Paris has been around for about 2,000 years, and in its first days it was a settlement on the two islands in the Seine, Ile de la Cite and Ile St.-Louis. Today Ile de la Cite is dominated by police headquarters, the Palais de Justice and Notre Dame. Most hotels are on the smaller Ile St.-Louis. While this is at least 45 minutes by car or train from suburban golf courses (there are none in Paris proper), the upside is that it is home to some of the world's best ice cream, Berthillon.
Hotel de Lutece
Not quite as old as Paris itself, this hotel's building nonetheless dates back to the 17th century. Its furnishings of antiques, vintage tiles and old stonework encourage the notion of stepping back in time. The three-star rooms, however, offer modern amenities, with satellite and cable TV as well as free Wi-Fi. Rooms are soundproofed and air conditioned as well. This nonsmoking hotel offers a buffet breakfast, which is not included in the room rates.
Hotel de Lutece
65 rue Saint-Louis-en-l'Ile
75004 Paris, France
011 (33) 1 4326 2352
paris-hotel-lutece.com/
Hotel du Jeu de Paume
Its name literally means "game of palm," which was a French precursor to lawn tennis that was played with the hands. The year 2008 marked 20 years since the owners of this hotel took over, renovating the building while keeping the original stonework and wooden beams. It has 30 rooms, including two suites, one junior suite and two duplex rooms that open onto a private interior patio garden. All rooms feature satellite TV, direct-dial phone lines and minibars. For people staying longer than five nights, there are two apartments, with living rooms, kitchens and multiple bedrooms. The hotel's website compares it to a mansion, with guests having access to a bar, dining room, billiard room, library and more.
Hotel du Jeu de Paume
54 rue Saint-Louis-en-l'Ile
75004 Paris, France
011 (33) 1 4326 1418
jeudepaumehotel.com/romantic-hotel/
Hotel Saint-Louis-en-l'Isle
All of the 19 rooms in this hotel have bathtubs, which is a special bonus in Paris. There is a lounge area in the lobby with French and international magazines and newspapers, and soft drinks are available. A buffet breakfast is offered, and the hotel can provide airport shuttles or car service, complete with driver for an additional charge. The nonsmoking rooms have air conditioning, Wi-Fi and cable TV.
Hotel Saint-Louis-en-l'Isle
75 rue Saint-Louis-en-l'Ile
75004 Paris, France
011 (33) 1 4634 0480
saintlouisenlisle.com/
About The Author
Denise Kelly is the copy editor for a small publisher in Paris, France. Before that she was a copy editor at daily newspapers, starting in graduate school. She has been writing professionally since 1996. She has a Master of Science in journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in political science.
