Where Paris feels over a 1,000 years young...

This is Paris' birthplace - between the Ile de la Cité and the left bank of the Seine River - and was already being called the Latin Quarter during the Middle Ages in reference to the world renowned schools where nothing but Latin, the sole scholarly language of the time, could be heard. The Université de la Sorbonne just next door happens to be, along with the university in Bologna, the oldest place of higher learning in the entire Western world.

The Best Western Premier Royal Saint Michel is located in the midst of this extraordinary crucible where Paris' most historical vestiges are intimately associated with its most stimulating intellectual atmosphere and a vibrant student life.

The hotel is a gorgeous bourgeois style building, a rare find due to both its site and inherent qualities, right in the heart of the Latin Quarter. The views from the hotel balconies, facing south onto the Boulevard and the pedestrian street rue Saint Séverin, or the windows opening onto Notre Dame's towers to the east remind you that tonight you're lodging somewhere special.

The Best Western Premier Royal Saint Michel experience resembles a nest of refined comfort that beckons you home after having explored, on foot or bicycle (keep in mind one of the city's Vélib bicycle rental stations has been set up in front of the hotel), the incredible wealth of resources Paris has to offer.

When crossing the Seine for example, you'll connect with the Ile de la Cité where the city's only remaining flower market is still held every weekday. Be sure not to miss the marvelous Sainte Chapelle whose spire pierces the sky above the roofs of the Palais de Justice courthouse. Take the small bridge leading to the Ile Saint Louis in back of Notre Dame and leave yourself enough time to enjoy a sorbet served at Berthillon's shop.

You can glance back at the Best Western Premier Royal Saint Michel when strolling along the riverfront and browsing through the celebrated bookstalls. It's true the day was too short, but your hotel offers such a great spot to recount the day's events, share your Paris emotions, or write a postcard or two… before heading out for a concert in one of the district's famous clubs where post-War France first discovered the jazz of Miles Davis, Sidney Bechet, Duke Ellington and Charlie Parker: some of these musical temples have names like Le Caveau de la Huchette, Le Petit Journal, Café Laurent and Club Saint Germain (where in 1948 Django Reinhardt would park his caravan before stepping inside to play).

The hotel entrance is shielded by a glass awning, so typical of Belle Epoque buildings. The architect's talents are showcased when admiring how pleasant the lobby and sitting room feel given the relatively tight space to work with. The oak paneling lends coziness and a true sense of place, just like the old photos of the streets outside that capture the soul of this Latin Quarter locale.

Your room is sure to enchant by the serene environment and impeccable comfort it offers, with outstanding color coordination and only the best of materials (noble woods, luxurious fabrics). The bathrooms, some with windows, are especially elegant.

The breakfast room has been laid out with the same attention to good taste, in perfect harmony with the Latin Quarter aesthetic. The croissants served are delectable and a great way to start a new day of discovery, whether this be walking in the footsteps of Camus or Hemingway towards Montparnasse or making your way to the Louvre or Orsay Museum via the river bus from the quai Montebello… The Notre Dame bells are ringing. If you're lucky, you may hear as well the powerful low notes emanating from the Bourdon. It is said that, when this huge bell was created in 1685, women threw their gold jewelry into the molten metal, which explains today for that special tone in F-sharp. Just relish the thought of having so much left to see before the joyful return to the hotel.

Best Western Premier Royal Saint Michel

3, boulevard Saint Michel, Paris, France - 75005

Phone: +33 (0) 1 44 07 06 06 Fax: +33 (0) 1 44 07 36 25