Checking In: Hotel Du Bois, Paris

HOTEL DU BOIS

11 rue du Dôme – 75116 PARIS

Tel.: +33 (0)1 45 00 31 96

Fax: +33 (0)1 45 00 90 05

Email:  reservations@hoteldubois.com

Rooms range from 129-290€

Having the luxury of staying with family in Paris has been one of the reasons why I experience Paris like a true Parisian so often. Not to mention the free accommodation. Hey we are all human!

Staying in two of the best arrondissements (neighborhoods), The Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés also has its perks

With that being said, my last visit in 2012 was my first time staying in a hotel and in a new area.

I was experiencing the city all over again. Smelling the freshly baked baguette, hearing the bon vivant accent and walking past the pâtisserie and fromagerie all for the first time. I also experienced stepping in “le doggy poo poo” all over again too.

I decided to stay in “le 16e”.

An arrondissment long known as one of the French high society’s favorite places of residence, similar to New York’s Upper East Side or London’s Kensington and Chelsea

I found the most perfect petite boutique. Hotel Du Bois is perched at the top of your very own Montmartre inspired steps above Victor Hugo, one of the avenues that radiates from the Arc De Triomphe.

It had all the conveniences I needed with my own little constellation of cafes to choose from at the end of the road.

Located within the perfect golden triangle of Arc de Triomphe on the Champs Elysées, Eiffel Tower and La Seine I was able to mingle with the tourists should I ever feel necessary but was far enough away to blend in with the Prada toting, dog walking crowd too.

Recently refurbished by Michael Jouanett, who’s work includes the likes of The Ritz in Madrid, Hotel Du Bois feels like home the second you in step in the door.

Elegant chic décor of chocolates and taupe geometric design far surpass the official 3 star classifications. Each room is topped off with contemporary paintings available for purchase and free Wi-Fi that is actually available in the rooms not just the foyer.

While the rooms are on the compact side- but then again where aren’t they in Paris, the bathroom is very spacious which in my opinion is a nice change. There is nothing better than coming home after a day of dodging busy Parisians to a beautiful marble floored bathroom, hot water and a tempting bath tub.

Maybe because it was the first morning and I was still on a high being back in Paris but the breakfast is the most darling thing I have seen. Everything was perfect, from the cheese platter selection to the bread and pastry basket all served on delicate fine china.

Tip

Book a room facing on to Rue du Dome, this will give you the best look out every morning on to those charming Parisian rooftops.

Tip

Ask the taxi driver to drop you off in Rue De Dome not Ave Victor Hugo otherwise you will need to wrestle your bag up the stairs unless of course you have your own sherpa- it’s not so chic breaking a sweat.

Exploring Ave Victor Hugo and its surrounds is a day in itself. Directly under the hotel is the cant-live-without Monoprix, only the French can make grocery shopping so glamorous

Some of my favorite visits included Zara Home

Make sure you take a peak in Parisian staple shops Maje and Sandro. You even have your own Sephora boutique at your fingertips.

If the touristy Champs Elysées is not your thing (I say it’s a 1 time visit kind of place) instead steer away from the Arch de Triomphe and explore the more residential authentic side of the streets. Find where the local student picks up her coffee on the way to school (because yes even the school kids drink coffee there), where the French mother picks up her fresh French flowers in the morning. See the Bon Vivant life in all its glory. I totally looked like a poser

DO NOT MISS

La Petite Marquise Patisserie and Boulangerie (It translates to “The Little Canopy”)

3 Place Victor Hugo

I possibly managed to kept them in business the week I was there, eating their chocolate éclairs and the most mouth watering tartelettes aux framboises.