Hotel Montalembert

The rooms are very small, but their charm won us over. We loved the breakfast, and the hotel's location made it a great base for exploring the area. The building has been beautifully renovated and has a lovely atmosphere, with a refined French feel.

The stay was far below what I'd expect from a five-star hotel, both in service and professionalism. As a Bonvoy Platinum Elite member, I'd honestly tell people to forget about this one. I booked Hotel Montalembert in August and travelled to Paris alone, but the experience was disappointing from the start. The TV kept switching itself on and off. I told the front desk, who said a technician would come, but nobody did, and it happened so often that the room felt unsettling. One evening, despite my “Do Not Disturb” sign, I returned to find sewage in the shower. Staff couldn't work out where it came from, say whether anyone had entered, or offer a clear fix. Only on checkout day did they mention a burst pipe. When I was rushing to dinner, I asked for just the shower area to be cleaned. The message didn't get through properly, and the cleaner started tidying the whole bathroom, making things more disruptive. On my last day I spoke with the hotel director, Ms Laurence Guinebretière. The conversation was surprisingly unpleasant. Instead of dealing with the repeated problems, she defended the staff and suggested I'd been rude to them, which I felt was unfounded. She referred to other guests' comments about me but gave no details, saying only that they were “at the Christian Dior gallery at the moment.” She also brought up the discounted room rate as though it excused the experience. Her tone felt condescending and dismissive, leaving me with the sense that guest feedback isn't valued. If consistent service and respect matter to you, I'd look at other hotels in Paris, especially ones managed by Bonvoy, Hyatt, Shangri-La, IHG, or Hilton. I regret giving this hotel a try.

We had spacious connecting rooms for our family of four, plus a nice patio for some fresh air and AC we could adjust ourselves, which was great in the summer heat. The front desk staff were so friendly, housekeeping was prompt, and the welcome for the kids was lovely: chocolates, desserts, a handwritten card, and balloons. It's safe, quiet, and well placed on the Left Bank, close to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, designer boutiques, and charming local shops. There's a grocery store right across the street and great restaurants nearby that stay open late. The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, Café de Flore, and Le Bon Marché are all about a 15-minute walk away. We enjoyed wandering to the Seine after dinner, and walked from Café de Flore to Notre-Dame in just 20 minutes. Walking often took about as long as an Uber, and it was a joy to explore on foot. We can't wait to come back.

The concierge delivers world-class service. A real gem right in the heart of Paris.