Le Cinq Codet, Paris

This 7th arrondissement boutique hotel is unlike any other “typical” Paris stay: Le Cinq Codet offers an experience of Parisian living anchored decisively at the moment, rather than constantly referencing the past.

In a neighborhood peppered with historical buildings yet largely devoid of heritage luxury hotels, the converted 1930s telephone exchange is the Codet’s only obvious historical citation—in particular, its austere wrap-around Art Deco façade.

Inside, the hotel has a strong residential ambiance, starting from the filled with books lobby, through comfortable courtyards, and ending with the duplex studios, one of which we stayed in. Using a chic, quasi-modernist style, Le Cinq Codet invites you to taste Parisian living as it is today.

Urban sanctuary

The interiors are diverse in textures and forms. Architectural geometry plays an important role, both as a design statement and as a backdrop to the well-selected furniture and expertly curated art pieces. It’s a balancing act between the monumental and the informal, the lofty and the cozy—with emphasis on human comfort.

The ground floor makes the case. In the lobby, the cavernous space is furnished with long sofas and desks reminiscent of marble monoliths, which echo the monumental photographs of Rodin sculptures by Jean-Pierre Porcher. Above them, huge cubic lampshades transform the ceiling into a work of contemporary art. Yet space is also welcoming, with soft poufs and art books turning it into a quasi-residential lounge.

The lobby leads to a dining courtyard at the heart of the hotel. It’s a soothing natural shelter in an urban environment, with plants forming the protective canopy, above parasols and comfortable garden furniture with white cushions.

Behind the courtyard, conceived as its natural extension, is the lounge bar—a space full of personality, with an atmosphere of a loft studio. Eclectic and never dull, its furnishings include green and black sofas, pierced steel screens… and a virtual video fireplace.

Living Differently in Paris

To us, the hotel’s real identity comes through the stylish duplexes. Ours was small—which is not particularly surprising in Paris—but it felt luminous and airy. Again, it comes across more like a studio apartment rather than a hotel suite. The strip windows, high ceilings, as well as references to industrial design amplify the residential character. The soft palette of natural oak, ecru, and white rounds up the look.

Bathed in natural light, functional and designed in a polished modern style, the guest suites epitomize Le Cinq Codet’s experience. If not for the wonders of Paris, you’d be forgiven for never wishing to leave yours.

in our opinion

Located a stone's throw from the beautiful Baroque building of Les Invalides, Le Cinq Codet confidently sets itself apart with a design homage to a much more modern era.

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What we love

• Our Duplex suite (# 310) with its unique setup: from the downstairs space that serves as a living room, with a curved sofa, to the staircase leading up to the mezzanine bedroom with its freestanding bath. It was very comfortable and exuded a sense of space thanks to its double-floor height—it felt larger than it really was.
• Le Cinq Codet also offers four fantastic top-floor suites, with huge terraces and lovely views either to the dome of Invalides, or the Eiffel Tower.
• By the way, the Eiffel Tower is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Overall, le Cinq Codet has an excellent location, just around the corner from Les Invalides (home to the army museum and Napoleon's tomb).
• Very generous breakfast selection and nice setup. The hot and cold buffet is arranged around walls and the central island in a room adjacent to the kitchen. This allows guests to often converse with the chef directly (and fuss about their eggs). The courtyard was also a great place to enjoy breakfast.
• Sporting smart grey uniforms, the staff is well trained, and with a very professional attitude—we would even venture as far as to say: a “non-French” attitude—take it as you wish!
• Small-details and in-room solutions: like the easy to operate switches (phew!), automatic window curtains or built-in international power points if you forget the European adapter. Also, a very decent selection of films on the TV entertainment system!
• Nicely designed lobby (lots of books etc)—as are all interiors. The hotel has interesting architectural solutions and cool furniture.
• A pleasant, quasi-residential atmosphere throughout the property. The place manages to be both cozy and very chic.
• Outdoor Jacuzzi, filling an entire small courtyard, by the gym. Surrounded by funky furniture and green bamboo, it invites to absolute relaxation.

What you should know

• Entry-level rooms are small, and as in much of Paris, most of them face inward or across the street. Overall the hotel has 29 types of rooms.
• We haven't tried it, but there is also Spa at the hotel, also with steam rooms. Spa treatments are on request.
• Pets are not allowed at Le Cinq Codet.
• We loved popping down to the courtyard for a snack and evening drinks, but the area around the hotel has a lot to offer too. A good rule of thumb would be to head to the nearby Rue Cler, which has a variety of bars and restaurants. Or ask the concierge for a recommendation!