Annie's Paris Gems - Annie's Nuggets

I would like to help you find your Paris hotel.

I love recommending Paris hotels to friends. It makes my day when people tell me they loved the gem of a Paris hotel that I discovered.

Every hotel that makes my list has been personally vetted by me.

First, let’s get something straight. I’m not a travel agent, an influencer, or an affiliate. No one pays me. I don’t get a kick back, referral fee, a commission–not even a free coffee (although it would be most appreciated). My recommendations are purely based on my own personal experiences and observations. I never want compensation to influence my recommendations.

Why do people ask me for Paris hotel recommendations?

1. I’ve been around.

I have been going to Paris two to three times a year for over twenty-five years. I have explored most of the city and stayed in several arrondissements. My hotels have ranged from the fanciest 5 star in the 8e Arrondissement to a 1-2 star minimal hotel in the Latin Quarter.

On a recent three week solo trip to Paris, I stayed in six different hotels.

I don’t know many people like me. Most people don’t have the luxury of spending three weeks in Paris exploring hotels. Most people have a few days or a week and they might not go back for several years. They want to stay in one hotel and not waste time moving hotels. I don’t mind moving because I love experiencing different hotels.

2. I’m picky.

To me, the hotel is part of the experience. I want to find the very best hotels within my budget. I want a two star that acts like a three star, a three star that acts like a four, etc. I love staying at a 5 star hotel, but only if it is totally worth it.

I have read many hotel recommendations on social media that frankly scare me. Rave reviews for hotels that haven’t been renovated since George Washington stayed there. Hotels that I know are dreary and dark are being touted by people who obviously enjoyed their stay, but what do they have to compare it to? Or hotels that are located far from the main areas, when it’s so easy to be centrally located.

3. I am a habitual hotel “tourer”.

I have an unusual activity that I do whenever I’m in Paris. I “tour” hotels.

Between the hours of 11am and 3pm (after check out, before check in) I stop in hotels that interest me, or that I’ve read about, or that friends have asked me to visit. I explain to the person at the desk that I recommend hotels to travelers, and ask if I might see a room or two. They are usually very happy to show me around.

My hotel tours tell me alot about a hotel that I can’t get from their website.

Is the staff friendly? Is the lobby inviting, would I enjoy hanging out there on a rainy afternoon? How small are the rooms? Do they smell musty? Are the bathrooms remodeled? Bathtubs or showers? Do the rooms look clean? Are the rooms light and bright, or dark and dreary? Hard surface floors or carpet? Where is breakfast served? Is coffee available during the day?

I also make note of the area around the hotels.

How crowded is the area? Does it feel safe? Is there an abundance of cafes and restaurants close to the hotel? How central is it? Would I feel comfortable staying in that area by myself? Is it walking distance to the main areas? Is the architecture beautiful? Are there parks nearby? Where are the nearest Metros?

Annie’s Paris Gems

The Paris Hotels That I Recommend

Annie’s Paris Gems (below) is a spreadsheet of Paris hotels that I recommend based on my personal experience being a guest of or touring the hotel. I consider these hotels real “gems”. They range from 2 star to 5 star, minimalist to elegant. To be included on my list, they must be a good value for the money compared to other hotels in their class, in a central location, clean, and inviting. The rooms should also be light and bright with newer bathrooms.

Keep in mind that there are thousands of beautiful hotels in Paris. Since my list is limited to hotels I have personally visited, I am hoping that it will help you narrow down your choices.

If, after looking over the list, you still need help making a decision, I’m happy to help.

Since I’ve seen every hotel first hand, I can answer questions about a hotel and make sure it is appropriate for your situation.

If you share with me your hotel budget, what month you are going, and how many beds you need, I can suggest hotels from my list I think will work for you.

I often make videos of hotel rooms where I’m staying. I have published some of the videos to my YouTube channel for the benefit of my readers and you can see those here at Annie’s Paris Hotel Rooms Videos.

