Hôtel Bel Ami
7-11 Rue Saint Benoit, Paris, France, 75006
Loading map...
#3 of 80
expert-rated hotels in Paris- Recommended for:
- Business travellers, Couples, Culture vultures, Families with younger children, Honeymooners, People watching, Relaxation, Shopping, Special occasions, Trendiness
Expert review of Hôtel Bel Ami
Buzzy designer style hotel in a converted St-Germain printworks.
When this place opened in the 1990s as a chic design hotel firmly aimed at the fashion set it was perhaps just a little too cool for its own good. Since then, I think it's actually improved, there's an undeniable buzz about this place, yet it's also warmed up, both colour-wise and in the genuine welcome, with attentive service, comfortable sofas in the lobby and an all-day bar and café.
Location:
It's hard to find a better St-Germain location than this: shops, art galleries and the social hub of the Flore, Deux Magots and Lipp on boulevard St-Germain at the end of the street.
Bedrooms:
The 114 rooms come in different spice colours (think cinnamon, cumin, etc) and clean modern lines and have all recently been refreshed; "orange" rooms are more trad, "ivory" have a 60s touch. Some rooms have very large windows – from the building's days as a printworks (but with double double glazing to keep street noise out); others on the rue Apollinaire side have views of the Eglise St-Germain-des-Prés; fourth floor rooms are mansarded. For a special occasion go for one of the four two-room suites, which take a nod at St-Germain's arty heritage: I particularly like the artist's "atelier" (No. 419) – a sort of chic vision of bohemia with dark parquet, cowskin rug and art books.
Check availability and compare prices for Hôtel Bel Ami
Public areas:
The ground floor has real ambience, with plenty of places to sit, long concierges' desk and glimpses of St-Germain action outside.
Eating and drinking:
Breakfast is served in the agreeable BA Café – with a bright café-style decor and a huge choice including classic croissants and eggs and bacon. You can have light meals, drinks and cocktails all day in the BA Bar, which is also a meeting spot for Parisians, and there's also a room service menu.
Leisure facilities:
There's a very zen Payot spa and a fitness room. Piano bar in the bar every Thursday to Saturday and a jazz or classical concert on the first Thursday of the month.
Service:
Lots of eager reception staff, all of whom speak French, English and at least one other language. I was impressed by how they seemed genuinely keen to meet the different needs of each guest.
Check availability and compare prices for Hôtel Bel Ami
Who stays there:
Over half the clientele are Anglophones, though you'll also find plenty of Japanese. A favourite with the fashion trade, it also makes a real effort for children, with special family packages and the possibility of either adding an extra bed or interconnecting rooms.
Price advice:
Breakfast is a steep 25 euros, so try to get a deal with breakfast included. Also look out for special offers for advance booking, longer stays and packages with spa treatments.
Pros:
Great location
Buzzy atmosphere
More information on Hôtel Bel Ami:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- 7-11 Rue Saint Benoit, Paris, France, 75006
- Free tags / Keywords:
- Jazz
- Amenities:
- Business Centre, Fitness Centre, High-Speed Internet, Pets Allowed, Restaurant, Room Service
- Neighbourhood:
- St-Germain-des-Prés
