Hôtel du Petit Moulin in Paris where bohemian vibrancy and artistic expression define this absolutely fabulous hotel.
So dazzling are the interiors that you feel as though you are staying in a living work of art. If you are seeking a hotel that plunges you right into the quirky and individual side of Paris, then look no further than the couture Hôtel du Petit Moulin.
The wonderment starts even before you step inside the hotel, as you wind through tiny, labyrinthine Parisian streets deep into the real heart of the energetic Haut Marais, you come upon an authentic ‘Boulangerie’ shop front. This is Paris’ first original bakery, where Victor Hugo, who penned ‘Les Misérables used to come and buy his daily baguette! Protected under French Heritage, the original Boulangerie shop front remains and within this delicious slice of Parisian history is the charming and avant-garde Hôtel du Petit Moulin.
Hotel Room
From the deep rose coloured shag pile carpet, to the wall to ceiling magenta curtains and vibrant pink armchairs and wallpaper, this Deluxe Room certainly cannot be ignored!
The bathroom is spacious with dark wooden floors and a luxurious free standing bath with ornate finishings, making you feel as though you have stepped back in time to the Belle Époque. Supplied with ‘Codage’ products which are quintessentially French and crafted in a laboratory in the South of France, you can truly pamper yourself in this magnificent bathroom.
The room was bright and airy, allowing the soft spring Parisian light to filter through. The bed was roomy and had a choice of pillows depending on your likes, enabling you to get a perfect nights sleep to set you up for adventurous days discovering all that Paris has to offer.
Hotel Design/Overall
The Hôtel du Petit Moulin is like stepping into a bohemian home where only ‘those in the know’ congregate. It echoes the sentiment of the Hollywood movie ‘Midnight in Paris’ as you truly feel that you have stepped back into another era and time. Designed by Christian Lacroix, the hotel and its rooms echo his opulent, fantastical designs and they are all completely different.
The beating heart of the hotel is the honesty bar area. Here you have authentic wood and metal tables contrasted by bright, modern seats, where you can work, read, speak with friends and even play some of the board games that are placed out. The honesty bar, which opens at 12 noon every day, brings a lovely touch to the hotel, encouraging you to feel relaxed and give you the freedom to craft your own cocktail, pour your own wine or mix a personalised gin and tonic just the way you like it.
Wooden floors are throughout with timber beams. The artwork is varied, contrasting and at all times fascinating.
Restaurant/Breakfast
For breakfast, you have two choices of ‘Le Continental’ or ‘Le Parisian’ which both include staple French fares such as pastries, tea and coffee, French bread and butter. I opted for the larger Continental breakfast which included creamy yoghurt, fresh fruit salad, cheese and delectable croissants and pain au chocolats.
As there is no chef based within the hotel, the in dining menu and evening menu come from an authentic French restaurant right across the street called ‘Chez Nenesse.’ You have a choice of duck fillet, hearty poultry stew, or light seabass as main courses. Starters include the quintessentially French onion soup, duck foie gras, or a duck salad. In addition to the traditional French offering of Chez Nenesse, you do have the options of sushi you can order from the front desk or pizzas as well. Whatever your selection, you certainly won’t go hungry with so much choice.
Alternatively, if you walk for one minute down towards the bustling ‘Rue de Bretagne’ you will find a multitude of cafes, shops, fruit stalls, bars and much more.
Location
The Haute Marais is the high part of Le Marais. It is a local area, so you feel like a true Parisian staying in a location off the beaten tourist track. Le Marais is steeped his history and charm. Once upon a time, the entire district was an undesirable marsh (marais) until the gentrification and grand renovation of Paris occurred, seeing the King taking up a residence in this area. All of the aristocracy then rushed to build their grand mansions on this former swampland and the district literally transformed.
Known for its array of independent fashion houses and boutique stores, Le Marais is where the up and coming designers open their stores and you can discover more underground, yet to be commercially awarded fashion designers.
In close proximity of many attractions, you can visit the Musée Picasso, Carnavalet Museum, Place des Vosges and the Opéra Bastille.
Who is this hotel for?
Hôtel du Petit Moulin is for those who want to escape the tourist trail and delve deep into hidden, mysterious Paris. The hotel is ideal for solo travellers who are looking for somewhere quirky to stay, with the added benefit of the honesty bar as it enables spontaneous conversations to strike up with fellow guests. Couples on a weekend getaway will adore the uniqueness of the hotel, as would friends travelling together to explore Paris. The WiFi and common areas are ideal to work in, meaning business trips can be conducted effectively. This really is the hotel for anyone wishing to experience a more authentic Paris. The staff are really approachable, knowledgeable about the hotel and the area.
Hôtel du Petit Moulin Paris | Le Marais
29 Rue de Poitou, 75003 Paris, France
For bookings and more information http://www.hotelpetitmoulinparis.com/fr/