A Note About The Paris Hotels I Don’t Recommend:

I have visited many highly reviewed Paris hotels that I don’t recommend, and therefore, they are not on my list. It doesn’t mean they are bad hotels. It means that I think there are other hotels that are a better value. Seeing many different hotels gives me a unique comparative perspective.

If a hotel you are interested in is not on my list, feel free to ask me about it. I will give my honest opinion if I’m familiar with it.

Please help me and my readers by sending me any corrections or updates. And if you have stayed in one of the hotels on the list, please let me know what you thought of it.

I also would appreciate learning of any hotel that you feel qualifies as a “gem”so that I can tour it next time I’m in Paris.

Annie’s Paris Gems will constantly be updated as I visit more hotels. Be sure to get the latest version when you are ready to book a hotel.

Before you book a hotel, read Annie’s Guide to Booking the Perfect Paris Hotel!

Also, when you’re ready to plan your trip, here is Annie’s Guide to Paris!

Annie’s Paris Gems

Hotel	Website	Location/ Description	Notes		Annie’s Advice
NEW! Hotel du Quai Voltaire*****	https://hotelduquaivoltaire.com/eng/	7th in St Germain. Ideal location right on the Seine with a view of the Louvre. Steps from Musee d’Orsay. Newly remodeled and gorgeous!	Hardwood floors, showers (some rooms have bathtubs).	Rooms are Seine View or Courtyard View. Classic 16m2(can connect two Classic Rooms) Superior 18m2 Delux 23 m2 Delux Courtyard 26m2 Duplex Seine 19m2–Loft with desk Duplex Baudelaire Courtyard 30m2–Loft with queen bed (can connect with Duplex Seine)	Perfect hotel for a special occasion. Good for people who can’t walk very far as the hotel is close to many attractions and has incredible views. If you combine both loft rooms you can sleep 6.
Hotel Academie **** (do not confuse with Hôtel des Academies et des Arts)	https://academiehotel.com/en/	7th (on very edge of 6/7) north of Blvd St Germain Excellent staff and beautiful hotel. Spotless. Perfect location. Light bright rooms. 3 room categories. Hard surface floors Modern bathrooms. Luxury linens. Washcloths. Fragonard amenities. Bathtubs with grab bars	Extensive breakfast buffet Must ask specifically for rooms with beds separated into two twins. Old fashioned tube hair dryers. Bottled water provided.	Classic Room 13m2 Delux 17m2 Junior Suite 20m2 Connecting Delux Rooms available. No rooms for 3 adults.	Book breakfast with reservation for better rate. May be difficult to get in and out of the bathtub.There is only one room in the whole hotel that has a shower without a bathtub.
Hotel Fougere****	https://www.hotel-fougere.com/	6th, on rue Bonaparte Gorgeous hotel, it’s like staying in a stately home with fine furnishing and antiques. Beautiful lounge area. Lovely staff. Perfect location, easy to walk everywhere.	Rooms are beautifully decorated. Luxury linens. Bathtubs. The Delux Room is big by Paris standards, 22m2. The Superior Room is very nice, a bit smaller at 17m2.	Hotel Fougere has the option of a suite + small room for a family of 3. It is not listed on the website so you must contact the hotel to make arrangements.	Go for the Delux Room or the Suite.
Hotel La Perle***	https://www.hotel-paris-laperle.com/en/	6th, south of Blvd St Germain Great staff and location. Beautiful garden breakfast room. Comfortable beds, nice rooms. Carpet. Bathtub. Quiet street down from St Sulpice and Lux Gardens.	Breakfast is a bit sparse. Charges extra for espresso vs free drip coffee Breakfast is a special rate even if you don’t book it with reservation.	All rooms can have 1 double or two twins. Standard Double 14m2. Two Standard rooms can interconnect for 4 people. Superior Room 17m2 Executive Room 24m2. Possible to add 1 or 2 beds for 3-4 people. Duplex Suite 45m2. Possible to add up to 3 extra beds for total of 5 persons.	Don’t get the breakfast. Too many great places for breakfast in the area. Get the bigger room. Some rooms are a bit dark.
Hotel Baume****	https://www.baume-hotel-paris.com/fr/	6th, South of Blvd St Germain near the Odeon Theater. 1930’s decor. Charming. Enthusiastic welcoming staff. Nice breakfast area including an outdoor patio. Rooms on ground level are handicapped accessible. Small bar. A/C, elevator, carpeting.	Rooms are decorated in different 1930’s themes. Some rooms have a balcony or a terrace. There is a lot of variety in the rooms. King beds can be made into two twins. Suites include a sofa bed that can sleep 2.	Classic 14m2, Superior 16-20m2, Unique 14m2 with 20m2 terrace, Deluxe 22m2 with Nespresso, Deluxe Terrace 20m2 with 12m2 terrace, Duplex 26m2 on two floors, Junior Suites 30m2 have a king bed and a sofa bed, Suite Balcony 30m2 with king, sofa bed, and private balcony	Hotel Baume offers many types of rooms to accommodate many types of guests. Great for families or friends traveling together. Rooms that can accommodate 3-4 people are rare, as are rooms with balconies/terraces. Hotel Baume offers both.

