Hôtel Jardin de Cluny, Paris

Pros

• The location is perfect for exploring the Left Bank on foot—you can walk to Notre-Dame, the Pantheon, or the cafés of Saint-Germain in under 10 minutes.
• The newly-renovated interiors are filled with vintage-style floral wallpapers, sculptural pendant lamps, and touches of velvet and rattan.
• An optional breakfast is served in the beautiful 13th-century stone cellar.
• Inviting common areas include a cozy library, a peaceful internal courtyard terrace, and an honesty bar nook for nightcaps and refreshments.

Cons

• Rooms are on the small side, though they're creatively designed to make the most of limited space.
• The elevator is small and slow, which isn't unusual for a historic Parisian building.

Authenticity

Hôtel Jardin de Cluny's Haussman-style building dates back to the late 19th century, and its preserved facade has a classic Parisian look despite the property's extensive 2021 renovation. Inside, it's a far cry from its former life as a bland chain hotel; the new interiors create a sanctuary-like feel inspired by the medieval gardens of the nearby Musée de Cluny. Think flourishing potted plants, sculptural pendant lights, and vintage-style botanical wallpapers, accented with natural materials like rattan and touches of velvet. 

Location

The 5th arrondissement address puts you amid the historic Latin Quarter, equidistant between Notre-Dame and the Pantheon (both a 10-minute walk). The legendary cafés of Saint-Germain-des-Prés lie 10 minutes west, and it's an easy 20 minutes on foot to the Musée du Louvre. Transportation links are excellent: you're a minute from the Maubert–Mutualité metro station (where you can also hop on the 63 bus to Gare de Lyon) and 10 minutes from Saint-Michel Notre-Dame (which connects with the RER B train to the airport). The pedestrian street means taxis will need to drop you off just around the corner. 

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's 40 rooms are on the small side, but they've been thoughtfully designed for functionality and comfort, with creative storage areas, botanical wallpapers, velvet headboards, and rattan furniture. Most have original French windows, and some include tiny wrought-iron balconies. Bathrooms are particularly stylish, with rainfall showers, brass fittings, and Nuxe toiletries. Room options start with petite Classics; upgrade to a King or Deluxe for more room to spread out. The top-floor Junior Suite sits under sloped mansard ceilings and sleeps four with a sofa bed. 

Amenities

There's not much in the way of extra amenities available at this smaller, townhouse-style hotel, but you'll find some inviting common areas, including a cozy library space, an internal courtyard terrace, and a small honesty bar. The warm, helpful staff is a past traveler favorite, as is the optional breakfast, served buffet-style under the stone arches of the building's original 13th-century cellar. Expect a classic French spread of pastries, breads, fruit, organic cheeses, and meats. 

Family-Friendliness

Children are welcome here, though the room configurations don't offer much flexibility for larger groups, and there are no interconnection options. The Junior Suite is the best bet for families, sleeping four with an extra sofa bed.