A

A
member of Small Luxury Hotels, this boutique offering
feels like a French countryside home in the heart of Paris.
A 17th-century townhouse that has been transformed into one of the
city’s most refined yet homely hideaways, Relais Christine offers a
tranquil escape amid the spirited streets of
Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Seek refuge in the shady courtyard – the
perfect place to recharge after days (and nights) spent pavement
stomping in the City of Lights.

Bedrooms

The hotel has 48 rooms, each with a unique identity drawn from
ornate furnishings sourced by French designers and varying colour
palettes of teal, sage green, gold and red. Bedrooms are indulgent
– think four-poster beds draped with satin curtains and stacked
with cushions, statement embroidered walls and wonderfully high
ceilings. Each room has stylish accents such as printed headboards
and bold colour-block suede chairs, as well as a retro-style
Marshall Bluetooth speaker and perfectly concealed minibar, stocked
with French sweets and wine. Some rooms have terraces that look out
onto the garden, while others overlook the central courtyard. Even
if you sleep with the windows wide open you’d never know you’re in
the centre of Paris; the nights are peaceful and it’s not an
impossibility that you will awake to birdsong. Chic bathrooms are
all monochrome tiles punctuated by marble and gold accents. Don’t
miss the accessories – monogrammed towels, robes and a pair of snug
slippers. Indulgent doesn’t describe the interiors alone; there is
a complimentary turndown service where you are treated to chocolate
truffles or biscuits from the renowned Angelina tea rooms.

What’s for breakfast?

A buffet of freshly baked pastries and baguettes, fruit and
cereals, as well as ham, cheese, avocado and so on, is laid out on
dressed tables while you sink into sumptuous sofas and armchairs in
the breakfast room. You can help yourself to the buffet selection,
as well as ordering eggs, omelettes and so on.

How about lunch and dinner?

There is no on-site restaurant, however there’s a bounty of
choices close by. Brasserie Lipp has been a
favourite of locals for generations; it makes the perfect pit stop
for lunch to break up a day of exploring. Just a five-minute walk
from the hotel is Alcazar. Strung with vines, fronds and palms,
it’s a twist on the typical Parisian brasserie. Head up to the
rainforest-like balcony bar overlooking the restaurant for a
digestif.

Is there a bar?

If you’re hankering after a pre-dinner drink or nightcap,
there’s an honesty bar in the communal lounge with a comprehensive
selection of spirits (just ask for mixers). Bagsy the chessboard
and settle in.

Amenities

During a recent renovation, the Spa Guerlain was built in the
basement under the original domed stone ceilings and pillars of a
13th-century monastery. You can still see the old well that was
used in the kitchen.

Things to know…

Bikes are available to borrow and valet parking is
complimentary. There is a Fiat 500 S convertible available to hire
too.

Within a short walk I can find…

The plentiful history of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés quarter,
peppered with one-off fashion boutiques, lively cafés and art
galleries. It is only a ten-minute walk across the Seine to some of
the most famous sites, such as the Louvre and Jardin des Tuileries.
The hotel is perfectly placed for a long weekend of exploring on
foot.