Local: Paris

The Stendhal Place Vendôme has a tiny little entrance, which could easily be missed. The lobby, restaurant and rooms follow the same size standard as the entrance, everything is very small, or tiny rather, yet most beguiling. Do book a suite if you think you may need more space. The location is simply perfect, you will be steps away from the famous Place Vendôme, as… Read more »

Mostly frequented by locals, the Chez Monsieur is a laid-back bistro near Place de la Concorde and Madeleine Church. It has excellent food and is worth the stop if you are visiting the region or shopping at Saint Honoré street. We had a wonderful meal there, the fish on a creamy sauce was delicious, but the highlight of our evening was the boeuf, perfectly cooked… Read more »

With two eateries in Paris, Claus is the perfect choice for a delicious breakfast. Your senses will be heightened as soon as you enter the place, by the inviting smell of freshly baked bread and pastries and the captivating windows and shelves displaying rows of cakes, cookies and many other sorts of pastries. If possible, try to go on weekends, as we did, and have… Read more »

Angelina is both a café and tearoom on Rue de Rivoli, conveniently located close to the Louvre Museum and the Jardin des Tuileries gardens. It serves what we deem to be the most divine hot chocolate in the whole world, but try it only if you like the rich thick sweet ones. Worth every single calorie! Prepared with cocoa from various African origins, Angelina keeps… Read more »

The Aux Lyonnais is a very old bistro graciously revitalized by renowned chef Alain Ducasse. Reserve a table and taste a reasonably priced meal by super famous chef Alain Ducasse. The food is regional, as the name suggests, and the menu is authentically French with ouefs cocotte, quenelles, terrines and foie gras, charcuterie as well as desserts like île flottante and marjolaines. The ambience is… Read more »

The Le Voltaire is a “good-old” French restaurant that has been serving generations. Recently renovated, the restaurant has become even more delightful, with a charming terrace and comfortable interiors. Do take notice of the walls with beautiful cognac bottles. We found out that this French classic has become quite popular with Americans expats in Paris, some of the reasons being that the staff all speak… Read more »

A see-and-be-seen kind of place at chic Avenue Montaigne. On sunny days try to get a table outside or by the windows, and in the evenings choose a table with an Eiffel Tower view, or enjoy the DJ playing some days of the week. Business, fashion, families, arts and a few A to Z list celebrities, all tribes meet here and it is the restaurant… Read more »

The Hotel Récamier is a very small boutique property in Saint Germain des Prés , located in a residential area of town in a classic style old building. Pay attention to the address since the entrance could be easily missed. With only 24 rooms, the atmosphere is very “home away from home”. The hotel highly values privacy and the Rive Gauche bohemian style. There is… Read more »

The very trendy Artus is just blocks away from the Seine and a quick walk to some of the major Paris attractions. The staff at the Artus is very friendly and, with only 24 rooms, impeccable hospitality is guaranteed. Guests are welcomed to its large contemporary lobby, which has an interesting large bookshelf and bright furnishings. The accommodation is modest in terms of size, as… Read more »

Hoxton has become a brand of cool hotel properties and the one in Paris does not disappoint. Born in hipster Shoreditch in London, with a following Hoxton success in Amsterdam (which we  liked a lot), the Hoxton in Paris is much more of a trendy than hipster hotel. Housed in a historic building that was once home to a Louis XV counsellor, the property has… Read more »

At the Hotel Le Saint-Grégoire everything is small and cozy, with a personal feel. This boutique hotel is in a quiet location, walking distance to Saint-Germain-des-Près’s most bustling streets, and with a very convenient subway station just a block away, ideal to explore the whole of Paris. The surrounding area offers a wide array of cafes and bars, and a little further you will get… Read more »

Located in one of the best arrondissements of Paris, the “6éme”, Juliette is a good option if you want to stay close to the lively city streets, full of cafes, bistros and bars, yet a bit away from it all. Located in a mostly residential part, near the upscale Bon Marché shopping area, amazing food hall and the marvelous Jardin du Luxembourg, this hotel is… Read more »

The highlight of this small boutique hotel is its location, if your choice is to stay in Saint-Germain-des-Près yet near the D’orsay or the Louvre museums, as well as the Eiffel Tower, all of them just a short walk from the Verneuil. But attention: this hotel is housed in a 17th Century building that has kept some of its original characteristics, such as very small… Read more »

One of our top picks in Paris, especially if you want to stay in the elegant River Droite, near avenues Montaigne or the Champs Elysées, walking distance to Arc de Triomphe, Tuileries Gardens, Place de la Concorde and the Louvre museum. The Marignan is a boutique hotel with around 50 rooms, yet offering accommodation and services on par with larger hotels. We found the staff… Read more »

Housed in a 17th Century mansion at a perfect location in St Germain des Prés, Relais Christine is a hidden gem in the heart of town. A recent renovation upgraded the facilities to offer a stylish quiet stay with a charming French flair. In a perfect location, amidst streets full of typical Parisian bistros, the property is close to attractions in town and is a… Read more »