Paris Check In: Hotel de Buci
Barge Lady Ellen checks in to the Hotel de Buci and discovers a perfect pied a terre in Paris.
Where, oh where, should I rest my head for that one PRECIOUS night in Paris? While the George V beckons, its prices do not! Over the years, many of our guests have stayed at the Hotel de Buci, a boutique hotel in in the heart of St. Germain de Pres – legendary home of Paris artists and writers, famous cafes, and lively street scene to this day. As our barge guests are a savvy and well-traveled lot, I decided to check in and discover why it is so popular. So on my way to Burgundy my choice for Paris was the Hotel de Buci.
Readers, I adored it! This 24-room property is superbly located in the heart of Saint Germain, at the crossroads of essential streets Rue de Buci and Rue de Seine. Inside: Like house guesting in an elegant private home right out of the 18th century – with 21st century amenities and services provided. Outside: A lively neighborhood brimming with cafes, outdoor markets and fashion boutiques.
I entered into a lobby-salon, an oasis of charm decorated in chocolate brown and coordinating shades of blue – complete with comfortable seating, graceful ancestor portraits and fresh flowers. Hotel staff sits at an adorable period desk (A real front desk!) , and interestingly, included a young American college student working as a trainee. Breakfast is included in the rate and consists of a complete buffet laid out in the downstairs breakfast room.
My room was in the “Boudoir” category, which was perfect in size and amenities for a single traveler. (Larger rooms and suites are available. I’d like to try the Madame Pompadour Suite next time.) Here is my room, full of elegant décor combined with lots of comfort and good storage. The bathroom was newly renovated.
Right outside the hotel one can plunge immediately into the best street life and shopping in Paris. Although fun and local in feel, the location is also very central to the rest of Paris. Walk to the Seine, Notre Dame and the Louvre or travel by convenient metro connections. I hope to return soon to my new pied a terre in Paris.
Hotel de Buci
22 Rue de Buci,
75006 Paris, France
Ph:+33 1 55 42 74 74
http://www.buci-hotel.com/