The Saint James is the only hotel in Paris with official Chateau status
What could make a trip to Paris more magical? Staying at the Saint James, the only hotel in Paris that has official “chateau” status. Located in the upscale 16th arrondissement, the Saint James is unlike any place else I’ve stayed in Paris… and I really, really liked it.
Visually stunning staircase at the Saint James Paris
With bold yet whimsical interiors by Bambi Sloan, the Saint James is a stunner, but not at all stuffy. There is a hot air balloon motif through the property that pays homage to days when the grounds were used as an air field.
Left: Hot air Balloon Lamps Right: Zebra taxidermy is so Paris
The rooms and suites are very large by Parisian (or any major European city standards) which more than makes up for the property’s location in the upscale residential 16th (it’s a 10 minute taxi ride to L’Arc de Triomphe and right near the the Porte Dauphine metro stop).
The timeless dining room at the Saint James
The location wasn’t an issue for me, because my stay was over a bank holiday in January and the property was so fabulous, my husband and I did not want to leave. With a restaurant and bar on the property, there wasn’t a need to when the weather got nasty.
Classically elegant details at the Saint James: a chandelier and an antique clock
The Saint James is part private club, part hotel, which gives the place a nice, understated buzz in the communal areas like the dining room and the bar.
The bedroom of suite 311 at the Saint James was carpeted with a hardwood design
The Saint James is a great choice for a sophisticated romantic getaway, or for those who love luxury and value for money (the basic rooms here are half the price as some of Paris’ most famous hotels).
Left: Nespresso Still Life Right: Fabulous bathroom with great tile & tub
While the Saint James is visually stunning, it’s also functional and comfortable and has a great staff. They are helpful and not overly formal. The concierge helped with dinner reservations and arranging transportation. Wifi is free and works throughout the property.
I loved this particularly bold room inspired by the Last King of Scotland
With only 48 rooms (20 of them suites), the Saint James makes you want to return to have a different experience in another room. So it’s not much of a shocker that the fashion crowd loves this boutique hotel property.
Some flamboyant touches at the Saint James
The bathrooms are definite stand outs both for design and practicality. Suite 311 had a claw foot tub that filled quickly and a separate shower with excellent water pressure that didn’t soak the entire bathroom. The amenities were Lanvin (so not mad at that)!
crazy good bathtub
Room rates include an impressive breakfast spread complete with Mariage Freres tea (my personal favorite).
The beds are comfortable at the Saint James
There is an outdoor garden with a terrace bar shaped like a hot air balloon that I’d like to visit again when the weather is pleasant.
A comfortable seating area in a suite at the Saint James
My stay at the Saint James Paris was a top notch boutique hotel experience.
Left: Hot air balloon wallpaper Right: a lighting fixture shaped like a hot air balloon
There is a fitness room and spa on the property, as well as loaner bikes if you’d like to explore Paris on two wheels.
The Spa Pavilion
The Saint James is a member of Relais & Chateaux.
Left: Love these striped pillows
Leopard carpet makes the classic dining room feel modern
The breakfast bread basket at the Saint James
The impressive breakfast spread
The Library Bar had a Hogwarts like charm
Room rates at the Saint James start at about $400 USD.
Address: 43 Avenue Bugeaud, 75116 Paris, France
Phone:+33 1 44 05 81 81
Email: contact@saint-james-paris.com
Much thanks to Jon Makmaltchi of JMak Hospitality, Nicolas Egloff and the staff at the Saint James for arranging my stay and hosting me at the Saint James. Without them this post would not be possible.