Hotel Louis 2

Situated in a 17th-century building, stepping into this charming boutique hotel feels a bit like stepping back in time. Exposed wooden ceiling beams and stone walls in the lobby look rustic, but are paired with elegant touches like a chandelier, vintage armchairs, Persian-style rugs, and small sculptures scattered about the space. Crimson hues, courtesy of sofas and chairs, pop against a palette of creamy neutrals. A cute tiny bar wedged into a corner features glass cabinets lined with bottles of alcohol as well as a Nespresso coffee station.

The crimson hues continue throughout the hallways and stairs, which feature red carpeting and doors. Even these small spaces feel atmospheric, with portrait paintings on the walls, elegant wall sconces, and glass display cabinets stocked with souvenirs and curios. Overall, it's a characterful property with a great location, and draws mainly international couples and friends on vacation in Paris. 

The hotel is conveniently situated in the 6th Arrondissement, an area rife with shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. The lovely Luxembourg Gardens are a three-minute walk down the street, while a minute's walk in the opposite direction leads to the Boulevard Saint-Germain, lined with shops and dining options. The area is also home to the prestigious La Sorbonne university (seven-minute walk) and to historic cafes like the Cafe de Flore and Cafe Les Deux Magots (eight-minute walk), once the haunts of literary and intellectual elites. The Notre Dame Cathedral can be reached in 13 minutes on foot, and the Louvre Museum as well as the Pantheon take around the same amount of time. The nearest metro station, Odeon, is just a two-minute walk away from the hotel. The Eiffel Tower is about a half-hour away by public transportation. Charles de Gaulle Airport is about a half-hour drive or 50 minutes by public transportation. Orly airport can be reached in around 20 minutes by car or 45 minutes by public transit.

Rooms are fairly small, especially entry-level, which start out at 129 square feet (12 square meters) and can feel cramped -- but even these have tiny desks and chairs. Junior Suites, the largest option here, are 323 to 430 square feet (30 to 40 square meters), including a living area with a sofa. Though some guests complain about the room sizes, others find it charming and part of the Parisian experience.

Rooms exhibit the kind of style seen in the hotel's public spaces, with exposed wooden beams set against white walls that add a rustic touch to the elegant decor. Furniture is fairly simple, with decadent details here and there like gilded mirrors and ornate nightstands. Art on the walls is lovely and large windows let in natural light. Plush white bedding is topped with accent pillows and throws -- neutral hued in some rooms, and vibrant red in others. Superior Rooms have living areas with sofas. All rooms also have wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, Nespresso machines, minibars, electronic safes, and free Wi-Fi.

Bathrooms are small and fairly basic, tiled in white and equipped with shower/tub combos or small showers. Fixtures are of the older variety and could use an update. Nuxe toiletries are supplied, as are hairdryers, bathrobes, and slippers.

This small boutique doesn't offer much in terms of features. The lobby lounge offers a selection of bites and drinks, including sandwiches, tapas, and cakes and pastries. Wine, beer, and other alcoholic drinks are available, as are coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Buffet breakfast is served here in the mornings (or can be delivered to rooms) and includes items like fresh fruit, yogurt, breads, cheese, pastries, eggs (including scrambled), and cereal. Express and take-away breakfasts are also available. Breakfast incurs an extra fee, but is sometimes included during special promotions. The hotel also has a meeting room for up to 10 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout. There is a business corner with a computer and printer.