Paris is one of those cities I’ll never get tired of. I lived there for a year, and no matter how often I return for a short city break, it’s always great to be back. Wandering the charming streets, having coffee at a cozy café, enjoying great food (obviously), or simply reading a book in one of the city’s beautiful parks — it never gets old. But as lovely as Paris is, finding a good hotel can be surprisingly difficult. Too expensive, too outdated, too impersonal, too noisy, or just not in the right neighborhood.
During my most recent trip, I stayed at Hotel Madeleine de Senlis, a new, small-scale three-star boutique hotel in the heart of the lively Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement), just a few minutes from Jardin du Luxembourg. A perfect location, beautifully decorated, and with a great atmosphere. Plus, there’s even a stunning swimming pool that you can book for private use for an hour as part of your stay!
In this blog post, I’m sharing my personal experience — the pros, the cons, and why I think this hotel is a great choice for your next city trip to Paris.
Boutique hotel in a top location in the Latin Quarter
If you’ve been to Paris a few times, you know that — as beautiful as it is — the city isn’t always as pretty and romantic as it’s often portrayed in films and tv shows. And yet, as I step out of the metro at Luxembourg station, ride the escalator up and see the city appear, I can’t help but feel like I’ve just stepped into a movie. The fact that it’s a bright, sunny day certainly helps.
Hotel Madeleine de Senlis is just a five-minute walk from Luxembourg station, right next to Jardin du Luxembourg — one of Paris’s most beautiful parks — and close to the Panthéon. You’re in the heart of the Latin Quarter, one of the city’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods, with narrow streets, classic facades, old bookstores and lively cafés. For me, it’s the ideal base for a Paris city break. Location: 10/10.
The hotel is tucked away on a quiet corner of a gently sloping street. As soon as I see the green façade with the word ‘HÔTEL’, I know I’ve found the right place.
(And if you are looking for that romantic, Hollywood version of Paris: Emily’s apartment and Gabriel’s restaurant from Emily in Paris are literally just around the corner. There’s also an Emily in Paris walking tour that takes you here.)
First impressions: charming and stylish
Hotel Madeleine de Senlis is a small and stylish boutique hotel set in a 17th-century building. With just 30 rooms, it feels intimate and personal. Inside, the design is a mix of antique and modern. Portraits from the 18th and 19th centuries hang on the walls, and the lobby feels more like a living room, with thoughtful details throughout. The idea is that you’re a guest in the home of Madeleine de Senlis herself — a 19th-century Parisian woman who knew how to enjoy the good life.
My room: Double room – classic
Even though I arrived late morning, my room was already ready. A welcome surprise, since I was eager to drop off my bag and make the most of the sunny day. I took the tiny lift (just big enough for me and my suitcase) up to the first floor.
I had booked a Double Room – Classic. The room is compact — as clearly stated on the website — but very charming. Because I had to step outside to reach my door (room 18), it felt more like a small Parisian studio than a typical hotel room. The entrance is on a quiet inner courtyard, with a shaded terrace just outside. A perfect spot to sit and read.
Inside, the room is stylishly decorated with a historic image above the bed, a simple but good bathroom with black and white tiles, and amenities from Fragonard. I did miss having a small fridge and a kettle to make tea, but there was air conditioning and a safe. The bed was very comfortable, and because the room overlooks the courtyard, it was impressively quiet.
Breakfast in the lobby
In the morning, breakfast is served in the hotel’s cozy lobby. For €16, you get a well-presented buffet with fresh bread, a few spreads, yogurt, fruit — and of course, madeleines (with a name like that, how could they not?). You can ask for a boiled egg, and coffee and tea are self-serve from the machine.
For me, this was a perfectly fine breakfast — and a good price for what you get. If you like to start your day quietly and don’t need a huge meal, you’ll be happy here. Craving a more elaborate brunch or a barista-style cappuccino? There are plenty of great cafés nearby. Or just pop next door to the upscale patisserie Yann Couvreur for something delicious.
Hidden gem: private pool in the basement
What makes Hotel Madeleine de Senlis truly special is something you’d never expect from the outside. In the basement of this charming boutique hotel is a small but beautiful pool. And as a guest, you can reserve it for private use for one hour.
After breakfast, I headed down for a quick swim while soft music played in the background. It was such a peaceful and luxurious surprise — right in the middle of Paris. I felt completely refreshed and ready to head back into the city.
Who is this hotel for?
Hotel Madeleine de Senlis is one of those places where everything just feels right — especially if you love boutique hotels that feel personal, not too large, and full of French charm and style. You won’t find large rooms or extensive hotel services here. But if you’re looking to experience Paris from a beautiful, well-located base — in the heart of the city, with the Latin Quarter around the corner and Jardin du Luxembourg just a short walk away — this is the place to be.
Price range: from around €180 per night
Looking for more Paris tips? Check out my Paris city guide.
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