HOTELS : Hotel L

In the 16th century in the area of St. Germain-des-Pr?s there were the Pr? aux Clercs, Queen Margot's palace and the abbey of St. Germain-des-Pr?s. On the rue des Beaux-Arts in the heart of St. Germain-des-Pr?s there was also a large park that, in the beginning of the 19th century, was given by the Rochefoucault-Liancourt family to the abbey. It was on this site above magnificent cellars that a 'un pavillon d'amour' was built. This 6 storey period building will become an exquisite maison 'Directoire' offering accommodation in Paris's famous left bank and is today well known as "L'H?tel". With the Ecole des Beaux-arts, art dealers and galleries within such easy reach, you can hardly remain unmoved by the literary and artistic atmosphere of this area. The fashionable interior designer Jacques Garcia has recently refurbished L'H?tel from top to bottom. He has modernised one of the capital's legendary hotels whilst retaining all of its original attributes - 'une maison de charme', intimate and discrete. Each of the rooms has its own unique character. Behind each number hides a name, a memory, and a tribute to the period. For example, room 16 has been redecorated in the Victorian style and is where Oscar Wilde spent his last days. Room 36 was Mistinguett's favourite and is a time-travel back to the Art Deco period. Or there is Apartment 62 - the Cardinal, a terraced apartment with impressive views overlooking the roofs and belfry of St. Germain-des-Pr?s. The magnificent ram's head in the entrance of the hotel lends its name to the restaurant. You reach your table by passing under a central glass roof that interestingly creates a relaxing and private atmosphere. Seated at your table you can appreciate the view onto the patio and its 1830 Nicolas Ledoux fountain. Then, at the sight of the menu you will have no choice but to think of one of Oscar Wilde's famous remarks: "One can resist anything but temptation"! Following in the footsteps of Oscar Wilde, Jorge Luis Borges and many other celebrities who have stayed at L'H?tel, you will enjoy the cocktails named after them: 'Cardinal', 'Oscar Wilde', 'Mistinguett'. The piano bar, three nights a week, contributes to your relaxation and well-being. Created within the old vaults of the hotel and in the spirit of a Roman bath, you can find tranquillity and peace of mind in the hammam and perpetual wave swimming pool. Cooling off in the adjoining rotunda completes the relaxing experience.

Amenities