If rates at both hotels are similar which would be the better one? Both look nice although very different in decor and furnishings.

Not sure when you are going but I am leaving for Paris on Thursday and staying at Relais Christine..will let you know how it was when I get back. The "old stone abbey" feel definitely appealed to me.

Yes, thanks, that would be helpful. Going in December and looking to treat myself for just a couple of nights in a 4* type of place for a change.

Francophile03,

I've been lucky enough to stay quite a few times at the Relais Christine. The hotel is an elegant, quiet oasis set back from a tiny Parisian street. Many details from the time when the hotel was a 6th (?) century monastery have been kept intact.

The location is hard to beat. The hotel is only a few seconds away from the excellent cafes and shopping of St. Germaine, and within walking distance of the Seine, Notre Dame, the Latin Quarter, and the Louvre.

Rooms at the hotel are quite comfortable ( excellent beds and air conditioning) although they vary greatly in size. For that reason, I'd suggest that if you don't like the first room you're shown by the staff, ask to see something else.

Have a great time!

Westidogs, since you've stayed at Relais Christine quite a few times now, what do you make of those negative reviews on tripadvisor.com? Do you think they're a bit exaggerated?

Are the standard rooms really tiny like a cell? Because if they are that doesn't justify the rates for them! Anyway, just curious because Pont Royal seems to have well-appointed rooms if alot more modern than the Relais Christine.

Sorry but I haven't stayed there - I will be going next week and will let you know my thoughts when I get back. Maybe you misunderstood by ealier comment about the "stone" look...that was just from their website and reviews, etc.

Gee, I really need some wine now-maybe sleep instead. Sorry, westidogs, I misread the post. It was Weadles who has been to the Relais Christine before.

Dear Weadles, sorry for the mixup. Pls. comment on the standard room size at Relais Christine if you know. Thanks.

I don't know if you're aware that the Pont Royal is a relatively large 19th century "grand hotel" type of place that has just recently opened in this incarnation vs. the smaller converted 16th century stone building that is the Relais Christine. Very different feel to each, and I think it would depend entirely on personal preference or mood. That said, they're both lovely. And although I don't want to make it harder for you, the 4-star Hotel d'Aubusson around the corner from the Relais is also nice, as is the Montalembert next to the Pont Royal. Enjoy whatever you decide on.

Thanks, I realize they are very different. It's difficult to decide but I may be leaning more towards Pont Royal. I just heard back from them and they are willing to upgrade from a dlx. to a suite if there's low availability. And it includes daily buffet b'fast that they usually charge

Reply button was hit inadvertently. The buffet b'fast costs 26 euros usually. Seems like a good deal-more costly than what I usually pay-but like I said I just want to stay in a plush room for a change. The bathroom looks great too-marble and comes with a bathrobe-cannot complain. I think I'll give Pont Royal a try.
I checked with Montalembert and they're not competitive at all-no promotion like Pont Royal.
Another I looked at was Lutetia and the rooms look very plain for the rate they're charging.

I stayed in a junior suite at Relais Christine last fall and loved it; it's on the small side for the money you are paying but I would stay there again for the level of service and dead quietness of the location; they recently opened a wonderful spa in the basement.
I loved the central location.
I think their prices stay high because of their loyal following; I know many people who stay there year after year.

Please let us know how you like Pont Royal hotel.

francophile03,

I was surprised by the negative reviews for Relais Christine on tripadvisor.com, but as I mentioned in my earlier post, the rooms do vary greatly in size, and, I guess, quality.

We first visited several years ago, and were shown a room that resembled a college dorm room. I complained, and the manager quickly changed us to a much larger room with a lovely view over the courtyard. Since then, we haven't had a problem, and were even upgraded for free to a suite two years ago, but that was in mid-August.

Again, I think this hotel has an unbeatable location, and it's extremely quiet, despite outside street noise. I'd be careful about reserving either place based on hotel websites (in my experience, they're often inaccurate), but it does seem that the other hotel may better meet your expectations for true "luxury".

Please post when you get back, and let us know what you find!

Good luck.

In her email to me the res. mgr. was very welcoming. It was she who offered to upgrade to a jr. suite if there's low occupancy then. I guess she has to be nice to bring in business but I can tell it's quite a bit different from other reservations depts. at other large hotels.
She gave the concierge's name and email and I had asked him about shops, sights, etc. He is pretty helpful as well. I've to admit the quality of service already appears to be first-rate.

I am referring to Hotel Pont Royal.