No trip to Paris would be complete without a stroll down the Champs EÌlyseÌes, but if you’re looking for truly stunning hotel interiors and a restful night’s sleep, the city’s busiest street has always seemed like a place to avoid. Until now.
Style
Modernity and charisma are the first words that come to mind when you enter Hôtel de La Boétie; Here, a corkboard full of postcards adorns the wall, and guests are greeted at a covered reception desk. The building itself is typically small for Paris, and clever tactics like this allow you to make the most of the space.
Each of the other rooms is a celebration of Beata Heuman’s creative identity. This was something Touriste founder Adrien Gloaguenour intended, and his inexperience with such a project did not dampen his enthusiasm. “I have followed Beata Heuman’s work for many years and admired her elegant style. We wanted her to add some glamor to the hotel’s Champs EÌlyseÌes area,” he says. It definitely adds glamor.
In the bedrooms, dark woven tapestries hang behind headboards, gingham, ruffle-edged cushions brighten chairs, and graphic bathroom tiles reflect Art Deco influences. Fun; fun; It’s unlike anything you’d do in your own home. This is where Heuman shines the most, so perhaps its lack of corporate hotel business is what makes the flagship rooms in the building so fantastic, rather than being a disadvantage?
The common areas on the ground floor are naturally brighter and a little more soothing to the senses. A graphic screen separates the bar and breakfast area; its sharp lines contrast with the smooth, curved tables. Fabrics remain diverse: tactile jewel-toned velvet, printed cotton and stainless steel sit alongside touches of offset beechwood. Art lovers should keep an eye out for Kirsty Lackie’s reconstructed breakfast painting behind the bar.
Where?
The location of the Hôtel de La Boétie, just a few steps from the Champs EÌ lyseÌes, makes it somewhat special. It’s rare to come across boutique accommodation that looks this good in the middle of the action, and once you’re inside, the sounds of the city seem almost non-existent. A short tube or single bus ride from Gare du Nord means you’ll be there within 40 minutes of getting off the Eurostar, which is probably the most convenient travel option from London (and has the most generous baggage allowance).
Turn left at reception and go straight into the Galleries Lafayette – ideal for guests with a taste for design and/or a desire to shop – or turn right towards the quintessential French cafes with wicker furniture, chalk menus and the precision of the croque monsieur.
food drink
The hotel’s small but comfortable hotel bar is cozy and stocked with essentials; so save yourself those fancy cocktail cravings and order a glass of wine as you sink into the luxurious velvet sofa for your first look at Heuman’s vision for the building.
When it comes to breakfast, there are plenty of food and drink options that taste the best in Paris. It’s clear that the front row is the pastry. Forgo the €22 hotel breakfast and sun-drenched cobblestone streets for Le Marais, where freshly baked croissants and hot espresso waft from sidewalk cafes. This is a place frequented by locals and a charming place to start the day. Slow down, people watching and waiting for the neighborhood’s chic vintage boutiques to open.
for families
It’s of course normal for quaint city hotels to have little expectation of many family-friendly elements, but Hôtel de La Boétie can provide travel cots (except for sheets that match the main bed) and high chairs if you’ve got a baby with you. It must be said that the elevator is small, but the staff will be helpful if you need to leave a car downstairs. Anyone brave enough to embrace a city break with at least one little person should consider it part of the adventure.
Which room?
Families should book a Triple, but those visiting without children will be comfortable with any of the available options. The beds are plush, covered in soft pink satin sheets, and are especially inviting after a day spent hopping between regions and cozy wine bars. Travel enthusiasts will appreciate the finer details that are often overlooked (read: dimming lamps and easy-access outlets next to the bed, coffee makers and a small collection of toiletries). In larger rooms, you can expect a larger bathroom, additional gorgeous furnishings, and a more lavish presentation of Heuman’s identifiable aesthetic. If you plan to use the space for longer than necessary to get a good night’s sleep, it’s worth pampering yourself.
Best for…
Families visiting Paris will struggle to find anywhere more central and attractive, but Hôtel de La Boétie has a real mix of clientele. Expect groups of friends, out-of-towners on business, couples enjoying a weekend city break, and an especially well-dressed crowd during Fashion Week.
Detail
Room rates start from £217 per night; hoteldelaboetie.com
Paris is best reached via Eurostar from London. Prices start from £39 one way; eurostar.com