together in one place.
How do I book my hotel?
For hotel bookings, you can go directly to the Hotels’ websites. For competitive rates, we suggest you check platforms such as Expedia, Booking.com, and Hotels.com.
These platforms have handy apps in which you can make and manage your bookings.
If I’m coming from the United States, how do I pay for my hotel?
Most booking platforms offer a way to pay for your bookings in advance via visa or mastercard. However, if you’d prefer to pay upon arrival, you’ll need to visit a currency exchange center.
Most major international airports have these. However, you’ll probably get a more fair deal if you exchange your currency in the city versus the airport.