Rates: from €150 per night
Added extras: the swimming pool hidden in the vaulted cellars
Services: wifi, tea room, breakfast and pool
Ideally, any Paris hotel opening should be inspired by the history, soul and identity of the neighbourhood in which it resides. Romain Trollet, owner of the Square Louvois and Leslie Gauthier, interior decorator, know this all too well. Setting up a stone’s throw from the former Bibliothèque Nationale de Richelieu, in an area long frequented by arts students, literary spirit has naturally bled through the walls. Scattered about are photos of famous Parisian figures, such as a black and white portrait of Proust and his legendary moustache.
Decor is the perfect balance between Haussmannian tradition and modernity – the reception may be a little too opulent but the rest of the place is beautiful. The divine rooms, all between 16 and 37m2, have a distinctly Parisian low-key charm: high ceilings, parquet oak flooring, ceiling mouldings and marble fireplaces. It’s luxurious without being over the top. Added extras include free movies on the television, USB cables and a secret Paris address book on the bedside table. Highlights of this spot though are the daily tea and cake sessions from 4 to 6pm and the pool, hidden in the vaulted undeground cellars. This place really makes waves.
