Hotel de Nell, Paris

Graced with a design that has depth and texture often lost at hotels embracing minimalism, Hotel de Nell’s tranquil, understated interiors are typical “Parisian”—but with the added sophistication of a contemporary boutique hotel.

The hotel’s white-and-black building is part of an enchanting streetscape. A 19th-century Sainte-Cécile church neighbors it from one side and an impressive Haussmann-style building (an investment bank) on the other. The area may be quiet, but it’s dotted with restaurants and bars, the best of which the reception desk staff will happily recommend.

La Régalade Conservatoire

However, you don’t actually have to leave the de Nell—the hotel’s La Régalade is one of the best-looking restaurants we visited in the city.

With its checkered floor and wall blackboards chalked up with the day’s menu, it is a classic sight as it gets. It channels the casual atmosphere of Paris bistros—minus the tired, worn-out look, typical in the city’s food places.

Which is perhaps the only difference between La Régalade and a truly Parisian bistro experience. But then, not everywhere you get food as good and fresh as at the de Nell’s joint (we loved the breakfast!).

Warmth and texture

Going further in, De Nell’s interiors carry a good balance of traditional references and modern design. The classic building is like a canvas for the pared-down spaces designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, delivered in an informal elegance of de Nell’s calm, uncluttered rooms. The result is stylish and luxurious, thanks in part to the quality of materials.

The architect used wood, marble, minimalist furnishings, easy-on-the-toes organic Swedish wool carpets, black stone-walled showers and massive Japanese bathtubs carved from single blocks of raw marble in rooms Deluxe or above. The spaces are finished with lighting designed exclusively for the hotel by luxury brand Artemide.

in our opinion

Close enough to theatres and the famous shopping department stores, de Nell has a postcard-worthy location, and its excellent restaurant draws a food-savvy local crowd.

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What we love

• The staff makes this place—the personnel is generously friendly, proactive—and fashion-aware!
• Our favorite space is the La Régalade Conservatoire restaurant, a quintessentially Parisian bistro. We loved the breakfast: a health-conscious, generous continental buffet affair;
• Great location in the heart of Paris’ 9th arrondissement, a cool, less touristy neighborhood. There is only a short walk to the Boulevard Haussmann, with the Grands Magasins of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps;
• The bathroom, with stylish waterfall faucets and de Nell's own brand of organic toiletries, under-floor heating and the deep Japanese-style soaking tub carved from a single piece of white marble;
• Evening turndown chocolates from nearby À la Mère de Famille, a confectionery shop founded in 1761 (!).

What you should know

• Rooms are the Parisian kind of size, nothing out of the ordinary really, but the spaces are very well thought off, especially the bathrooms—do go for the Deluxe Room or above for the extra space and the lovely Japanese bathtub (as not all rooms have it);
• Check-in from 3 PM and check-out at midday;
• Children are welcome, but de Nell is aimed at couples more than families;
• The restaurant is frequented with locals in-the-know: book a table in advance;
• Complimentary WiFi in the rooms and throughout the property is reliable and fast;
• Two rooms are adapted for wheelchair users and public areas are accessible by wheelchair.