Odeon by Malone*** (do not confuse with Odeon Hotel St Germain)	www.odeonhotel.fr/	6th, south of Blvd St Germain, Latin Quarter Very nice hotel in perfect location. Easy walk to everywhere. Free breakfast. Nice modern bathrooms and good linens. Showers. Carpet. Very good value	Breakfast is included and offers a nice buffet with wait staff Espresso. Eggs, fruit, meat, cheese, juice. Snacks are offered all day	Superior Double 16m2 Deluxe Room (Double or 2 Twins) is 18m2. Nespresso. Family Room is two doubles adjoining. Beds can be twin for 4 separate beds. Key is left at desk.	Get the Delux Room. If you ask the breakfast staff, the will make you an espresso or hard boiled eggs.
Hotel Le Clement ** (budget)	https://www.hotel-clement.com/	6th, south of Blvd St Germain. Across from Marche St Germain A very popular budget hotel in a great location. Nice lobby, nice rooms (a bit dark). There is an elevator but you also must go up a few stairs. Comfortable bed. Very good value	Lovely breakfast (extra). Bathroom rather dated. Showers or Bathtub. Tradition 10m2 Classic 12m2 Twin 17m2 Superior double 15m2 Junior Suite (3 people) 19m2	Note: there is a ‘food kitchen” next door. There are not homeless people hanging around and you probably wouldn’t know it was a food kitchen unless someone pointed it out.	Hotel sells out quickly but if you check frequently you may find openings.

Hotel Des Marronniers***	www.hoteldesmarro nniers.com/en/	6th, rue Jacob. In the heart of St Germain Just adorable! Beautiful and very french. Nice linens, remodeled bathrooms. Great staff. Clarin amenities. Washcloths. Great water pressure. Hard surface floors. Showers.	Breakfast in beautiful garden room or cozy basement. Good breakfast with eggs, cheese and meat. Coffee is made by request. Key is left at desk.	The double rooms are small. The Superior Garden and Classic are 12m2. The Comfort Room is only 13m2. The 3 person Delux room is one room with a king and a separate room with a twin. Perfect for families or friends. The Family room is two connecting rooms, one with a double and one with 2 twins.	Rooms are small. Be sure to check room sizes. I stayed in the Superior Garden 12m2 and it was perfect for one person. It had a tiny bathroom. The attic (6th floor) Comfort Room is adorable.
Hotel Grand Hommes***	www.hoteldesgrand shommes.com/	5th, across from the Pantheon Lovely hotel. Comfortable lobby, updated bathrooms, nice linens.	I had a beautiful big room with a large bed and a view of the Pantheon right outside of the double windows.	Location is good for exploring the 5th. Jardin des Plantes, Mouffetard, Plac de la Contrescarpe. Emily in Paris apt around the corner. Lots of students, busy area	I highly recommend this hotel if you like the location. Altho I had a very pleasant experience, I prefer being closer to the river and more central in the 6th.
Grand Hotel de l’Univers***	https://www.hotel-paris-univers.com/en/	6th Very nice hotel in a perfect location. French Country style. The rooms are beautifully decorated. Carpet. Breakfast in the basement. Bathtubs.	Classic 12m2 Standard 15m2 Delux double 21-24m2 Executive (1st floor) I stayed in a Standard and a Delux. Both were excellent.	Lobby is very inviting. Great value. Staff is wonderful.	I suggest the bigger rooms for more than one person. The street can get very noisy. Ask for a room facing the back of the hotel or on a upper floor when you reserve.
Hotel De Seine****	https:// www.hoteldeseine. com/en/	6th Beautiful old Paris lobby. Very inviting. Great location right in the middle of St Germain. Bathtubs. Carpet. Clarins amenities.	Lobby is very inviting.	Classic 14m2 Superior 16m2 Executive 18m2, can be 2 twins Delux room 22m2 offers king + twin, or 3 twins for 3 people. Nespresso. No connecting rooms.	Get the Executive Room for 2, or the Delux for 3

