Hôtel Emile

Note: The Hotel Emile opened on May 1, 2012. This hotel is the former Hôtel Sévigné, which was a EuroCheapo pick for nearly a decade. We'll be visiting the hotel to update our photos soon.

Situated one block from Metro St-Paul in the heart of the Marais, the three-star Hôtel Emile (formerly the two-star Hotel Sévigné) offers newly renovated boutique rooms with beautiful street views at rates that are somewhat affordable, though hardly "cheapo."

Quick read

Pros: Trendy, well-equipped rooms. Convenient location. Lively neighborhood.
Cons: No longer “cheapo.” Small rooms.

Rooms

The Emile's 29 guestrooms, once quite simple and cheery, got a trendy overhaul in early 2012, leaving them modern, snappy, and (unsurprisingly) quite a bit more expensive than they used to be. Patterned wallpaper pops off one wall, while another accent wall stands boldly in a solid tone. Tile floors add a Moorish touch, and beds are covered with fluffy white duvets.

That said, the rooms are also quite small (that, at least, hasn't changed since the old Sévigné days), but are flooded with natural light. All are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen television, telephone and free Wi-Fi.

Most notably, the rooms feature gorgeous views of the historic neighborhood (and, happily, windows are double-glazed and soundproof). Rooms on the second and fifth floors have narrow balconies, boasting views of rue de Rivoli, the Église Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis and the crowds at the lively Métro Saint-Paul stop.

Hotel facilities

The management and staff at the Sévigné are friendly and helpful. There’s an elevator, but to reach it you have to climb six steps.

Breakfast is offered for €8, but bear in mind that the hotel is sandwiched between a traditional café and an American diner, with a string of boulangeries, pâtisseries and chocolate shops nearby.

Speaking of neighbors, the Sévigné is situated near such favorites as the Musée Carnavalet, the Synagogue de la rue Pavée, the Maison de Victor Hugo and the Place des Vosges.

Notes

The Emile offers a 10% discount when booking at least 30 days in advance.