Fodor's Expert Review 25 Place Dauphine

Located on the charming and historic Place Dauphine on the perfectly situated Île de la Cité, 25 Place Dauphine has a history as old as the City of Lights. Originally built in 1610 by the order of King Henri IV of France, who named the place after his son the Dauphine, today the building is the very picture of modern elegance with six apartments that have full kitchens, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. There is an elevator that fits four people (and their luggage) comfortably, but don't miss the buildings' beautifully restored spiral staircase as you'll literally be walking in the footsteps of history.

Looking for someone to arrange your airport transfers, dinner reservations, museum tickets, or tours? Paris Perfect's Travel Design Team (think hotel concierge) can do it all for you. There is an additional cost, but the feeling of truly being on vacation is worth it.

room

Named after French wines, the hotel's 6 apartments are elegantly decorated in shades of whites and greys with accent pieces found in the Paris Flea Market and the most exquisite linens you ever slept in. All the units have full kitchens and 1.5 bathrooms (one apartment has 2.5 bathrooms, which is unheard of in Paris). There are two duplexes on the top floors that feature balconies with views of Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle. Guests are greeted with milk, jams, and pastries in the kitchen, but at your request, the concierge will stock your fridge with all the essentials you desire (for an added cost).

If you can't find the TV in the living room, look a tad more closely at the mirror above the mantelpiece.

Photo: apartment bedroom / Courtesy of Paris Perfect

bathroom

Each apartment has 1.5 baths (one of the duplexes has 2.5 bathrooms), which is more than most apartments in New York City (or Paris)! The nicely-sized all-white bathrooms exude a sense of calm and relaxation that is a welcome sight after a long journey or a day of exploring. The subway tiles and the rain shower head in the shower add a sense of luxury and the tub is just big enough for a soak. Did we mention the towel warmer? C'est magnifique.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Endless amounts of hot water is not the norm in most Parisian showers, but the American owners made a point of installing the proper water heaters so there's plenty of hot water no matter the time of day or length of shower. It's a luxury you didn't know you needed but will thank us for pointing out.

Photo: apartment bathroom / Courtesy of Paris Perfect

Photo: apartment bathroom / Courtesy of Paris Perfect

Photo: fresh baguettes delivered daily to lobby / Alexis C. Kelly

lobby

The quaint lobby welcomes weary travelers to pour them selves a cup of tea (or coffee) and relax with a book.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Fresh baguettes, delivered every morning by 7 am, are the perfect Parisian breakfast with a little jam or butter you'll find waiting in your kitchen.

Photo: fresh baguettes delivered daily to lobby / Alexis C. Kelly

dining

There isn't an onsite restaurant, but this is Paris and you have more than enough dining options at your fingertips. If you want to cook, each apartment has a fully-equipped kitchen and there's a great open-air market in Place Maubert (a 12-minute walk on the Left Bank) every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and grocery stores on the Left Bank; your fridge can also be filled on request.

drinking

There isn't a bar onsite, but there more bars and cafes than you can count in Place Dauphine, on the Left Bank, or in the Latin Quarter.