Sleep in what feels like a historical museum at Hotel Mansart. The perfect place for a peaceful retreat or long-term stay in the first arrondissement.
If you know me, my selection for places to stay is never random. It’s never based on the cheapest place to stay, special deals, or hotel chains. When I choose a place to stay it is always chosen with purpose. Whether that’s an agricultural stay, a historical building, a hotel that offers unique services and amenities, or a local inn unknown to many. Hotel Mansart is no exception to my rule. Located in the first arrondissement, Hotel Mansart is an 18th century mansion steeped in art and history at every corner. The history is has makes it a unique stay in the heart of Paris, just steps from Place Vendôme, the Opera House, and the Louvre.
The hotel had good vibes from the moment I stepped onto Rue des Capucines. The rue’s name reminded me of my Italian Cappuccino’s, which I cannot live without. Although fun fact, Capucines is actually a type of plant or flower in French. But I digress.
The hotel resides in a building constructed in 1720 by John Law, the inventor of the Assignats currency. That is just one of the many historical facts I learned during my stay at Hotel Mansart…and more to come as you keep reading.
We were greeted in the main lobby and escorted to The Superieure Room. An elevator takes us to the 3th floor. Hallways were furnished with antique paintings and patterned carpeting led the way through a small hallway to two french doors. When the bellhop opened the doors to room 307, I honestly was not expecting to stay in such a large room with so much space—especially in Paris. Some rooms are smaller than others, so be sure to inquire about space when making the reservation. Each room at Hotel Mansart is different in shape, size, decor, and color, which makes the hotel even more unique. You never know what you’re going to get.
Our Superior room had it’s own 18th and 19th century sitting room with an antique round table as the centerpiece surrounded and dotted by vibrant yellow, purple, and blue striped upholstered chairs. The wooden armoires placed in the room were particularly beautiful. The hotel has over 120 works in the rooms and public spaces from period paintings to statues and furniture.
Two beautiful open windows on each side of the antique table bring light into the sitting area. A rich fabric drapes the nearly floor to ceiling windows. The view out of each window is of beautiful French balconies and windows with ornate carvings from the building across Hotel Mansart. You could see Rue des Capucines beautiful architecture and buildings as you peak your head outside the window. White walls frame the open windows and are accentuated by simple carvings.
During the Second Empire Alexandre-Gabriel Lemonnier, Jeweller to the Crown, lived here while trying to make Place Vendôme the jewelers’ district. During this time, he would hide all the jewels behind the indoor shutters of Hotel Mansart to protect them from theft. The indoor shutters were kept in the hotel suites to this day.
The room had wooden antique furnishings at every corner and beautifully upholstered french armchairs and sofas giving a Victorian feel of luxury. The bed was covered in white linens and had a beautiful blue throw cover accent the the end of the bed. Our unique and historical work of art was hung above our King size bed.
A wooden vanity had a stack of French Impressionist books, a large mirror, and a bottle of red wine and some snacks. The large mirror had wooden carvings surrounding it. A vanity was a piece of furniture I always dreamed of having, but never had the space for.
The modern tiled bathroom has a heat rack, white porcelain his and her sinks, SOTHY products, and a large bathroom and shower that was big enough to fit two people. That evening, I cracked open the bottle of red wine, had some mixed nuts, and enjoyed a glass of wine with a French book in the large bathtub. I had left the window in the bathroom open a crack and could hear the faint chitter chatter of locals walking down the street. It was beyond serene. I’m not going to lie when I say it was the first time I had felt completely relaxed since being in Paris.
Guests can enjoy breakfast in room with the newspaper or they can have breakfast in the dining area. The room and the view from our window was so beautiful, why would we want to leave this room? The next morning, we ordered breakfast in room. Breakfast featured fresh butter and chocolate croissants and a baguette with a side of jam and marmalade. Pat had chosen freshly squeezed OJ while I ordered grapefruit juice alongside coffee. My main was scrambled eggs and Pat had 2 eggs sunny side up with bacon. The breakfast can only be described as exquisite and gourmet.
Throughout our stay hospitality, intimate attention to detail, and space was given to us at every touch point. It truly uplifted us to see that management at Hotel Mansart, run by Esprit de France, is still striving to preserve the beauty and dignity of such a worthy place. When in Paris, if you’re looking to be at the center of the art, jewelry, and business district while literally being within arm’s reach of history at every touch, then stay at Hotel Mansart. Book your stay now…I wish you bon voyage! Rooms start at $217 p/night.
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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Hotel Mansart, an Esprit de France property. All opinions remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company.
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