Postcard From: Hotel Esprit Saint Germain, Paris

So many times, I have wandered through the winding streets of the Left Bank in Paris and passed the handsome exterior that houses the Parisian hotel, Esprit Saint Germain. The alluring midnight blue facade with romantic gas lamps flanking the large curtained windows intrigued me what was within.  I was seduced without having even stepped inside.

When it came time for my first mother/daughter trip (read my post here) to Paris, it wasn’t difficult to pick Esprit Saint Germain. I just knew it would make a lasting first impression on my daughter. I was glad I did.  Esprit Saint Germain just oozes charm inside and out. For me, it is the quintessential chic, intimate Parisian hideaway.

ESPRIT SAINT GERMAIN: The Hotel

Esprit Saint Germain was originally a private residence housed in an 18th century building. After the owner, Laurence Tafanel purchased the townhouse and the adjacent building, she opened the hotel in 2004.

An extensive renovation took place in 2007 (update: a more recent soft renovation was just completed this Summer and will be unveiled with the hotel’s re-opening this Fall) with designer, Didier Benderli, who also worked his magic on the beautiful boutique hotels Pavillon De La Reine in the Marais and Hotel Des Lettres.

LOCATION

The location could not be beat, with all my favorite restaurants, cafes and boutiques within a three-block radius (although stopping inside the many chocolate and macaroon shops along the way made it appear much farther). The fact that the hotel is across the street from the Vanessa Bruno boutique, a favorite haunt, was a bonus.

AMBIANCE

The ambiance was chic and discreet. The decor, stylish but understated. Think warm leather, rich fabrics mixed with a little faux cheetah print in muted tones.

SERVICE

The service was incredibly friendly and accommodating. The staff addressed us by name immediately upon settling in as if they have known us for years.

Rooms To GeT

There are seven categories of rooms beginning with the most basic at the Classic level to the five Suites and the Penthouse Suite with private Terrace. All of the rooms are designed in a contemporary style.

The Classic level (and some of the Superior level) rooms are stylish, comfortable and equipped with all the latest gadgets you need but are teeny-tiny so you may have to curb your shopping for lack of space to put your bags. We spent a night in one of the much more spacious suites and would recommend opting for these accommodations (there are five suites which come with two bathrooms and  can connect to another room for those with extended families) which feature a spacious living room and separate bedroom.

If Suites are not available, as they tend to go fast, we recommend the Deluxe level rooms and above. The Prestige level rooms with private terraces are also quite nice!

UPDATE: Esprit Saint Germain is undergoing a renovation which includes a lighter, airy design in all its rooms as well a new Penthouse Suite which will be unveiled this Fall.

TIP: Request a street-facing room (the better to see when new Vanessa Bruno merchandise comes in). The top floor rooms have original beams, providing lots of charm.  The penthouse suite, with its own private terrace overlooking the rooftops, is worth the splurge if available.

What We Loved

1. The location.  Esprit Saint Germain is situated in the middle of the  quiet side street, Rue. St. Sulpice (off Place St. Sulpice and its church) and centrally located just steps from Jardin du Luxembourg (with its own Angelina cafe), boutiques and restaurants. It is also conveniently equidistant from three metro stations – St. Sulpice, Odeon and Mabillion.  I might add that you are in French pastry and macaroon apex here with the best boulangeries and patisseries at every drooling twist and turn.
2. The staff. A hotel is as good as its management and Esprit’s team outperformed with their personal service. The amiable manager, Francesca La Mastra, was always there with a big smile at breakfast to assist us with suggestions as we mapped out our day and her advice was always spot on.
3. We looked forward to the daily delicious pre-game breakfast in the mornings and afternoon tea to rest our weary feet in the Library Lounge.  A complimentary honor bar of snacks (including jellybeans for my daughter) and drinks (wine and champagne for me) awaiting us after long days of touring and shopping was much appreciated and made this feel like our home (albeit a really nice Parisian one) away from home.

Don’t Miss

• Hanging out in either of the two cozy lounges, one with a fireplace to warm up in the colder months. An honor bar is a welcome addition for a nightcap or pre-dinner cocktail.
• The small but well equipped spa, gym and sauna is worth checking out!
• Some of the great cafes, boutiques and restaurants in the hood, provided in our Paris With a Tween post (check them out here).

THE LAST WORD: ESPRIT SAINT GERMAIN

As one of the few five star boutique hotels on the Left Bank, the 28-room Esprit Saint Germain has all the right ingredients to qualify as the perfect Parisian boutique hotel hideaway. We can’t wait to see the unveiling of the new renovation this Fall when the hotel reopens!