Paris: Q & A with Hotel du 7e Art, an affordable stay with a fun movie theme in the Marais
2017 UPDATE:
The Hotel du 7e art has flicked its last feature, and has sadly closed. It is currently being redeveloped into a much fancier hotel, the Charles V.
But don’t despair. There are still great budget hotels available in Paris. See our favorites here.
From the archives:
If you’re a film buff, a fan of independent hotels and plan on visiting Paris soon, Hotel du 7e Art is the place for you. Decked out with vintage film posters that give nods to Hollywood musicals from eras past, this hotel has a very special theme. Situated within the trendy Saint-Paul neighborhood in the Marais, it aims to celebrate the film culture of the mid-20th century, enshrining figures such as Marilyn Monroe and Gene Kelly. Everywhere you look, you’ll find some sort of film motif, from the outside entrance to even the shower tiles.
For some, the movie theme might be over the top, but I found the kitschiness lends character to what is already a lovely, affordable hotel. A minute’s walk from the Seine in the heart of the Marais, the location really can’t be beat. The rooms are comfortable, with wood paneling and large windows. The bathrooms are impeccably clean with black and white tiling. At prices ranging from €85-180 per night, what’s not to like?
We recently sat down with Yolene, who works for the hotel, to find out more about this quirky gem.
There’s a funky film theme everywhere you look at Hotel du 7e Art. Photo: Kaitlin Davella
Q: So, what’s the deal with all the film posters?
A: Well, as you may have guessed, the owner is a very big fan of films. He specifically enjoys those from the 1940s and ’50s, and even more so those with singing and dancing. His favorites are Fred Astaire and Frank Sinatra.
Q: But why make a hotel dedicated to films?
A: The owner was interested in opening a hotel and wanted it to be special in some way. A hotel with a movie theme is certainly unique! So, when it opened in 1986, Hotel 7eme Arts was decorated as an homage to all his favorite movies. And it has remained more or less the same since then!
Q: Well, it looks wonderful to this day. I’m sure the theme really resonates with the guests! Is there a certain type of guest that usually stays here?
A: Yes. Most people who stay here are big movie buffs themselves. When it opened, most of the guests were American. As word spread over the years, we’ve built up a loyal following of Americans who come year after year, and recommend it to their friends and families. Of course, we have guests from all over the world, but I would say the majority are movie fans, Americans, and often both.
Q: What do you think of the area where Hotel 7eme Arts is located?
A: When the hotel opened in the 1980’s, Saint Paul was not what it is today. We have been very lucky to watch the neighborhood change and grow into the bustling cultural epicenter. The Marais is like the Greenwich Village of Paris. Of course, we attract many guests who are impressed by the location. We are minutes from the Notre Dame, the Seine and the center of the Marais. We are very lucky!
Q: Lucky indeed! So, do you have a favorite film yourself?
A: Singing in the Rain!
Thanks for chatting with us, Yolene. We wish you and Hotel 7eme Arts continued success!
One of the cozy and affordable rooms at Hotel du 7e Art. Photo: EuroCheapo
Hotel du 7e Art
20 rue St Paul
4th arrondissement
01 44 54 85 00
Metro: Saint-Paul (Line 1)
