Hôtel De La Bretonnerie

“We will be back, loved it.”

Our stay at Hotel de la Bretonnerie was fantastic. It's a beautiful old building (with antiquated features, so if you are overly fastidious and pedantic, don't choose this one.). I loved it for its charm, it's character, and each room is delightfully different. We chose a junior suite for our... more

Our stay at Hotel de la Bretonnerie was fantastic. It's a beautiful old building (with antiquated features, so if you are overly fastidious and pedantic, don't choose this one.). I loved it for its charm, it's character, and each room is delightfully different. We chose a junior suite for our stay,. For 2 people this gives you plenty of space. In older buildings rooms are fairly small, but one must accept this as a part of Paris character, not a flaw. In fact this choice of room provides a larger bedroom with a beautiful bed, a small lounge, a bathroom and a toilet room. The check in was easy, after a long arduous flight from Australia. Reception was quick and professional. Each time I had contacted them for one reason or another over the last few weeks (by email) I was answered quickly and professionally. This made me feel very comfortable with my choice. We were on the 3rd floor. It was quiet. Luckily for us there was a small lift to help with suitcases. The keys are a little heavy, I suggest key rings be changed, I don't like the idea of leaving keys at the reception, and prefer to take it with me, but they're like lugging a small sack of dollar coins around! The room was sufficiently ventilated (no A/C as government rules prevent this in the heritage Marais area.) With two windows, we were able to open both in the afternoons, to cool off any risen heat. The decor was delightful, all throughout the building, lovely antique furniture. Again, if you are Mr or Mrs Extreme Fusspot, don't bother reading. The antiques are as you find them, au naturale - not all polished to death. I loved it. Each room, each floor had different unusual and lovely period furniture. I loved the floor to ceiling wallpaper (which was sometimes on the ceiling!!) Perhaps some of the lights could have been a little brighter, we found it a little on the dark side at times, but again, part of the character. The foyer was gobsmacking! Huge timbers - the original 1600s ones, were exposed and just astonishing. The bed was delicious. So comfortable, the pillows absolutely heavenly. Maybe a few too many cushions. I just loved the bed. I haven't slept that well in ages. The room had two bathroom vanities. Very convenient. The bathroom was acceptable, it was adequate, supplied with lovely soaps, shampoo etc. Yes, the bath was very small, I worried that the shower always squirted out as the shower screen was not big enough to stop the floor getting wet, but ...go with the flow, pardon the pun. My TWO small complaints would be that the grout and silicone around the shower/bath was dirty./ dark / mouldy. It should have been cleaned, bleached and the silicone replaced as it looks unpleasantly dirty. It probably wasn't, so I ignored it. The second being that the little kettle/jug for boiling water had the shortest cord...and could not be moved easily. It was also very small, and overflowed when boiling often. Ah...first world problems. Ha ha. Security seemed excellent, a good safe, and someone at the hotel desk 24 hours. We were absolutely comfortable with the level of security. Breakfast was very pleasant. A small but varied selection, fresh orange juice, and delicious pastries. Well worth the E15.00 ea. I was sometimes confused by the lovely lady who looked after breakfast, as I don't speak french and she didn't speak English. (and why should she, after all.) A small blip. Breakfast was served in a fascinating cellar. The house cat slinks in and out sometimes, a delight. I must comment on the delightful music that plays during breakfast, beautiful ballets etc. The location is first class. Step out to a small Monoprix supermarket. Walk a few steps to ancient buildings, gorgeous bistros, and delightful cafes and patisseries. Close to a number of metro stations, this is definitely the hotel I will be coming back to next time, for all the charm and flair that Paris and The Marais can give. Thankyou for a lovely stay. We will be back. J Gilchrist.

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