Hotel de Nesle

The one-star Hotel de Nesle, tucked away among the back streets of Saint-Germain des Prés and steps from the Seine, offers affordable rooms that are painted with a sense of humor and history.

In many ways, the Hotel de Nesle seems plucked from a children’s storybook. Take the lobby, crammed with clocks, dried flowers and grandma’s nick-nacks. Or the backyard garden, its stone path winding around statuettes. But, mostly, take the rooms...

The 19 guest rooms are individually painted and decorated by the owner and her son. Most of these boast lavish line drawings of famed moments in French history, including scenes of Egypt and the Orient, as well as some playful representations of Molière, Hugo and others who have lived in the neighborhood. (A few rooms sans murals are decorated with vintage travel posters.)

Other than the inspired murals and funky furniture, rooms are relatively spacious. Things are kept simple and quiet—there is no telephone or television in any of the rooms (although there is a TV in the reception area). Furnishings are not fancy; think simple metal beds and wooden armoires. While more pricey rooms have private baths (and the Egyptian room is even equipped with its own hammam-style bath!), cheaper rooms have only a shower and share toilets in the hallway.

Two rooms per floor overlook the street (which is pretty quiet, allowing you to sleep with the windows open), while the other two face the calm courtyard garden (which is open to guests, weather permitting).

Throughout the hotel, Wi-Fi is offered for free. Note that the reception closes at 2 am, although guests can come and go with their own key. Breakfast is not offered, but espresso is available in the lobby. With low rates and a fun theme, the Nesle is quite popular, especially with Americans. Book well in advance.

Side note: The hotel’s name is pronounced like “Nell” (as in "Carter"), and not like “Nestle” (as in the chocolate company). We found out about 10 years too late... (Give me a break!)

Location

The hotel is situated on the petit Rue de Nesle amidst other tiny, twisting streets, in the heart of the picturesque St-Germain des Pres neighborhood. Be prepared to get lost looking for it. The area is quite central, allowing for an easy walk to the Seine (minutes away), Louvre (just a few more minutes), Place St-Michel (about five minutes)... Countless cafés, restaurants, and adorable shops line the streets around the hotel. That means you will also find plenty of tourists.