Hôtel Atlantis Saint-Germain-des-Prés - Paris

too old; brekfast not included

This hotel is typical Parisian. Space is at a premium and therefore the rooms are small, but they have everything that you need for a short stay. The views from the windows are entertaining - if you're at the back, there's a very large quadrangle to look on - not particularly impressive, but you can see Paris life going on through the other windows (and they can see you . . .); If you're at the front, St Sulpice is visible, as it's only 100 yards away. The entrance lobby is compact, to say the least, and the lift is microscopic, but the lounge behind is comfortable and stylish, and serves as a breakfast room as well. We didn't have the breakfast, so can't comment on that (It's cheaper to go round the corner to Monoprix, Carrefour or the local market, or if you're flush, to Bon Marche). We picnicked in the Jardins du Luxembourg on more than one occasion - fabulous for a spot of flaneuring while you eat. Staff are efficient, but don't speak very good English. We arrived at 10am straight off the night train from Madrid, and they were very helpful - having our room ready before 11, even though they advertise a much later check in. But it was a bit more difficult to check out, because, though we had paid the bill to the concierge, we checked out and went exploring for a bit, and when we came back, we had to wait for the concierge, because the porter wanted the concierge's confirmation that we'd paid, and she wasn't around. St Germain has everything that you could possibly want, and makes a less crowded and more refined base for exploring Paris than being near the centre.