A heated debate among hoteliers would commence after questioning which was the world's first boutique hotel. However, L'Hotel in Paris is a likely candidate for this prestigious title. To understand why we have to go back in time.
Paris is not a cheap city. Usually, it ranks among the top 10 most expensive places to live, and that is reflected by the hotel prices.
The good news, however, is that fierce competition dictated quality standards are unusually high. Parisian hotels require special attention to detail and a great deal of hospitality to satisfy the ever-growing needs of tourists.
So what sets L'Hotel apart from the rest? Let's start with the building's heritage.
It was constructed nearly 200 years ago by Célestin-Joseph Happe in 1828.
The hotel was Oscar Wilde's home, and he died at the early age of 46, spending his last days in room number 16. The famous Irish poet died in 1900, and a plaque on the building's facade commemorates his life.
Apart from Oscar Wilde, a long list of famed people resided at Hôtel d'Alsace (the hotel's former name), including American actor Marlon Brando, French actress/singer Mistinguett, Polish movie director Roman Polanski, American actor Robert de Niro, and the list goes on.
Normally if a place attracts big names, it's for a good reason. L'Hotel perfectly fits the criteria for boutique hotels with only 20 rooms and a five-star rating.
Legend has it that Queen Margot frequented the hotel as she indulged in several love affairs and desperately needed a pretty love nest. So perhaps the reception's Cupid emblem is a reference to past events.
The old-French fashioned interiors exude both soul and charm. A perfect Martini cocktail with an Oscar Wilde novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, in hand in a dark corner of the hotel is an expressive visualization of this.
The hotel's iconic spiral staircase connects six floors of true Parisian romantic hideaways.
Today, each of the twenty rooms is as romantic as you would expect from a hotel in the heart of the city of love. The eclectic yet elegant rooms are filled with personality, and none are the same.
Art deco or 19th-century boudoir styling? You will find your expectation here. The exquisite and immaculate interior design is the work of Jacques Garcia.
Oscar Wilde Suite
The historic Oscar Wilde Suite is fitted with antique furniture, including a vintage bureau plat if you get inspired suddenly and feel the urge to write.
The 377 square feet (35 square meters) suite has a large private terrace, and if you book it, you'll get a complimentary breakfast and an hour to yourself in the hotel's Hammam pool.
Grand Suite
Bijoux Suite
Chic Suite
L'Apartment
L'Apartment is the hotel's most spacious suite spreading 484 square feet (45 square meters) of space, plus it has a private balcony overlooking the Parisian rooftops and the bell tower of Saint Germain-des Prés.
The spa at the hotel isn't ordinary either. While you cannot hop in anytime you like, as you have to make an appointment, L'Hotel's hidden relaxation space is something unique.
A spiraling staircase leads down to the haven where you can spend a private session of uninterrupted unwinding.
There is a brick-laden hammam pool dotted with candles and a steam room.
The hotel's location couldn't be any better. It's a street away from the River Seine, and the Pont des Arts bridge full of love locks takes you to the world-famous Louvre Museum.
13 Rue des Beaux Arts, 75006 Paris, France
