Due south of the Centre Pompidou is this small and stunning Gothic hideaway, once the presbytery of the adjacent St-Merry church. Inside the 17th-century stone interior you can gaze through stained glass, relax on a church pew, or lean back on a headboard recycled from an old Catholic confessional. Room No. 9 is bisected by stone buttresses still supporting the church. The Saint Merry's lack of elevator and modern temptations like TV are in keeping with its ascetic past (and keeps the place monkishly quiet). Pros: unique medieval character; central location on a pedestrian street full of cafés and shops. Cons: no amenities; street-facing rooms can be too noisy to open windows in summer.
Reviewed by GlastonberyTor from Windsor, Connecticut on 3/6/07
My initial stay here was in 1988 during my first trip to Paris. The hotel was the perfect romantic get away and we were fortunate to stay one night in room #9.
My second stay was in 2000 with my 16 year old daughter and 13 year old son. This was their first Paris experience and what better place to stay than a hotel that is so unique. We stayed on the top floor and enjoyed the roof top views. My son was fascinated with the closeness of the gargoyles outside our windows.
I will definitely stay here again when in Paris.
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