Review: Hôtel Dame des Arts in Paris

Location, views and comfort make this hotel a very special stay.

This left bank gem, close to a newly restored Notre Dame, gives you everything you need for a Parisian getaway filled with art, food and a good dose of joie de vivre.

The property

Once a Holiday Inn, Dame Des Arts opened its stylish doors in 2023. Situated in the Latin Quarter, just moments from the newly-restored Notre Dame and the Ile De La Cite, this gorgeous 109 room hotel was originally built in the 1950s, and as a result it looks very different to the Haussmann-era buildings that fill central Paris. The original square window frames of this former drama school are even historically listed.  Adding to its unique appearance is a Japanese screen style entranceway – both welcoming and dramatic, especially at night when the lights from inside the building shine through. 

The Japanese screen style entrance with lights from the inside shining through

The interiors

The hotel has had a major facelift thanks to Paris-based designer Raphael Navot, who was let loose on all the interiors, including the guest rooms, balconies, a very special rooftop bar with 360-degree views of the Paris skyline and the beautifully fitted-out restaurant with a luscious courtyard. He’s also done the gym – with exquisite wooden exercise equipment making it feel more like an art gallery than a workout area.

The rooftop bar with 360-degree views of the Paris skyline

Curves are everywhere in the common spaces here – purposefully in opposition to the straight lines of the façade –  from the furniture  to the ceilings. Even the floor has been carefully created from scratch, made from pieces of burnt wood covered in resin. The result is glamorous but warm and inviting – matched only by the warmth of the staff. A truly delightful boutique experience.

Curves are everywhere in the common spaces here

The room

My room, 806, is a signature terrace – one of 31 rooms with balconies including a ground floor suits with a courtyard - and on my side of the building I have sweeping views from Sacre Coeur to the Eiffel Tower. It’s picture perfect. The terrace is large, with a table and chairs as well as a chaise. The bed is large and comfortable, with charging ports and touch lighting on each side. The room also has a desk and large TV, as well as two comfy chairs, and the mini bar is free – beer, soft drink and water as well as snacks – which is a nice touch.

Signature Terrace at Hôtel Dame des Arts Paris

My bathroom is small, but adequate, though a lack of storage space means I have to move the hairdryer into the bedroom and cram my toiletries under the sink, though my travelling companion says his bathroom has shelves.  Speaking of storage, there is a small wardrobe in the bedroom which has internal lighting - for some time I couldn’t work out how to turn that off, but it turns out you need to shut both the doors in a very specific way that I stumbled upon on night three.

Kick and back relax

Eating and drinking

The restaurant and bar Pimpan is the heart of the hotel, with chef Clément Courtemanche and his team making really great meals no matter what time of day. Breakfast is included and it’s simple but delicious. Pastries, cereals, charcuterie and fruit are laid out, and you can order delicious scrambled eggs if you prefer something warm. Weekend bunch includes jazzed-up takes on faves like croque monsieurs and avocado toast.  For dinner we try Clement’s fish, lamb shoulder and pastas, as well as a wonderful grilled avocado starter I’m determined to emulate. It’s all top notch.

Breakfast is included and it’s simple but delicious

Getting around

The Latin Quarter is a great spot for a Parisian getaway - you can walk to the Louvre in 15 minutes. St Germaine, with great shopping and restaurants is right there, and a 10-minute stroll sees you at the Sorbonne and the Pantheon. You can also walk to the Marais, with its great shopping and trendy bars, in around 25 minutes. The Eiffel tower is further (around 45 minutes’ walk) but given the hotel is situated three minutes from a metro station, you can get anywhere you want with ease. 

Charming little street Paris' Latin Quarter

What’s hot

The stunning view from my room is all about the Eiffel Tower… and who wouldn’t be thrilled to see it light up every night?

What’s not

The bathroom was where I had issues. Along with the lack of storage, the floor could get a little slippery – stepping out of the shower could feel a bit nerve-wracking at times. And if I’m nitpicking, the step up to – and down from – the balcony was huge, and without something to hold on to, it could be an issue for anyone less mobile.

Views are top notch here

The verdict: 9.5/10

This hotel is close to perfection – from its location to its style, décor and warm welcome. The staff were delightful, the food delicious and the views… ooh la la! 

Rooms start from 350 euro (A$620) per night.

This writer was a guest of Hôtel Dame des Arts.

Originally published as Review: Hôtel Dame des Arts in Paris