Complete with roof terrace and co-working space, Hôtel Pilgrim is a fresh, contemporary hotel in one of the oldest and most eclectic neighbourhoods in Paris. Nick Hendry reports
The Fifth Arrondissement in Paris is known as the Latin Quarter, traditionally home to the city’s artists, vagabonds and renegades. Long, straight avenues and boulevards screen a scrambling warren of streets and alleyways which even today are filled with noise and laughter and charming chaos.
That chaos may be a little more genteel than in days gone by, largely thanks to the skyrocketing prices of properties in the area, but the strong concentration of universities and colleges in the vicinity ensures the energy of youth remains in the bars and restaurants nearby.
Most of the buildings are in the traditional golden of the Haussmannian style, but some more modern additions stand out – one fine example, in the centre of Rue de Poissy, just off the magnificent Boulevard Saint-Germain, plays host to Hôtel Pilgrim, which opened in November 2023.
That location, just a few minutes’ walk from the banks of the Seine, makes Hôtel Pilgrim extremely well-placed for discovery of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the southern half of the city. Local Metro stations connect well to other areas, meaning all the top tourist spots are within easy reach, but opting to stay on this side of the river offers a greater opportunity to discover daily Paris life rather than the curated checklist of monuments and selfie spots.
The church of Saint-Sulpice and the famous Pantheon are close by (and wonderfully visible from the terrace bar atop the hotel), as are the Insta-favourite cafés Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore, for those who seek the full Emily in Paris experience, but there is so much more to this fabulous part of town besides.
Hôtel Pilgrim itself is a sleek, contemporary place which is ideal for time not spent exploring the neighbourhood. On our arrival we were greeted in the cool concrete lobby by relaxed, affable staff – young and casually-dressed, fitting the vibe of the locale – and guided to a beautiful room near the top of the building.
Some of 53 rooms – ours included – have spacious (by Paris standards) terraces overlooking the atrium in the heart of the building; some have views across Rue de Poissy. The design of the accommodation made excellent use of the space, with intelligent adaptations to storage options allowing for much more outfit-hanging than would normally be possible in a room of that size.
The bathroom boasted a sizable walk-in shower (very wide, but possibly a touch short for the taller guest – thankfully that’s not me) which was stocked with (full-size) products from Swedish brand LA Bruket – these really must be credited as being a step above usual hotel offerings.
Breakfast was served each morning in a large, spacious, and versatile space just to the left of the reception area. The smooth concrete theme to the décor continues here, but soft furnishings and contemporary art pieces make the whole space feel very welcoming. After breakfast the space evolves into a brunch/co-working area, serving hot drinks and snacks through the afternoon.
I found this a very comfortable space in which to catch up on a few emails, as did a fair few of my fellow guests and a smattering of locals, and the whole area had a welcoming, airy atmosphere throughout the afternoon. There is an outdoor space as well, making use of the atrium our balcony looked on to, which will be perfect for the warmer months.
If you’re in Paris to break free from the laptop, the spa area on the lower floors of the hotel is a great place to relax. It’s free for guests to access, though times must be booked at reception to avoid overcrowding, and provides a large pool and hammam. Massage treatments can be booked on request for an additional fee.
As you may expect of a hotel in a famously vibrant area, Hôtel Pilgrim livens up a touch at night. The brunch-and-laptop vibe of the communal space dissolves into aperitif-and-cocktails, with classic French snacks offered to pair with each drink.
It’s certainly a cool space to enjoy a pre- or post-dinner drink, but the real star at this time in the evening is the roof terrace. The views of the surrounding area, including the hourly twinkle of the lights on the Eiffel Tower, are the perfect backdrop for a little wine and some little plates.
PRICE:
Rooms from €220
VERDICT:
The blend of local living and proximity to iconic tourist favourites make Hôtel Pilgrim a great choice for a Paris hotel. The space is perfect for both working and relaxing, and the added bonus of those rooftop views make this hotel a great choice for trips to Paris, be they for work or leisure.