EXCLUSIVE | Paris: Where to Stay Part Four

LEFT BANK ( 5E, 6E, 7E, 14E)

Best Luxury
H?tel de l'Abbaye (10, rue Cassette, 6e; +33-1-45-44-38-11; from 215 EUR, suite from 395 EUR) is a charming and romantic four-star hotel. Catering to a crowd that enjoys the "good life," the service is prompt and very polite. The rooms are decorated in styles that range from French countryside to "classically chic." Most overlook the lovely garden or have their own private terrace, and breakfast is included.

L'H?tel (13, rue des Beaux-Arts, 6e; +33-1-44-41-99-00; from 255 EUR, suites 540-640 EUR, apartment from 640 EUR) is a small and sophisticated Left Bank hotel, lavishly decorated in traditional French style. Once the former dive where Oscar Wilde died penniless, l'H?tel is popular with movie and fashion people. If you are not one of these high-rolling media types, take care, as the politeness of the front desk seems to be contingent on such matters. Le Restaurant, headed by Phillipe B?lissent of the three-star Ledoyen fame, was recently awarded a Michelin star.

Best Style
On the Left Bank in the Latin Quarter, the Meli? Colbert Boutique Hotel (formerly the H?tel Colbert, 7, rue de l'H?tel Colbert, 5e; +33-1-56-81-19-00; 200+ EUR, suite 475+ EUR) is a completely refurbished 19th-century mansion converted to a four-star hotel within walking distance (across the river) from the Marais. It's gay-friendly; its 39 rooms (including one suite) are beautifully decorated and well appointed, and some look out on N?tre Dame. The staff is very courteous, friendly and helpful.

H?tel Lenox (9 rue de l'Universit?, 7e; +33-1-42-96-10-95; from 130 EUR, apartment from 270 EUR) is a sophisticated but friendly three-star hotel on a fashionable street in the St-Germain-des-Pr?s, redecorated in an art-deco style, with a popular bar frequented by journalists, artists and the fashion crowd. Some weeknights the bar screens French films.

Best Value
Oscar Wilde also slept at the H?tel du Quai-Voltaire (19 Quai Voltaire, 7e; +33-1-42-61-50-91; from 108 EUR), built as an abbey in the 17th century. Previously, guests would endure the shabby rooms here for the perfect views of the Seine and Louvre, but extensive renovations of the entire hotel have turned the place into a comfortable, clean and almost foolishly inexpensive choice for your visit. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the location can't be beat.

The charming 17th-century townhouse of the H?tel du Globe (15, rue des Quatre-Vents, 6e; +33-1-43-26-35-50; from 150 EUR) was once a convent for the Abbey of St-Germain-des-Pr?s. Sporting exposed wood beams, stone walls, and traditional decoration, its small size is made up by location (a stone throw's away from the Od?on m?tro) and its friendly service. If you reserve online you can get up to a 25 percent discount on room rates.

Part One | Part Two | Part Three | Part Four | Part Five

Related Articles:
Paris: Introduction
Paris: Where to Eat
Paris: Where to Play/Meet
Paris: What to See and Do
Paris: Resources