We're off to discover a bucolic hotel in the historic Saint-Germain district, a stone's throw from the Seine and Notre Dame Cathedral. La Lanterne is the name of this 4-star boutique hotel, which pays homage to the famous Parisian streetlamps.
It's a human-scale hotel that's as welcoming as home, but with great amenities all the same. Vaulted swimming pool, spa, clef d'or concierge service and bistronomic room service are all on offer.
The hotel underwent a year of renovation and expansion thanks to the acquisition of the neighboring hotel. There are now 42 rooms, including 3 "Top Floor" rooms, each with its own terrace overlooking the rooftops of Paris, and two duplex rooms.
The rooms are adorned with wallpapers inspired by the Parisian lanterns and lampposts of photographer Nicolas Sénégas. The decor is both modern and elegant. Paintings of antique etchings and fine Chinese fabrics are combined. Pierre Dubois, co-founder of the Les Héritiers decorating house, has set his sights on comfort, functionality and long-lasting facilities.
The hotel also boasts an inner courtyard opening onto an interior garden. Here we discover 4 rooms in absolute calm, giving us the impression of being in a private home.
In the basement, La Lanterne unveils a swimming pool hidden beneath vaulted ceilings. There's a mosaic-tiled hammam, a high-tech fitness room and a spa offering full Ayurvedic massages, available to hotel guests and "outsiders" alike, with TAAJ, a range of treatments combining traditional Indian know-how and top-of-the-range French expertise.
In the communal areas, you'll find a number of nooks and crannies where you can relax: a 50s-style entrance hall with large armchairs for reading, a Chinese lounge for quiet moments or meetings, and a bar/breakfast room.
A Clef d'Or Concierge is on hand to listen to your every whim, and offer tailor-made advice on visiting the city as you wish. For room service, the hotel calls on the neighboring brasserie l'Annexe, which offers a fine menu of home-cooked dishes. Fresh, seasonal bistro fare, to be enjoyed from 12pm to 11.30pm, accompanied by fine local wines.
In short, a charming, well-located hotel that feels just like home, only better.
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
Location
Hotel La Lanterne
12 Rue de la Montagne Sainte Geneviève
75005 Paris 5
Access
Maubert-Mutualité station line 10
Official website
www.hotel-la-lanterne.com
More information
33 rooms (classic, superior, deluxe and one suite), from 16 to 35 m2 3 Top Floor rooms, from 18 to 22m2 with private terrace 4 Superior Garden rooms from 16 to 19m2 2 Duplex rooms, from 35 to 45m2 for families
