Hotel Bel Ami was my long weekend home in September 2018; the intimate and contemporary 5-star hotel delighted me because it was so near the Left Bank cafés, galleries and shops in the vibrant Saint-Germain-des-Près quartier. This past November, I was thrilled to return to the oh-so-stylish, 108-room boutique hotel.
Much had stayed the same: the entry, with the front desk on the right, and the concierge desk, straight ahead; the Mid Century Modern décor extends from the lobby to the adjacent living room-style lounge, library and bar, with its Macassar Eboni alcoves. Beyond the elevators, the windowed walls of the Bel Ami Café brings light to the airy breakfast room that’s particularly popular for Sunday brunch. On a lower level, the Carita spa offers a relaxation lounge, sauna and two treatment cabines and a fitness room.
What had changed was an entirely reimagined first floor transformed during the COVID-19 closure from eight rooms to five smartly designed apartments, completely redecorated by interior designer Pascal Allaman.
In 2018, my smallish — though well-equipped and comfortable — room faced the street, had a custom-designed, built-in wood desk and cabinets, a wooden headboard, a leather trimmed rug and geometric patterns. This time, I stayed in an executive suite, with a couch, coffee table, coffee bar and TV in the living area and a desk and spacious closet in the sleeping section.
On both occasions, I tried to remain in the Saint-Germain-des-Près neighborhood to frequent famous nearby cafés Les Deux Magots, Café de Flore and Brasserie Lipp, where Sartre and de Beauvoir and Hemingway spent time. The concierge, who always greeted me by name, booked Chez Papa Jazz Club, across the street, where I drank wine, listened to wonderful music and ate dinner; he recommended nearby restaurants, shops and even the best hair stylist: Dessange.
On my recent visit, I walked along the Seine to Boulevard Saint Michel and up to rue Gay Lussac, near the Luxembourg Gardens, where I lived while studying at the Sorbonne. The Saint-Germain-des-Près quartier is likewise convenient for visitors eager to walk along the Seine to the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre. Mostly, it’s where one just wants to be in Paris.
7 Rue Saint-Benoît
75006 Paris, France
tel 33 1 42 61 53 53
Read This Next
Review: Hilton Head Health
eFlyer Reviews
Nov 29, 2023
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedNovember 2023
Nov 30, 2023Mediterranean Allure: Explore the Enigmatic Enchantment of Corsica
Corsica with steep, gray cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean and sandy beaches attracting summer visitors, is a French-governed island sometimes confused with Sardinia and Sicily, Italian islands to the south. Fortunately, all three islands share the same love for good wine, food and sun-splashed beaches.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Trip Cancellation Insurance?
Don’t risk losing all the money you’ve spent if you must cancel your trip at the last minute. Allianz Travel Insurance can give you:
Daily
Nov 30, 2023Luxury Conrad New York Downtown Girl Dinners and Holiday Escapes
If you’re ready to do a little holiday catch-up with your besties, make a beeline for Conrad New York Downtown. The lobby metamorphosed into a holiday forest of heavenly scented, decorated Virginia Spruce trees. Make your first stop ATRIO Barista Station in the lobby for a complimentary hot spiced apple cider (until Dec. 3) or hot chocolate (Dec. 22–24).
Daily
Nov 30, 2023Ski Season Begins in Jungfrau Region of Switzerland
With winter kicking in, it’s time for skiers and snowboarders to pick up their equipment and hit slopes around the world. This year, travelers should head to the Jungfrau Region of Switzerland.
Sponsored Content
Why Buy Annual Travel Insurance?
One affordable plan can protect an entire year of trips: business or pleasure, short or long, domestic or international.
7 Tips to Know Before Your First Trip to Tokyo
Daily
Nov 30, 2023Norway for Art Lovers: New Venues Worth Visiting
Daily
Nov 29, 2023eFlyer Deals
Nov 29, 2023Enjoy the Festive Season at The Tampa EDITION with Luxury Offers
The Tampa EDITION recently launched two new offerings this festive season. Book the Holiday in the Sun promotion and receive complimentary valet, $50 in food and beverage credit, $50 in spa credit, and a signature EDITION Le Labo amenity. This offer runs through Jan. 5. Book here.
Sponsored Content
Business or Leisure? With TAP Air Portugal, You Can Have Both!
Are you looking to enhance your business trip with a little leisure? Look no further than Portugal, a country renowned for its captivating blend of history, culture and natural beauty. And with TAP Air Portugal, you can effortlessly transform your business trip into an unforgettable bleisure adventure. Discover why Portugal and TAP Air Portugal are the perfect combination for an enriching and rejuvenating experience.
eFlyer Deals
Nov 29, 2023To All a Free Night Winter Sale at Hotel Van Zandt
Going to Austin, Texas, soon? Hotel Van Zandt celebrates the season with a special deal. The To All a Free Night offer allows guests to extend their stay and receive a third night free when booking two nights. Running through Jan. 29, 2024, book this offer using promo code BONUSNT.
ShareThis