Hotel La Parizienne by Elegancia

For decades, this six-story building housed the beloved Hotel de Nantes. In 2014, the property came under the management of the Elegancia hotel group, who kept the original structure (so there's no escaping the compact elevator and rooms), but gave it a full makeover inspired by Parisian fashion archetypes. The intimate lobby has a few key pieces that give a nod to the hotel's sassy theme, such as a vintage teal suitcase, frilly throw pillows, and a series of predominantly black-and-white fashion illustrations by artist Marta Fontana. The Paris caricature theme can be seen throughout the rest of the (limited) common areas, the 28 rooms, and even the stairwell and hallways, which are emblazoned with cartoon imagery of party-dress-clad, boa-wrapped French girls living the Paris high life. Cosmetics aside, Hotel La Parizienne is a small hotel that's well-positioned near major transit, sights, and nightlife. Its excellent Montparnasse location and fair prices make it popular with corporate and leisure travelers alike.

This hotel is plopped in the middle of Boulevard du Montparnasse's hustle and bustle; in both directions and on every nearby radiating side street are shops, bars, and restaurants (including Art Deco icons La Coupole and Le Select). The Montparnasse quarter is home to many theaters, most of which are situated on or around the nearby Rue de la Gaite. The hotel is at a strategic point for business travelers, as it is a three-minute walk from the Montparnasse train station and close to many offices. Major Paris sights are nearby, too. These include Le Jardin de Luxembourg (14-minute walk), Musee Rodin (19-minute walk), Cimetière du Montparnasse (10-minute walk), and Les Catacombes de Paris (23-minute walk). Other major sites, like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum, will require a ride on the metro (a 14- and 17-minute ride, respectively). Charles de Gaulle airport can be reached in under 30 minutes by public transportation. 

Rooms come in three categories: Curious, Audacious, and Capricious. These distinctions mostly center around size (between 140 and 240 square feet) and view (courtyard or the lively Boulevard du Montparnasse). Curious and Audacious rooms are identical, though Curious rooms face the boulevard (which can stay loud until the wee hours of the morning), while Audacious rooms face the interior courtyard between buildings. Capricious rooms are located on the top floor and have the most floor space. All rooms echo the cheeky style of the lobby; expect high padded statement headboards, lamps with feather-shaped bases, wallpaper depicting frothy feather boas or black lace on a red background, and more Fontana artwork portraying lighthearted girl-in-Paris scenes.

All rooms have flat-screen TVs (only French channels), minibars, free coffee and tea, free safes, and free Wi-Fi. Most of the little bathrooms have shower stalls (a handful have tubs) and Nuxe toiletries. Just note that entry- and mid-level room categories are quite small (especially for two people). According to the hotel staff, some travelers have been disappointed in the room size. For those who want extra wiggle room, it's best to book either room 105 or one of the top-floor rooms, which are between 170 and 240 square feet. Corner rooms also offer a bit more space, around 160 square feet. Some past guests staying on lower floors have reported feeling the rumble of the subway below the hotel. A few connecting rooms are available, and all rooms are cleaned daily.

As far as public space goes, Hotel La Parizienne has little to offer (the same as most small Paris boutiques). Behind its one-person reception desk (staffed 24 hours a day) is a sultry lounge area with cushy seating, black-and-gray striped walls, fashion magazines, and honor-system drinks, like coffee, Kusmi tea, soda, juice, and sparkling water. In the hotel basement, a breakfast buffet (fee) with eggs, bacon, sliced meats and cheese, quiche, fruit, yogurt parfaits, fresh pastries and bread, and miniature jams and marmalade is served daily. High chairs are available (as are cots for the rooms, though parties requiring the use of cots will probably need to book the highest room category with the most floor space). International chargers are available at reception. Laundry service is available for a fee and Wi-Fi is free throughout Hotel La Parizienne.