One of Paris’ most historic neighbourhoods, the Latin Quarter attracts large numbers of visitors, many of whom chose to base themselves in one of the district’s various hotels.
(Photo: Maison Colbert Member of Meliá Collection / Courtesy Booking.com)
With its history of learning and scholarship, it wouldn’t be a great stretch to imagine the district, also known as the 5th arrondissement, as a place of solemn gravitas, where visitors walk around in quiet, earnest contemplation. Au contraire. A bustling student population, owing to Sorbonne University being based in the area, and a thriving bar, café and restaurant scene, have ensured that the Latin Quarter has an energy and buzz to match its weighty heritage. Tempted to stay here? We’ve selected 5 of the best hotels that the area has to offer.
Maison Colbert
Mixing modern luxury with homages to Parisian history and art, this 16th-century boutique hotel could be described as the Latin Quarter in microcosm. In keeping with its environs, it even boasts an illustrious past, having served as the former residence of famous French writer Simone de Beauvoir. Each of the 39 guest rooms, meanwhile, are adorned with the sensual paintings of Spanish Impressionist artist Joaquín Sorolla, and the room’s sloping ceilings and Notre-Dame views across the river are further alluring additions. The hotel’s layout, fabricated around a courtyard, accentuates the over-arching character, helping create the sense of an intimate hideaway. An elegant bar/lounge invites guests to unwind in sumptuous satisfaction at their surroundings. From €388 per night.
Hotel Pilgrim
(Photo: Hotel Pilgrim)
One of the newest additions to the Latin Quarter’s accommodation scene, Hotel Pilgrim has rapidly received rave reviews as one of the district’s most stylish places to stay. Exuding modern charm with a dash of retro flair, the hotel boasts a minimalist interior with concrete walls, a dark and elegant façade, and pops of creative touches throughout. The 53 guest rooms are decorated with colourful fabrics that lend a bohemian look and feel. Elsewhere, perhaps the standout feature is the spa and wellness centre – relatively unusual for a city hotel of this moderate size – where guests can take a dip in the indoor pool, indulge in a soothing hammam session, and pick from a range of pampering massages. There’s also a rooftop terrace with views over Patis and a bar serving cocktails. Buffet breakfasts are served in the stylish lobby area each morning. From €214 per night.
Hotel Vendome
Another boutique option in the Latin Quarter but without the premium prices, this achingly cute 3-star hotel may lack the bells and whistles of some of its neighbourly counterparts, but what it lacks in opulence and grandeur it makes up for in charm. Nestled on a quiet side street, just minutes from Notre Dame, it features a laid-back bar and lounge area and a continental breakfast served daily that sets guests up for a long day’s sightseeing. The modern guest rooms are minimalist in style, unfussy and pristinely maintained, and come with a flat-screen TV, a coffee-maker and a fridge. There’s a metro station a minute away on foot, offering easy access to the rest of the city. From €93 per night.
Hotel De Suez
(Photo: Hotel De Suez)
Enjoy breakfast on your private balcony with views over the Latin Quarter rooftops at this unassuming mid-range hotel. Set within a 19th-century building, the property combines a prime location, just minutes on foot from the Luxembourg Garden and Notre-Dame, with plenty of comfort. Guest rooms feature a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom, and some also have a small aforementioned balcony. Elsewhere in the hotel, there’s 24-hour front desk and breakfasts are served each morning in the compact lobby area. There’s a metro station very close by, too. From €171 per night.
Hotel Sunny
If you’re keen to stay in the Latin Quarter, but want to avoid the prices typically associated with its hotels and are happy with somewhere comfortable bus basis, Hotel Sunny may well fit the bill on all counts. Within easy reach of all of the area’s main attractions and places of interest, the hotel features a 24-hour reception and vending machines selling a range of snacks and drinks. Guest rooms contain a TV and a private bathroom. Continental breakfasts are served every morning and can also ordered up to rooms. The Pantheon is a brisk 15-minute walk away. From €80 per night.