Welcome Hotel ** (I was shocked that this hotel is only a 2 star)	https://www.hotelwelcomeparis.com/	6th, right on Blvd St Germain Location is the best feature of this hotel. Small charming hotel on corner, right on Blvd St- Germain. Quaint lobby. Old Paris decor. Hard wood floors, Shower or bathtub Ideal location.	I had a great corner room with two big windows. Basic shower, not much counter space in bathroom. Water provided daily. Bathroom could use a remodel. Old fashioned hairdryer.	Single 9-10m2 Classic 10m2 Classic twin 13m2 Superior/Dauphine 16m2 La St Germain #15 28m2 (1st floor) is a newly decorated larger room on the first floor. Three adults can stay comfortably. King + sofa bed.	Hotel is more like a 3 star. Very nice. Good breakfast. Perfect location. I suggest The Superior Room
Hotel de l’Empereur***	https:// hotelempereurparis. com/	7th, across from Invalides Great location right across from Invades and walking to rue Cler. Free breakfast, Nespresso in lobby Very good value	Nice lobby. Rooms are open and modern. Open shower with no door. Superior room has a wonderful view of Dome des Invalides at night. Nespresso	Double classic 14.5m2 Standard double with view 14m2 Superior double with view 17m2 Triple 21m2 Connecting doubles with view, 2 double beds	Absolutely get the room with the view of the Dome!
Madison Hotel ********	https://www.hotelmadison.com/	6th, right on Blvd St Germain Beautiful upscale hotel. Very classy. The location on Blvd St Germain has a perfect view of the church by the same name.	The rooms that look out to the church are light and bright and definitely worth the splurge. The smaller rooms in the back are NOT worth it.	Go for the Privilege View, 20m2, or the Delux View, 30m2. Stunning. There is also an apartment. Note: Friends of mine selected the smaller, cheaper rooms in the back and regretted it. If you want a cheaper room there are many better hotels.	I would not hesitate to suggest The Madison to anyone as long as you stay in one of the Privilege or Delux View rooms. For the same price, I don’t think The Madison compares to Hotel du Quai Voltaire.
Hotel Recamier ****	www.hotelrecamier.com/	6th, behind St Sulpice Church Charming, tucked away in a quiet corner with a gorgeous view of the church., The lobby is cozy, like the living room of an elegant house.	The rooms are elegant and classy. Some have a small balcony. Classic 15m2 Delux 19m2 Tradition 21m2 Club 30m2 Club and Delux can connect	Short walk to Luxembourg Gardens.	Any room with a view of the church, is spectacular. Go for it.

