Relais Christine, occupies a former hotel particulier, or private mansion, dating back to 1607. Like many luxe Parisian townhouses, it was constructed around an imposing courtyard and hidden behind an impressively grand wooden doorway from the narrow, block-long Rue Christine. Its covered passageway leads to the landscaped courtyard, with its romantic seating areas.

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Inside, a series of ground-level reception spaces include a traditionally decorated living room with large easy chairs, sofas and an honesty bar, plus a library and salon with tables where guests can enjoy meals delivered from neighborhood restaurants. Each of the 48 super luxe rooms and suites is unique, though all share an aesthetic beautifully realized by Interior Designer Laura Gonzalez, who offsets pale walls and carpeting by creatively repeating color combinations on bold geometric and floral prints on wall coverings and textiles. Fabrics are produced by iconic brands such as Pierre Frey and Hermès, used on sofas, upholstered chairs and floor-length curtains fastened by tassels that flank large windows. All accommodations are air-conditioned and come with luxury amenities, including WiFi, a minibar, coffee machine and safe.

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Our suite would serve me happily as a forever pied à terre in Paris. At the entry, a few stairs lead to an intimate sitting area, with a sofa facing a wall-hung television, and a graciously sized bedroom overlooking the lush courtyard. Warm woods, a burgundy and white color palette, chandeliers, floor lamps, and built-in closets add to the comfort and charm.

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On the lower level, Guerlain Spa is one of only two Guerlain Spas in Paris. This one is unique because it’s located under vaulted ceilings within the ruins of a 13^th-century abbey. Ancient limestone walls surround the large reception lounge, decorated with upholstered chaise lounges and comfortable chairs. A series of lady’s dressing tables around the perimeter of the room invite guests to sit and sample Maison Guerlain’s full beauty and fragrance line.

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My two-hour signature service — the Guerlain Dedication — took place in one of two spacious treatment cabines (the double), where the Guerlain-trained aesthetician incorporated a Guerlain facial as part of the full-body massage. The Bien-être (Well-being) suite is on the same level and houses a dry sauna; oversized whirlpool tub; and a gym outfitted with treadmill, elliptical, rowing machine, bike, free weights and weight-lifting machine.

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Relais Christine is privately owned by the Bertrand family and a member of Relais & Châteaux. The hotel sits on the Rive Gauche, in the 6th arrondissement, between Quai des Grands Augustins along the Seine, and Boulevard Saint Germain. The Saint-Germain-des-Prés quartier is studded with pocket gardens; pedestrian streets; and legendary cafes, including Café de Flore and Deux Magots and Le Procope, said to be the oldest restaurant in Paris.

Relais Christine

3 Rue Christine
75006 Paris, France
tel 33 1 40 51 60 80