Hôtel A la Villa des Artistes, Paris

Pros

• The location on a quiet side street off Boulevard du Montparnasse is close to Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Latin Quarter, and the Luxembourg Gardens.
• Interiors pay homage to the hotel's artistic history with modern decor inspired by 1930s art movements like Surrealism and Cubism.
• The top-floor Duplex Suite occupies a former artist's studio and features views over the Paris rooftops.
• A peaceful courtyard garden offers a quiet spot to relax during warmer months or enjoy an optional al fresco breakfast.
• The staff is known for their kindness and helpfulness, particularly in arranging transport and assisting with guest needs.

Cons

• The smallest room options can feel a bit tight, so those with longer stays might want to upgrade for more room. 

Authenticity

Hôtel A La Villa des Artistes's turn-of-the-century building once played host to luminaries like Beckett, Fitzgerald, and Modigliani. Today, the hotel is owned by the French Elytel group, with modern interiors that give a nod to the neighborhood's artistic heyday in the 1930s. The entrance's art Art Deco style references the Montparnasse artists' colony "La Ruche," while inside, you'll find portraits of famous artists and thinkers of the age lining the walls. Each room is decorated with accents inspired by movements like Surrealism and Cubism, and doors are embellished with artists' quotes. 

Location

The hotel sits on a quiet side street off the Boulevard du Montparnasse in the 6th arrondissement, within easy walking distance to the famous neighborhoods of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, as well as the leafy greenery of the Jardin du Luxembourg. The Vavin metro stop is a 3-minute stroll away, and from there, it's under 10 minutes to the Île de la Cité and landmarks like Notre-Dame and Sainte-Chapelle. A 10-minute walk takes you to the Port-Royal train station, where you can catch the RER B line straight to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Rooms & Bathrooms

The hotel's 50+ rooms are furnished in a modern, sleek style, with touches that symbolize famous art movements (think geometric headboards for Cubism and Magritte-inspired murals for Surrealism). The basic Classic options can be cramped; Superior and Deluxe rooms add a little more space and large French windows. The top-floor Duplex Suite offers the chance to stay in a former artist's garret, complete with a separate living area and views over the Paris rooftops. Bathrooms are bright and modern, most with large shower/tub combos, and there are three ground-floor accessible rooms for guests with limited mobility.

Amenities

This is a smaller, townhouse-style property, so you won't find much in the way of extra amenities, but the peaceful courtyard garden is a nice perk to enjoy during warmer months. An optional breakfast buffet is served in a sunny room overlooking the garden (or in-room), and off the lobby, a petite bar pours French wines by the glass, which you can enjoy in the cozy lounge area complete with velvet armchairs. 

Family-Friendliness

Families are welcome at La Villa des Artistes, though there are no specific amenities geared toward children. Ages three and over are charged as adults, and there are cots/cribs available on request. The hotel's Triple Room is a good choice for families, with a configuration of three single beds or a king and one single.