Relais Christine

A 13th-century abbey converted into a small and charmingly traditional boutique hotel would be special enough, were it located somewhere far out in the French countryside; in the heart of Paris’s Latin Quarter, however, it’s truly extraordinary. This is the Relais Christine, hidden away in a quiet cobbled courtyard in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, close by to the Louvre and Notre Dame, and a short walk from the banks of the Seine.

The 48 rooms vary in size, all individually decorated, but all decked out in the rich colors and lush fabrics and upholstery that you come to Paris for in the first place. Beamed ceilings and all manner of period architectural detail keep the eye interested, and unlike some over-ornate classic Parisian interiors, the Relais Christine’s rooms never feel overstuffed.

Views overlook gardens, courtyards or a quiet private street, and some of the suites come with private garden terraces. Downstairs is the impressive new Spa Guerlain, complete with a Finnish sauna, a lovely mosaic jacuzzi, and a well-equipped fitness center. And while there’s no restaurant, the St. Germain district isn’t hurting for options, including the legendary Les Deux Magots.