Everyone is talking about - Petit Moulin
Still quite the talk of the town, this small boutique hotel has had a good run of publicity and for good reason. I spent one night in room 401; a good size ‘bon chambre’ (meaning the attic room where the maid once slept). It was airy and comfortable. You do have to climb quite a few stairs so with heavy suitcases this could be difficult.
The bathroom was roomy, equipped with a large bath (and strong shower head in bath which made showering difficult and washing my hair impossible). The air conditioning was welcomed on a hot summer’s night and the quiet street ensured a good night’s sleep even with alcohol dehydration! It wasn’t as glam as the other rooms so I was a little disappointed I was really looking forward to a little sparkle but space compensated for that.
We also booked room 4 in located on the ground floor behind reception. It too was fine for a short stay with a bath and a good size bathroom for Paris. Being on the first floor, two double doors blocked any noise from reception. Staff were extremely helpful with our constant demands for extra towels, drinks and room service. Being a ‘girly’ weekend it was close to perfect for this fussy lot. Breakfast was a delight with fresh fruit and juice, yogurt, cereal and a large plunger of strong coffee; good value for the 15 euros. Would I stay again, yes but in a room designed by Christain Lacroix Please!
STAY
An Urban refuse at Mama Shelter
— Hotel: Situated in the 20th and close by to the Père Lachaise Cemetery. The heart of Saint Blaise boasts numerous artist studios so its a 'creative' feel.
Talking creative, Philippe Starck has waved his design wand over these small but very affordable Parisian rooms starting from €80 for a single and up to around €261. There are a few quirky design pieces like the 'Tweety' bird lamp or the Batman/Hulk wall lights. For the young and the young at heart. Features like iMac in the room for computing or watching TV. Computerised check out, micro wave to warm up that fabulous lunch you couldn't finish and a communal breakfast table.
Why go: Its not the most reputable part of Paris but its groovy and funky and has some great features such as the graffiti designed receptions. Its also in a 'non touristy' area to really discover urban Paris. Lovely satin/cotton sheets 'comme un 4 etoiles' they say. You won't find a Pool table in the 'brasserie' or a 'Foosball' game for 4 players in any other hotel in Paris. Choose from 3 bars and two eating areas. This is a hotel experience rather than a hotel stay.
Enjoy breakfast while surfing the net in the combined television/wi-fi/chat/breakfast come breakfast room. There's even a private Yoga room.
Rooms: This is not a small hotel, a 172 rooms but all have a sensual refuge feel about them. Bathrooms are functional and in the suites quite large. Rooms range from Deluxe to a two room suite 'Mama suite' or the 'Mama Terrace' with its separate office area. There are some great rates at this hotel so email us your requirements and we will get back to you with the 'best rate' possible.
109, rue Bagnolet 75020 t: 33 (0)1 43 48 48 48
Book Petit Moulin
— Review above.
Best Features: Crisp cotton sheets, elegant rooms and a stroll to shopping in the Marais. Standard from €190, double room.
29/31 rue du Poitou, Marais
Luxury apartments in the heart of Paris
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