The moody and mysterious Maison Souquet is a former ‘pleasure house’ – which is a nice way of saying ‘former brothel’. Things have cleaned up a touch since this four storey townhouse opened for risque business in 1905, and it relaunched as a boutique hotel par excellence in 2015. Though its more raunchy days during the Belle Epoque might be behind it, you’ll find the hotel within high-kicking distance from the Moulin Rouge and the Pigalle’s strip of marvellously mucky sex shops. It might not be one for a family stay, but if you’re looking for a dose of French history and a great location (you’re right next to the hilariously picturesque cobbled streets of Montmartre) then Maison Souquet is the perfect, slightly pervy, Parisian escape. There’s also an occult-adjacent spa in the basement; all midnight blue and available for private hire by the hour, which makes Maison Souquet even more of a unique proposition.
Why stay at Maison Souquet?
Romance – or at the very least, a dirty weekend – is unavoidable at Maison Souquet. Decor is never less than utterly ostentatious, starting with the red lamps outside that announce the hotel’s location on Rue de Bruxelles, the same street on which writer Emile Zola once lived (Number 21, if you’re interested in making a brief pilgrimage). The entrance parlour, complete with campy Arabian Nights-worthy interior, which was originally built for a Belgian aristocrat’s turn of the century mansion, is a many pronged attack on the senses, whiffing delightfully of the hotel’s signature fragrance, thanks to an ever-burning scented candle. Next is the beautiful small bar, made up in classic gentleman’s club fashion, complete with extremely flattering lighting. This was the room where Madame Souquet would fix up paying customers with her girls (after checking they were of a decent enough caliber in the front parlour). It’s now artfully wood-pannelled and with enough red velvet to xxx, as well as chessboards and a library of leatherbound books and. The final ground floor space is the somewhat brighter garden room, a chintzy salon where breakfast is served. There’s also a small, leafy patio for indulging in that ever-so-french pastime of un petit cigarette. The intense styling continues in the lavish swimming pool and spa area, which guests can rent by the hour.
What are the rooms like at Maison Souquet?
A true boutique hotel, there are 20 rooms at Maison Souquet, including six suites across four floors, all linked by hilariously dark corridors (careful if you’re getting back after a couple of cocktails). The vibe in each is raunchy but classy, with each room named after a real-life courtesan who worked in Paris. Designed by omnipotent French hotel designer Jacques Garcia in old world Indian, Chinese, and Japanese styles, expect elegant fabric-covered headboards, flock wallpapers, and satin drapes, as well as classically Parisian floor-to-ceiling windows and mini balconies. There are also mini bars, espresso machines, and kettles. My room - name - is on the top floor, so the windows let in lots of light during the day, which is quite refreshing in such a low-lit hotel.
What is the food like at Maison Souquet?
Breakfast is continental or American, with a la carte dishes also available - eggs anyway you like them, smoked salmon etc. As should always be the way in Paris, the bread basket is a work of art, featuring two baguettes, a couple of croissants and pain au chocolat. The bar serves cocktails starting at 5pm until 1am, and food whenever you want it, which you can also get as room service; from posh cheese platters, to plates of pasta, tarte tatin, and foie gras with fig chutney.
What is the service like at Maison Souquet?
Check-in is a classy affair, with a welcome drink on arrival (a lovely verbena, lemon and rose syrup concoction), before we’re given a tour of the ground floor, then shown up to our room. The concierge is available 24/7, staff are super friendly and always on hand to help.
What is the pool and spa like at Maison Souquet?
Every guest is allowed free private access to Salon d'Eau, the hotel’s underground pool and hamam-style steam room each day they’re staying, in hour slots from 8am-8pm. Massage treatments are also available for an extra cost. It’s an unmissable experience, and quite otherworldly. With its deep midnight blue walls and gold ceiling painted with the astrological universe, this is a spa if spas were designed by Alistair Crowley. Complete with a steam room, lap pool, comfy bed and shower, it’s all you need for an hour’s slightly sinister, but deeply relaxing retreat under the pavements of Paris.
What’s the area like around Maison Souquet?
Montmartre is just an amble away, and to have the perfect Parisian day you needn’t leave the neighbourhood at all. A stroll up to the top of Sacre Coeur will only take 15 minutes at most (depending on the amount of tourist traffic lining the streets), and other worthwhile attractions include the Montmartre Museum, which showcases paintings by some of the areas greatest artists, including Suzanne Valdon whose atelier is recreated on the museum’s top floor. Montmartre Cemetery – the third biggest in Paris – is home to the graves of singer Dalia, painter Edgar Degas, film director Francois Truffaut, and ballet superstar Vaslav Nijinsky. There’s even a gorgeous little rep cinema, Studio 28, which shows occasional english language films, but also has a cafe and bar open to all.
Why should you book a stay at Maison Souquet?
If you want to do saucy Paris, but not sleazy Paris, then Maison Souquet is the ideal grown-up escape.