Hotel Dauphine Saint Germain

The Hotel Dauphine Saint Germain makes a charming first impression, with pots of flowering ivy on every window sill of the smart 17th-century building. The small lobby has oak-paneling and plush chairs with bold striped upholstery and lime leather cushions for an appealing, very French look. A Union Jack pillow is a nod to the many English-speaking guests that stay here, and a chalkboard with room prices is a nice Parisian touch. Practical-minded middle-age couples make up a good part of the hotel’s clientele, taking advantage of its reasonable rates and excellent sightseeing location. As a family-owned property, the hotel seeks to create a homey feel with family photos on display and long-term staff familiar with the hotel’s many return guests.

Hotel Dauphine Saint Germain resides in Paris' 6th Arrondissement, just half an hour from two nearby airports. Located in the chic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood on the Left Bank, the hotel is also close to the trendy Latin Quarter. Major metro lines are a short walk away, and there are plenty of shops and local cuisine within walking distance. The hotel is on a busy street that experiences traffic well into the night, so some rooms are subject to outside noise.

• Three- to six-minute walk to nearby metro stations
• Five-minute walk to the Pont Neuf
• Nine-minute walk to Sainte-Chapelle
• 11-minute walk to Notre Dame
• Nine minutes to the Musée du Louvre by public transportation
• 10 minutes to Jardin du Luxembourg by public transportation
• 18 minutes to the Musée de l'Orangerie by public transportation
• 18 minutes to the Musée d'Orsay by public transportation
• 25 minutes to the Arc de Triomphe by public transportation (11-minute drive)
• 28-minute drive to Le Bourget Airport
• 30 minutes to the Eiffel Tower by public transportation (11-minute drive) 
• 31-minute drive to Charles de Gaulle Airport

Rooms at the Hotel Dauphine Saint Germain are snug -- about 150 square feet -- as one would expect from a 17th-century building in Paris. They're individually decorated, with most sporting a sweet traditional French look. Some have heavy oak paneling, period furniture, and attractive Toile du Jouy wallpaper, drapes, and headboards. Others have four-poster beds, floral curtains, or red-and-white checkered wallpaper. A beautiful touch is original ceiling beams left exposed in some rooms. All rooms have small safes and free Wi-Fi, as well as mini-fridges and coffeemakers. Irons and ironing boards are available upon request. Bathrooms are surprisingly large and very modern, with marble countertops and showers over small tubs. They have hairdryers, Fragonard toiletries, and heated towel racks. All rooms are doubles, so for families the only option is to book adjoining rooms. Rooms that face the interior have a bleak view but are very quiet, but even those on the street receive minimal noise.

The Hotel Dauphine Saint Germain has limited features, but they're not below the norm for a small boutique property in Paris. The tiny, attractive bar has only two tables, a couch, and two bar stools, and is attended by reception staff. While it may be small, the bar is open 24 hours a day, and room service is available. The small breakfast room off the lobby is also oak paneled, with white tablecloths and black-and-white photos of Paris. Inside is a pleasant seating area with stone walls and free international newspapers. Continental breakfast, which costs extra, consists of bread and pastries, eggs, cereal, cold cuts, cheese, fruit, and yogurt. Laundry and dry cleaning can be arranged for a fee, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.