La Maison Saint Germain

La Maison Saint Germain is a simple retreat from which to escape the pulsating energy of the busy Boulevard Saint-Germain just outside. It's a traditional, 16th-Century French building with a tiny, enclosed courtyard and spiral staircases. There isn’t a lot to see inside the main entry besides the small reception office (that has limited hours), which is decorated with black-and-white tile floors and a red vinyl bench, and offers a sparse collection of guidebooks atop a circular wood table. There's a tiny elevator, and narrow hallways lead to security gates that can only be accessed with a card key or by intercom. In some places the beige palette and dim lighting can feel a bit neglected -- though some guests may find the pared-down look charming and even relaxing compared with the pricey boutiques of the surrounding neighborhood. Guests are a mix of couples and families looking for self-catering accommodations in a quintessential Parisian setting. 

Location is the biggest selling factor for La Maison Saint Germain. Situated in the vibrant Latin Quarter, multiple major attractions are accessible on foot in 15 minutes or less, including Notre Dame Cathedral, Odéon Theatre, Saint Sulpice, and the Louvre. The Mabillon metro station is across the street and arrives at the Eiffel Tower in about 25 minutes. The Arc de Triomphe is about 30 minutes away via the metro, and Charles de Gaulle Airport can be reached in 40 minutes by car. The streets surrounding the hotel are lined with dozens of bars and cafes in addition to top shopping destinations like Cartier and Burberry.

There are seven rooms in the hotel in varying sizes, including Studios, Apartments for up to four people, Duplexes for up to six people, and The Little Maison Saint Germain for up to four. Studios have kitchenettes with hot plates while the other options have stovetops, though all have mini-fridges. Basic cutlery and dishes, as well as coffee pots and tea kettles come standard. All units except for Studios have washing machines in the bathrooms, which have either shower/tub combos or walk-in showers. The decor isn't always the most elegant -- terri-cotta floors and loud shag rugs in particular feel tired -- but overall they have charming little touches such as decorative molding, striped accent walls, ceramic-tile countertops, framed floral prints, and wall-mounted sconces. And many guests find the unfussy look quite cozy. In addition all units have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and iPod/iPhone docks. The uppermost floors have views of the Eiffel Tower, and Duplexes have terraces. 

As is the case with many apartment-only properties, there are few on-site features. There's free Wi-Fi throughout the property. But the reception staff is only present during the day. Guidebooks are available in the lobby to help guests make their way around town, which is helpful since the hotel is close to so many points of interest.