Hôtel Mistral

With an extra-quiet location one block from the Cimetière du Montparnasse, the Hôtel Mistral is a lovely boutique hotel that offers a romantic history and modern pizzazz. However, you have to search hard to find a budget-friendly rate.

First, an explanation: Until 2013, the Hotel Mistral was a one-star budget boutique hotel. It was a slightly far-flung spot where you could score a cheap air conditioned room with some style for well under €100.

That changed in 2014 when the Mistral gave itself an impressive overhaul, which added amenities and services, fresh new designs, an elevator, and yes, more expensive rates. Rooms now regularly go for over €2500 (although we found last minute and low season rates for around €150). Given the new rates, we can no longer list the Mistral as a EuroCheapo “Editor Pick,” although we think the hotel is definitely worth booking if the price is right.

The Mistral's 37 guest rooms are comfortable, if plain. Many rooms are white and beige, although you may find rooms with pops of purple or pink. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TV, minibar, and safe. Wi-Fi is free and works throughout the hotel. Rooms look out onto the quiet rue Cels or the even quieter back garden.

Interestingly, each room sports its own photo optical illusion—a photo and mirror set installed into the corner that provides a playful (and fictional) view of a famous Paris sight.

Bathrooms have also been gussied up significantly, and now offer slick white tiling, glass walls and premium toiletries. And if you feel like you’re being watched, you’re not losing it: A cartoony rendering of Jean-Paul Sartre or Simone de Beauvoir appears in one of the tiles in each bathroom. (The duo lived here between 1937-1939 and at various times during World War II.)

Downstairs, there’s a small sitting area. A continental breakfast buffet is served (for €14) in the next room, which opens onto a charming outdoor garden. The hotel's owners and desk staff struck us as very friendly and accommodating. (Guests checking out during our visit seemed quite pleased with their stay.)

The Mistral’s location, tucked away under the Cimetiere du Montparnasse, is a sleepy, quiet and residential spot. However, the Gare Montparnasse is just a 5-minute walk from the hotel.

The hotel is non-smoking (except for the courtyard).