Hotel Observatoire Luxembourg

The small hallways and pleasantly crammed lobby of the Observatoire Luxembourg are chock full of objects perpetuating the hotel’s unique decor theme: eyes and faces drawn from historical sources, such as the Mona Lisa, printed on throw pillows, framed on walls, and drawn on ceramic vases. A black-and-white color scheme dominates the interior, with deep red accents. The overall effect is lively and slightly surreal. The spiral staircase to the rooms (there is also an elevator) affords the occasional spectacular view onto Luxembourg gardens through small windows.

Location is a strong draw of the property; it is situated directly next to the Luxembourg Gardens, which plays a starring role in countless French paintings and literary oeuvres. The hotel also sits within walking distance of the bustling Latin Quarter (15 minutes away on foot). Guests have noted that the area does empty out at night; while it is very safe, there are few bakeries or shops open after 6pm, though the area around Montparnasse, which is a 20-minute walk from the hotel, offers a plethora of options, more of which have nocturnal hours.

Elegant decor in a limited color palette dominates these small rooms, with framed black and white photographs of sculptures from various Parisian monuments on the walls, and a continuation of the “eye theme” in throw pillows printed with Mona Lisa’s peepers. Furniture, including large wood headboards, are stained or painted black; large windows help offset the dark hues. Modern bathrooms are tiled in sand-colored slate, and feature towel warmers, rain head showers, bathrobes, and botanical toiletries. Smaller rooms have a slightly more truncated, though still modern, setup in the bathrooms. All rooms have air-conditioning, LED bedside reading lights, wall-mounted LCD TVs, electric kettles, safes, hairdryers, and minibars (without alcohol). Some guests have observed that the rooms receive street noise, and that carpets in particular are not always impeccably clean.

There is a sophisticated, artistic lounge full of accents inspired by art, including faces and eyes printed on pillows and painted on vases. Adjacent to the lobby is a small writing desk with a computer and printer available for guests to use for a fee. There is a bistro within the hotel with a glassed-in patio offering traditional French fare -- it also has cozy sidewalk seating.