Le Grand Hôtel Cayré, Paris

It’s impossible not to feel chic at Le Grand Hôtel Cayré. Though this historic hotel received a thorough refit ahead of reopening in 2024, it still feels every bit the vintage bohemian bolthole. The sweeping art nouveau frontage leads directly onto the hotel’s excellent in-house restaurant, Annette, named in honour of former resident Annette Kolb, a feminist and pacifist writer who lived at the hotel for two decades from the 1940s. You might be surrounded by exceptional food in this part of the 7th arrondissement, but Annette is more than ready to take on the challenge, with Bruno Brangea – former head chef for the storied Alain Ducasse - whipping up classic brasserie dishes.

With 123 rooms across seven floors, a sliding scale makes Le Grand Hôtel Cayré accessible for a variety of different budgets, thanks to the option of three levels of service; essential, premium and ‘the full works’. Sure, you might not get an Eiffel Tower view with the cheaper rooms, but every guest gets a big cosy bed, soft fluffy towels, Le Labo toiletries, an espresso machine and Mariage Freres tea station. Classy, non? Our 6th-floor apartment-style room featured gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows which opened out above the lively Rue de Bac, and, yes, that priceless Eiffel Tower view. 

There’s also the genius ‘refresh room’, which features a shower and changing space accessible to guests before and after check out, if you’re arriving early (or leaving late) and don’t want to waste money on booking an extra night at the hotel. Great value for such a swanky part of town. 

Neighbourhood

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is flashy and quaint in equal measure. The one-time literary hotbed of Paris (see the iconic cafe and salon Les Deux Magots) was where the existentialist movement blossomed and jazz reigned supreme in the 1950s. It's now home to various high-end boutiques. 

Nearby

1. Café de Flore: For touristy, but addictive people-watching at this legendary coffeeshop, which is open until 2am. 
2. Maison Gainsbourg: For an in-depth, inspiring look into the life of iconic songwriter Serge Gainsbourg. Tickets for the museum (which includes a cocktail bar), are easily available, but you’ll have to book months in advance to visit his former home across the street. 
3. Latin Quarter: For a slice of history, wander around one of the oldest – and prettiest – districts in Paris. 

Time Out tip

If you don’t have time for dinner at Annette, then make sure you opt-in for the all-inclusive breakfast, which includes a banging pastry basket complete with a perfect croissant and on-point pain au chocolat. 

Address: 4 Boulevard Raspail, 75007 Paris, France
Price: From around €250 per night
Closest transport: Rue du Bac Metro Station (Line 12) 
Book now: Click here