“I Got To Stay At Paris’ Most Breathtaking, Pinterest-Worthy Hotel”
Paris is one of those places where the city is undeniably beautiful, but I’ve never found a hotel that’s felt quite right. The room is either incredibly noisy or run down (in more of a forgotten-about than charming sense) – that is, until my latest trip, when I stayed at Le Jardin de Verre by Locke. Nestled in the city’s historic and lively Latin Quarter, here’s why you’ll want to save this spot for your next trip to the capital.
What sets it apart
As soon as you arrive at Le Jardin de Verre by Locke, which translates to ‘the glass garden’ – a nod to the design’s focus on natural light – you’re struck by how beautiful it is. Housed in a former Baroque mansion, there’s no shortage of history around here.
The key point of difference for this hotel – aside from its breathtaking design, led by London and LA-based interior and design studio Fettle – is the fact that it’s an aparthotel. It describes itself as ‘design-led destination living’, which basically means you can stay for a night or a year (at a cost, of course). Bring your family, bring your dog, stay for as long as you want.
I arrived the day after Paris’ hottest day on record, so the second thing I noticed (and was thankful for) was the air conditioning.
Natasha, Digital Editor
The rooms
Stepping inside your room is like walking into a real-life Pinterest board. While different suites have alternative colour schemes, I was obsessed with the warm saffron, tangerine, and marigold interiors in my room, which were tastefully offset by the odd walnut detail and crisp white sheets. If you’re into interior design, this is a truly special sight. Edyn’s in-house design team took the lead on the guest rooms (save for the two signature suites, designed by Fettle). Expect: mid-century influences, like a semicircular amber velvet sofa, married with modern silhouettes and the occasional print.
I stayed in a City Studio room, and while it was on the small side, it had everything I needed. One feature I was particularly keen on was the blackout curtains, which allowed me to hit the ground running on my first morning there after a late arrival the night before.
Stepping inside your room is like walking into a real-life Pinterest board.
The facilities
If you’re looking to work remotely while you’re here, the cafe has plenty of desks, long tables, and seating setups to work from (should you wish for a change of scene from your room, without having to leave the building). The sheer number of people using this space as a remote office shows how many remote workers use the hotel as a base. If, however, you need a more private setting or a larger space, you can also book one of the well-equipped meeting rooms or event spaces.
The sheer number of people using this space as a remote office shows how many remote workers use the hotel as a base.
For those who like to incorporate fitness into their stays, the hotel also has a gym (with weights, treadmills and bikes) and a yoga studio. Each room comes with a yoga mat too, so don’t worry about bringing anything other than your kit.
Food & drink
During my time at Le Jardin de Verre by Locke, I quickly realised how much of a destination it is, even for those not staying at the hotel. Breakfast sees the influx of guests to the central atrium spot, Bibie, with the odd visitor arriving for a coffee meeting and pastry from the in-house boulangerie. From lunchtime onwards, though, the place starts to fill up with locals enjoying extended meals, and it’s not long before glasses of crisp wine are ordered. Before you know it, the place is seriously buzzy, and you think, ‘Oh, this is the place to be around here.’
From lunchtime onwards, though, the place starts to fill up with locals enjoying extended meals, and it’s not long before glasses of crisp wine are ordered.
Outside, it’s a similar story, with mango-hued umbrellas set up across the courtyard, welcoming those seeking an alfresco setup. Plus, cocktail lovers need to check out the stunning Bibie bar, with every wall bathed in a warm pink tone that transports you from a hotel to a cool ‘if you know, you know’ Parisian spot.
Things to do nearby
Location-wise, the hotel is in Paris’ 5th arrondissement, near the Panthéon and the Sorbonne. On a sunny day, you’re a stone’s throw away from the Jardin des Plantes, which contains 11 gardens and the Museum of Natural History.
If you’re craving more historic content, head to the Arènes de Lutèce – a partially destroyed Roman amphitheatre where locals enjoy picnics and play pétanque on the arena floor. I’m not big into ruins, personally, so I instead spent my free time between air conditioning, heading to La Marais, or hitting up Cavavin – the wine shop around the corner to stock up on champagne.
The verdict
Overall, if you’re looking for a cool spot to stay in Paris, where you can get a good night’s sleep and also feel like you’re staying somewhere truly trendy, this is it. It’s cool, the crowd skews on the young side, and it’s easy to see why people choose to stay here for extended periods of time. From a design perspective, this is by far one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve stayed in. For those after somewhere uber-central, this might not be the most obvious choice, but I recommend it for a more relaxed escape in an area spoilt for choice when it comes to stunning gardens that Parisian locals flock to.
It’s cool, the crowd skews on the young side, and it’s easy to see why people choose to stay here for extended periods of time.
How to get there & book
The nearest station to the hotel is Place Monge on Metro line 7 – just two to three minutes’ walk from the property. I caught the Eurostar to Gare du Nord and found the metro really straightforward, and was at the hotel in under 30 minutes. To check availability and make a booking, visit www.lockeliving.com.
