Relais Saint Germain

We were excited to try this hotel after two different friends recommended it, but our room left us underwhelmed. It’s listed as 29 square meters, about 300 square feet, yet the chopped-up layout made it feel closer to 150. The decor was very dark and depressing, more like a funeral parlor. The bathroom had been updated nicely, but the shower was incredibly small even though there was a full bathtub. That felt like a poor use of space, since the tub area could have made a decent, normal-sized shower. The angled walls also meant I had to sit sideways on the toilet. Getting to our room involved stairs, an elevator, then more stairs. Breakfast was good, but the service seemed to depend on the mood of whoever was working that day. I’m guessing our friends had a different, better room, because based on our stay I couldn’t recommend the hotel.

I come to Paris about once a year for work and stay three nights, and I always return to the Relais Saint Germain. It has that quaint, storybook feel and seems just right, authentically Parisian, with a great location. Breakfast each morning includes delicious local food, and the staff are extremely kind and unpretentious. After my latest stay, a delivery was mistakenly sent to the hotel. Ana was so helpful about getting the parcel back to me in Canada.

Gilles deserves special thanks. I emailed late at night with an urgent question and got a quick, helpful reply with a solution. My room at Hotel Relais Saint-Germain was spacious, clean and warm, with lovely Parisian decor, a bathtub and a nice view. It was quiet and comfortable, and I slept perfectly. Breakfast was delicious, and I could order it to the room. A wonderful stay, and I highly recommend it, five out of five.

Nila at the front desk was especially attentive, pleasant and accommodating, and the location was a big plus. The room was clean and smelled good, the air conditioning worked well, and the bed and pillows were very comfortable. I’d recommend the hotel and stay again. A couple of things were inconvenient: the shower may be uncomfortable for taller guests or anyone with accessibility needs, and we had to leave our key at the front desk whenever we went out and pick it up when we returned. The elevator is tiny, barely enough for two people.