Hotel l’Abbaye****	www.hoteldelabbaye	6th, south of Blvd St Germain. Pretty, romantic hotel, with old Paris elegance. The lounge and dining area are gorgeous and so inviting. Upscale.	There are many room categories. The smallest, the Classic, is 9-13m2. The largest, La Veranda, is 23-25m2. There is also a large “duplex” apartment.	Convenient location between Cafe de Flore and Luxembourg Gardens.	Stay here at least once in your life.
Hotel de Lille***	https:// www.hoteldelille.com/	7th, close to Musee d’Orsay Great location one block from the river. Very stylish modern decor. Easy walk to the Right Bank, Tuilleries Gardens.	My room had a large bed, bookshelves, and an entry alcove. Lots of room. Hard surface floors Shower. Nespresso My room was a Double Delux	Executive double 14m2 Delux double 17m2 Club/Superior Junior suite 23m2, sofa bed for 3rd person Family Suite can sleep 4-5 people	If you are ok with modern decor, you’ll love this hotel.
Hotel des Deux Iles***	https:// www.deuxiles paris-hotel.com/	on Ile St Louis Charming old hotel on quiet street. Rooms are small but cosy. Only 17 rooms. Not handicap accessible. Very Parisian, flowery AC and Elevator	Beautiful lounge area serving afternoon tea. Nespresso in some rooms. The hotel can be a bit overpriced for the size of rooms, old decor.	I stayed in the Mini. 13.5m2. It was tiny. La Charmante 14.5m2 L’Exquise 15m2 Singuliere 14m2 with a patio All rooms can be two twins or one large bed.	Stay on Ile St Louis at least once in your life. It’s so quiet and charming. Wonderful restaurants. Easy access to Notre Dame and Le Marais.
Hotel Bel Ami*****	www.hotelbelamiparis.com/	6th, behind Cafe de Flore Large 5 star in the middle of St Germain. Modern. Very convenient location.	Public area on main floor is expansive Spa and fitness room. Concierge and services you would expect from a 5 star.	Rooms are large by Paris standards, ranging from 19m2 to 2 bedroom apartment. Bathtubs and carpet.	If you like modern and 5 star, this is a good option.

Villa-des-Prés*****	www.villadespres.com	6th, on rue de Buci New. Very modern art oriented.	The building exterior looks like a gorgeous upscale apartment building. The location is right in the middle of the busy restaurant area of rue de Buci/ rue de Seine.	Rooms are large by Paris standards, ranging from 24m2 to suites and apartments. King or two twins. There is a pool, sauna, and spa area in the basement.	If you are a 5 star client who would appreciate a pool, fitness room, in a ideal location, Villa des-Prés checks all of the boxes.
La Villa Saint-Germain des Prés *****	www.villa saintgermain.com	6th, on rue Jacob New. Very modern art oriented	An exact miniature version of it’s sister property, Villa-des Prés.	Rooms are large and identical to Villa-des-Prés, ranging from 24m2 to large suites. King or two twins. There is also a pool, fitness room, an sauna in basement.	If you are a 5 star client, love Villa des Prés but want a smaller property on a street that isn’t so busy, this is it.
Hotel and Spa Latour Maubourg ****	www.latourmaubourg.com/en/	7th, on rue Grenelle	Charming hotel right across the street from a small park and the Metro	Old building, looks like an old townhouse. Winding staircase. Best part of the hotel is the spa in the basement. Very hot steam room, cold room, and shower.	Classic (single and double) 15m2 Superior 18m2 Privilege 26m2 Triple Privilege 30m2 (Can accommodate 3 adults.)

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Marty says:

February 9, 2026 at 2:50 pm

Hi Annie, love your website. I’m looking at the hotel Recamier for our April visit. They are doing construction on the facade during our visit. Don’t think it’s still worth staying there? We are looking in the 6th but closer to 5th because we are visiting our son who is studying there. Thanks for the advice.

Annie says:
February 9, 2026 at 3:39 pm

I love Recamier and the quiet location. I would email them to ask about the construction, if it will continue through April and if there are specific hours. If you are out all day and construction stops at 5:00 it won’t be a factor. If you like to relax in your room in the afternoon or sleep late it’s best to find another hotel. For an alternative, Hotel Baume is very nice and close to the Latin Quarter.