Hotel Review: Hotel Bienvenue Paris
Paris presents a unique challenge when it comes to finding spacious accommodation at a reasonable price. Even the rooms in its luxury five-star hotels are often charmingly petite. Nevertheless, when you embrace the cozy charm of Parisian hotel rooms, a delightful departure from the mundane chain hotels reveals itself. This is what drew me to Hotel Bienvenue. Nestled in the lively South Pigalle neighborhood, it is a standout with its sophisticated and whimsical design, painted in serene pastel tones. Its quaint elegance without the extravagant price tag, coupled with its unique character and charm, makes it not just a place to stay, but a memorable part of the Paris experience. Hotel Bienvenue truly embodies the quirky spirit and vibrant heart of Paris. Here is my review of Hotel Bienvenue:
Hotel Bienvenue is located at 23 Rue Buffault, 75009 Paris, France.
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Location
Hotel Bienvenue is located in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, France, in the trendy South Pigalle neighborhood. The hotel's location is ideal for travelers who want to experience the vibrant Parisian atmosphere while being situated in a quieter area away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas. The hotel is surrounded by charming cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries, giving guests a taste of authentic Parisian culture. The famous Montmartre district and its iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica are just a short walk away, providing stunning panoramic views of the city.
Lobby & Check-In Review
The lobby of Hotel Bienvenue, though compact, radiated a welcoming vibe with its modern lighting and charming seating adorned with floral patterns.
The small but inviting lobby of Hotel Bienvenue featured modern lighting and charming, floral-patterned seating.
Its design was brightened considerably by a skylight ceiling and a large window door that opened onto an adjoining courtyard, creating an atmosphere of lightness and warmth.
The dining area's charming furniture, complemented by a large window revealing a delightful courtyard, created a bright and inviting atmosphere.
The check-in area featured a stylish, standalone desk attended by a single receptionist, epitomizing the chic, boutique feel I had envisioned for a Parisian hotel. During check-in, the receptionist outlined the breakfast schedule and presented me with a metal room key—a nostalgically cool touch that felt refreshingly quaint in today's digital world.
Switching back to a physical key after being accustomed to a digital one felt refreshingly traditional.
The hotel's amenities were modest, with the highlight being the courtyard on the ground floor. The courtyard was furnished with tables and twinkling fairy lights and seemed like the perfect setting for a romantic evening or a relaxed wine night with friends.
The courtyard offered an ideal spot for a romantic evening or a casual wine night with friends.
Our room was situated on the fourth floor, and getting there was an experience in itself. Near the elevator, a cabinet displayed an eclectic mix of items for purchase, from toiletries and toys to figurines, offering guests a chance to take home a piece of their Parisian journey.
A diverse selection of items, ranging from toiletries to children's toys, was available for purchase.
The elevator was notably small—the smallest I had ever encountered, making the one at Le Dokhan's seem spacious by comparison.
Accommodating just one large suitcase in the elevator was challenging, but it was a quintessential Parisian experience
Fitting in with just one suitcase was a tight squeeze, and sharing the space with another person was nearly unthinkable due to its size. For those who find the elevator too claustrophobic or have mobility issues, the staircase is a viable alternative.
I adored the charming interior design and furniture at Hotel Bienvenue, especially with interesting color combinations.
However, if stairs are a concern, I'd recommend requesting a room on a lower floor for convenience. Despite its petite size, the elevator added to the unique charm of Hotel Bienvenue, making every aspect of the stay a memorable part of the Parisian experience. After an interesting elevator ride to the fourth floor, I entered my room.
Bedroom Review
Upon entering my standard room with a queen-sized bed, I was met with a surprise. I found the room to be even more compact than anticipated. The bed dominated the room, leaving little space for much else, and the decor was a stark contrast to the lobby's vibrant colors.
When booking a standard room at Hotel Bienvenue, it's advisable to set your expectations for a more compact space.
However, the headboard's integrated lighting cast a soothing pastel green glow, adding a touch of charm. The bed was firm, complemented by plush pillows, making for a comfortable sleep. Beside the bed was a diminutive nightstand, featuring a complimentary bottle of water.
To accommodate the constraints of a small room while remaining practical, the nightstand was designed to be compact.
The opposite side presented a tiny "desk" with a basket of minibar snacks, intriguingly small and not quite practical for working.
While a work desk was available, it offered limited space for practical use.
The room also boasted a media stand with a wall-mounted flatscreen TV, albeit lacking smart functionality.
The media stand featured minimal decoration, and it would have been beneficial to have some storage space for clothing.
Thankfully, there was a Nespresso machine and an electric kettle, perfect for morning coffee or tea.
Despite the hotel’s affordability, the hotel room was equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine.
Finding the mini-fridge was a bit of an adventure, tucked away under the media stand. While it surprisingly held several full-sized bottles, it didn't chill the beverages as much as I would have liked.
The mini-fridge, though compact, managed to accommodate a full-sized bottle, yet it did not cool to the desired temperature.
The room had one window overlooking the courtyard, offering a pleasant view but also a potential entry for bugs, as there was no screen.
The room had a window with a French balcony overlooking the central courtyard.
A unique element of the room was the key-operated light switch. Along with my room key, I was given a smaller key to activate the lights, adding another quirky element to the experience. Despite its size, this tiny bedroom had its charm and was quite fitting for a traveler intent on exploring Paris rather than staying indoors. However, for those who prefer more space or are sharing with a companion, it might be wise to opt for a larger room or a different hotel. Hotel Bienvenue, with its distinctive attributes, is perfect for those who appreciate the quirky and compact aspects of Parisian living.
