Hôtel Mistral

With an extra-quiet location one block from the Cimetière du Montparnasse, the Hôtel Mistral is a budget boutique gem, offering a romantic history and modern pizzazz.

We like hotels like the Mistral. The management recently gave a major facelift to the one-star hotel—injecting it with some style and sass but keeping its rates down to earth. Part of this, of course, is due to the hotel’s lack of elevator. (But hey, we’re not complaining. We’ll even schlep our bags up to the fifth floor to catch a better view.)

Quick read

Pros: Simple but attractive rooms. Delightful courtyard and garden. Rich history.
Cons: No elevator.

Rooms

The Mistral's 43 renovated guest rooms are still pretty basic, although infused with a touch of boutique design. Beds are pretty standard, although headboards are dark-stained wood and stretch the entire length of the wall. Desks are simple, although their red leather-backed chairs have some attitude. Walls are clean and hung with cool art. 

Rooms at the Hôtel Mistral look out onto the quiet rue Cels or the even quieter back garden. All "classic" rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and telephone. Their private bathrooms are snazzy white-tiled affairs, equipped with a large mirror, hair dryer and glass shower.

Three cheaper "standard" rooms are simpler, still with a touch of style but without a TV. These rooms are equipped with a sink only, and share a toilet and shower in the hallway. 

Hotel facilities

Downstairs, there’s a small (yet attractive) sitting area. A continental breakfast buffet is served (for €9) in the next room, which opens onto a charming outdoor garden.

The Hôtel Mistral has history, to boot: Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre lived here between 1937-1939 and at various times during World War II.

The hotel is non-smoking (except for the courtyard). There is no elevator—if this is an issue, ask for a room on a lower floor. Wi-Fi is offered for free throughout the hotel.