checking in
le placide, paris
Decor and atmosphere: Compact and bijou. Cleverly designed by Philippe Starck’s sometime co-designer Bruno Borrione, the eleven small suites of this Saint Germain boutique hotel manage to feel both light and cosy. Mirrors, glass, white drapes and scaled-down furniture give a sense of airiness, despite capsule-size rooms, while pale leather and fur throws add a Bardot love nest vibe. Only the lounge area really suffers from lack of space – long-legged guests may find the breakfast banquette somewhat cramped.
The friendly concierges and manager give this place a relaxed, family-run feel. For a design hotel, the service is not at all snooty.
Plus points: The peaceful Saint Germain location. Paris is such a humansized city that even if business takes you to the further reaches of the Right Bank, you can still easily cab it back to this charming quarter in the evenings. Le Placide has the added bonus of being two steps from that chic food and fashion mecca, Le Bon Marché department store. Personal touches at Le Placide include weekly events lists – exhibitions and concerts – left by your bed. And little luxuries such as Molton Brown bath products are nice, too.
Minus points: There are none of the amenities found in larger hotels. There’s no gym (though you can get a masseur sent in on request). And you won’t be having meetings in your hotel bar – because there isn’t one. There’s no restaurant, either, but in this area you’re spoilt for choice.
Tech talk: WiFi in all rooms at no charge. Flat-screen TV, DVD player.
Cost: Double with en-suite bathroom from €350. Breakfast is an extra €22.
Le Placide, 6 rue Saint-Placide, 6th arr., Paris +33 (0)1 4284 3460 www.leplacidehotel.com.
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