Best Western Belloy Saint-Germain

After seeing the latest Woody Allen film, Midnight In Paris, you can’t help feeling a great nostalgia for Old Paris and this hotel satisfies that need, without sacrificing modern requirements we’re all used to. Each room is hooked up with high-speed internet access, satellite television and air conditioning, as well as the classic features you’d expect; a complimentary newspaper, an alarm clock, an in-room safe and, of course, a mini-bar. The rooms are styled in a classic French Imperial, but contrasted with modern bathroom fixtures. Style and substance, what more could you ask for? Although, of course, this being a smaller hotel, there are sacrifices in the smaller comforts. The room-service options are thin, and there may not always be enough continental breakfast to go around. Fortunately, there are so many small cafes and bistros in the area, you don’t feel as though you are lacking in any way, and let’s be honest, you don’t go to a hotel like this for the room-service, and what the Best Western lacks in technical requirements, it makes up for in simple charm, which it has in abundance. One of the main selling points, of course, being location. Situated in the Latin Quarter, the hotel is a mere five minutes walk away from many of the beautiful hot spots of Paris (not to mention the nearest Metro lines). From the Jardin du Luxembourg to the Musée Cluny, the cultural sights the city has to offer feel as though they are on your doorstep. This may not be a 5 star hotel experience, but it’s all you really need, and a little more besides.

An astronomical bill from the Ritz shouldn’t be the souvenir that proves you’ve had a great Parisian experience. Perched on the corner a cosy side street, the Belloy Saint-Germain is proof that you can experience Paris tastefully without paying a king’s ransom. The hotel’s guest rooms are elegantly appointed in a traditional French Imperial style, which smartly contrasts the modern toilet and shower fixtures. The golden rule of real estate is ‘location, location, location’; and a central location is part of what makes the hotel such a gem. Situated on Rue Racine, in the 6eme arrondisement, the hotel is steps away from landmarks like the Musée Cluny, the gorgeous Jardin du Luxembourg, Odeon Cinema, as well as the ever popular Latin Quarter. Notre Dame Cathedral and Grand Palais are an easy walk for those feeling adventurous, additionally the hotel is equidistant from both Odeon and Cluny-Sorbonne metro stations. While elegant and tasteful however, the Belloy Saint-Germain may not be the right place if you’re high maintenance. Being a smaller hotel, the room service options are slim, no gym or pool, occasionally it’s quicker to take the stairs than wait on the pint-sized, lethargic elevator and if you’re not quick in the morning there may not be much of the continental breakfast left (and the coffee is excellent). Yet for more intrepid guests, a little exploration just beyond the confines of the Belloy will yield a wealth of cafes, bars, bistros as well as the ubiquitous Starbucks. Full of charm, in an excellent location that all but forces you to get out and explore Paris, the Belloy is far more than another generic Best Western, it is a stylish, comfortable and most importantly, affordable way to make the most of your time in Paris.