Bathroom Review
The bathroom was compact, equipped with a single-sink vanity and a few wall-mounted shelves for toiletries. Its character was enhanced by the playful blue wallpaper, which added a bright touch to the small space.
Like the bedroom, the bathroom was equally compact, outfitted with only the essential amenities.
The highlight was the generously sized Diptyque toiletries, exuding a delightful and lasting floral fragrance–a luxurious touch considering their premium price tag. The hotel's generosity in providing six tubes was a pleasant surprise.
The hotel provided an ample supply of Diptyque toiletries, each infused with fragrant floral scents.
The bathroom featured a walk-in shower with a standard showerhead. Although the water pressure was satisfactory, the low ceiling could pose a challenge for guests over 6 feet tall, who might find themselves needing to stoop.
A gap in the shower's glass wall resulted in water leaking onto the bathroom floor, and the ceiling of the shower stall was somewhat low.
A notable downside was a gap in the glass wall of the shower, leading to water spillage onto the bathroom floor. Moreover, the absence of a rubber or silicone protector on the glass shower door was a slight oversight, as it often swung open unexpectedly. Despite these drawbacks, my overall impression of the bathroom mirrored that of the bedroom: it was a snug space that managed to blend luxury with unique, peculiar features.
Breakfast Review
Breakfast at Hotel Bienvenue was served daily between 7 AM and 10 AM. It was set in a quaint dining area near the front desk, featuring charmingly small, round Parisian tables—perfect for an intimate meal for two.
Breakfast at Hotel Bienvenue was elegantly served at the lobby level, and the ambiance was authentically Parisian.
Guests also had the option to enjoy their breakfast in the courtyard, adding an al fresco touch to the morning. Priced at €12 per person, the breakfast buffet offered a modest yet satisfying range of proteins.
The continental breakfast was reasonably priced, reflecting the variety of food options available.
The highlight was a cheese dome, presenting an array of delightful varieties like Comte, Mimolette, and goat cheese, each with its unique, robust flavor.
Cold cuts of meat and cheese were replenished infrequently, and at times, guests had to ask the kitchen staff for more.
Alongside these, jambon and other cold cuts were available, though they were replenished sparingly, occasionally requiring guests to request refills from the kitchen staff. The buffet also included yogurt and hard-boiled eggs for a simple start to the day, while muesli and fruit salad catered to those preferring lighter options.
The buffet offered only hard-boiled eggs, with no option for scrambled eggs.
While the absence of an espresso machine was noted, the hotel compensated with strong, freshly brewed coffee and a selection of teas, although decaffeinated coffee was notably missing.
European guests might find themselves disappointed by the lack of espresso options.
Carbohydrate enthusiasts were greeted with warm country bread and a variety of pastries. A standout was the homemade chocolate and orange cake—a delectable treat that was both light in texture and rich in chocolate flavor.
The bread station was reliably fresh, with the homemade chocolate and orange cake being a particularly standout dish.
Overall, the continental breakfast at Hotel Bienvenue offered a decent variety and could become a more appealing option for travelers with improvements in service.
The breakfast buffet at Hotel Bienvenue could benefit from some improvements, but the price fairly reflected the quality of the food.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
Hotel Bienvenue sets itself apart from the conventional, run-of-the-mill hotels with its array of charming peculiarities. These include the quaintly small elevator and the unique feature of using a physical key to operate room lights. Adding to the delightful experience, the hotel pleasantly surprises guests with upscale in-room amenities, such as a Nespresso machine for that perfect cup of coffee and luxurious Diptyque toiletry products to enhance the bathroom experience.
At Hotel Bienvenue, aesthetics play a crucial role in defining its ambiance. The courtyard is a picturesque haven, adorned with lush greenery and charming string light. The lobby welcomes guests with its vibrant, colorful wallpapers, setting the tone for the hotel's inviting nature. The rooms are a testament to this attention to detail, with their pastel hues, elegantly curved furniture, and playful wallpapers.
Negatives
In the realm of Parisian lodgings, it's well-known that rooms tend to be quite compact, and Hotel Bienvenue follows this trend. Prepare yourself for an exceptionally cozy space, particularly if you're sharing the room with a travel partner. Approach your stay with an open mind, ready to immerse yourself in the quintessential Parisian way of life, and you'll find the experience more charming and enjoyable than inconvenient.
Although Hotel Bienvenue boasts generous and upscale in-room amenities, it's important to note the absence of a fitness center. Moreover, for guests who prefer to work remotely, the hotel does not offer a communal workspace on its premises.
Summary
Centrally located in the chic South Pigalle neighborhood of Paris, Hotel Bienvenue appeals to both the solo traveler and those looking to stay with a group of friends without breaking the bank. From the tiny elevator to the lush courtyard with string lights, Hotel Bienvenue’s charming atmosphere encouraged me to fully embrace the Parisien lifestyle, making it a standout boutique hotel in Paris. Upscale amenities such as a Nespresso machine and premium Diptyque products were unexpected surprises that elevated my lodging experience. Although my room was tiny, and there was no fitness center or communal workspace for remote work, Hotel Bienvenue offered lovely aesthetics that encapsulated an ideal image of a charming Parisien hotel. I suggest Hotel Bienvenue for those looking to immerse themselves in an authentic Parisian hotel experience without overspending.
