[image]
[title]The Paris hotel game is competitive. Guest houses, hostels, 5* palaces, Airbnb. This mindfield means you can never really be sure you’re getting the best experience for your buck.
You’re done with the hostel life, hotels are too same-same and Airbnbs are often rather different when you turn up… so, what else is there? Well, Paris Boutik has created something that’s bang in between the two. The luxury and originality of a boutique hotel, with the intimacy and freedom of an Airbnb. Plus, these places are about as original as they come. How often do you get to stay in an actual bookshop or vintage food store?
La Librairie, in the heart of the Marais (next door to the Marché des Enfants Rouges and Carreau du Temple etc) is a bookworm's paradise. A huge space for two (but with room for 4), you can sleep in amongst 4500 tomes. There’s a small kitchen with the essentials, a Nespresso machine for that all important wake up, plus a microwave, mini-fridge, and utensils to eat meals around the table. A clean and bright bathroom will put those suspect Airbnb showers to shame and the bed promises to be more comfortable than your own.
The shelves hold several old and rare books, and there’s unique comic book art decorating the walls. It’s safe to say, Paris Boutik now own the hashtag #bookporn. The suite used to be a former hotel (as the entrance tiles will tell you), and the company have kept the beautiful beams and parquet floor, so it feels that much more Parisian.
And like a genuine bookshop, the room is on street level, but thanks to the quality soundproofing you won't hear a pin drop. The perfect setting for curling up on the sofa and diving into a good book.
Gourmand? If you’re in Paris for the food, then voilà L’Epicerie. Based over in buzzy Bastille, you can stay in this former food store which has been converted into a chic duplex. A private bedroom and bathroom on the lower floor, plus a sofa bed in the sitting room it’s an ideal option for families. The owners searched high and low for unique and vintage food brands - the perfect deco for foodies.
And whilst you can’t fill your face from the walls (yes, we asked), you are a hop-skip-and-a-jump from several great places to do just that. The Marché d’Aligré is one of the oldest and most underrated Parisian markets, with many locals choosing it for their weekly shop. There’s also the pretty Rue Crémieux, one of our favourite streets, nearby. And, same goes for La Librairie, you can always order-in meals if you want to be more cost-effective.
Whichever suite you choose, you get the same fine trimmings (Bose soundsystem, flatscreen etc.) and personalised check-in by one of the team. Feel free to call with any questions throughout the day - they're all Paris-based and know the city like the back of their hand.
Finally, a hotel option that breaks the mould.
La Librarie, 12 Rue Caffarelli, 75003 Paris, +33 (0) 1 75 43 29 26 BOOK NOW
L'Epicerie, 12 Rue Parrot 75012 Paris, +33 (0)1 75 43 29 26 BOOK NOW