Staying at Hotel de Sèze in Paris

Paris strikes me as a lady of a city. Elegant and refined. Not gaudy and loud. Not overly showy or pushy. When I think of hotels in Paris I think of cozy, elegant rooms mixing heritage buildings and fine fixtures. Of hushed conversations and real tea (not the cheap tea dust I drink at home) drunk from china cups, not paper.

On the border between the 8th and 9th arrondissements sits the newly opened Hotel de Seze, which embodies all of these qualities. It’s a surprisingly quiet oasis near the Place de la Madeleine, with top notch service, beautiful surroundings, and even a view of the Eiffel Tower if you’re lucky enough to stay on the 6th floor. The lobby is bright, yet cozy with spots for an intimate tête-à-tête or a small group chat. The marble floors, the velvet chairs, and the sparkling lights all let you know that you’re something special.

I was able to experience the hotel on my recent debut trip to Paris and I have to say, it was one of my highlights right next to cycling along the Seine and eating baguettes at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Did you notice that there’s even a butterfly in their logo? Kismet.

Imagine my surprise when there was a list of local shoe stores waiting for me when I checked in since they knew that I’m a shoe addict. It was just a quick glimpse at how thoughtful and friendly the staff are at the Hotel de Seze. You’ve probably heard that Parisians are rude, but it just doesn’t fly at this boutique hotel.

I’m a really tactile person. Just ask anyone who shops with me. I have to touch everything. If a fabric feels cheap, rough, or otherwise annoying I’ll pass on the piece, no matter cool the design. I had a field day at the Hotel de Seze. There are so many different textures, each more exquisite than the last. From the velvet curtains to the shiny metal tables to the silk and mother of pearl wall coverings, it was all fabulous.

You can tell that every single item in each room is intentional and that great care was taken when choosing the pieces. They’re also quite proud of the fact that their wheelchair accessible room is just as beautiful, bathroom included, as any other room in the hotel. All of these details come together to create a calming and very luxe environment.

My room was a gorgeous 6th floor retreat (don’t worry, there’s an elevator), which like all rooms, was decorated in mostly neutral tones with select pops of colour that really add character and style without being overwhelming. Instead of a headboard there was a dramatic wall covered in red silk to offset the white linens. Other rooms had giant macro photos of butterfly wings or flowers for headboards. White roof beams gave it that je ne sais quois that reminded you that you were indeed in the city of lights.

My absolute favourite part of my room though wasn’t the Nespresso or the task lights for every occasion. It the spa tub with a view of an iconic Parisian rooftop on my right and a tv at my feet. Combined with the Clarins (l’Occitane just isn’t good enough for this hotel) bath products, a glass of Taittinger Champagne it was the perfect way to relax after a day of pounding the pavement. I walk so much when I travel that spa tubs are always a much-loved but rarely splurged on indulgence.

 

A photo posted by Melissa Hogan (@suitcaseandheels) on Sep 9, 2014 at 2:29pm PDT

Every design aspect of the hotel focuses on the small details and textures of nature. There was stone, feather, and wood. Walls covered in stone, mother of pearl tile, and large macro photo headboards of butterfly wings. There was gleaming chrome and plush velvet. Just try to be stressed out here. I dare you.

One thing I always worry about when visiting a new city is where to stay. It’s hard to know if you’re making the right choice. Will it be safe? Will I be close to transit, restaurants, and attractions? Will it be noisy? Trust me, with multiple metro stops and a multitude of shopping nearby you won’t have to worry about any of that if you stay at the Hotel de Seze. I never once felt unsafe and the amazing windows and side street location block out any city noise so you’ll sleep like a baby.

No doubt about it, it’s a splurge but how often are you in Paris? If it’s in your budget (and maybe even if it’s not), treat yourself to a relaxing, pampered stay at the Hotel de Seze.

Have you been to Paris? Where’s your favourite place to stay?

Fact Sheet

• Where: 16 rue de Seze, 75009 Paris, France
• Cost: Rooms can range from $238 – $431
• Number of Rooms: 22
• Amenities: free wifi
• Rating: TripAdvisor 4.5*
• Check Availability

Note: I was a guest of Hotel de Seze but all opinions are my own. They didn’t ask that I write a favourable review or that I stay up too late watching French tv in the tub.