For my first trip abroad after 2.5 years, I chose Paris, one of my favourite cities, and the Isle St. Louis, one of my favourite Parisian spots. I've stayed on the island once before at the Hotel St. Louis en l'Isle, which is currently under renovation. Of the 4 hotels I'm aware of on the island, Jeu de Paume is probably the fanciest, so I decided to book here, and was very happy I did. Isle St. Louis is the smaller of the 2 islands in the middle of the Seine, the other being the Ile de la Cite, where Notre Dame and Saint Chapelle are situated. It is primarily residential, but does have a main thoroughfare and a few side streets that are dotted with cute shops, inns and small restaurants. Plus the famous ice cream place Berthillon is located here. The hotel is so named because it is built on the grounds of a 17th century jeu de paume court (a racket-sport precursor to tennis). Wooden beams and exposed stone over 300 years old are still part of the hotel's public rooms. The hotel is actually set back from the street behind another building and a small courtyard, adding to its quietness. Many of the rooms look over another side courtyard where breakfast or refreshments can be taken in warmer months. The lobby consists of several lovely and comfortable seating areas, plus there is a bar/coffee area and, in the rear, the breakfast area. There is another sitting area on the first floor. The overall design and art is contemporary, surrounded by old world construction. All of the front desk staff were very friendly and spoke English well. The housekeeping and dining area staff were also friendly. My room, a single, was on the smaller side but well designed, again with contemporary furnishings. There was a stocked minifridge (I made room to put some of my own things in it) and a small set-up for in-room coffee/tea. The bathroom was decently stocked (slippers, robe, towel-warming rack), although I did not care for the disposable facecloths. The toilet was in a separate room from the sink and shower. Breakfast is included in some rates, otherwise I think it's 18 euro. I tried it once, and it was adequate. It's a buffet set-up. There was fruit salad, prepackaged cheeses, yogurt, orange juice (not fresh), coffee, tea, cereal, a variety of breads and croissant, scrambled and hard-boiled eggs, bacon. I would suggest eating early because not everything is replenished. The island itself is so charming. It has a small grocery store, a few bakeries and boulangeries, a cheese shop, some produce markets and butcher shops. There are several boutiques and galleries, and quite a few restaurants. I made a point of eating dinner on the island every night except once. There's even a Michelin-starred restaurant directly across the street from the hotel, Le Sergeant Recruiter, which was fabulous. I would also recommend Les Fous de l'Ile, around the corner from the hotel. Berthillon ice cream and sorbets are delicious but on the price
Excellent
120 Reviews