52 Clichy — Hotel in Paris

A Jewel in Paris

The apartment at 52 Rue de Clichy is not your typical Air BnB. Far from it. It's a home away from home, and it's only a bit of a stretch to say that it comes with a personal concierge. Rosemary doesn't simply hand you the keys and say, "Have a good time in Paris." While you are her guest, she is always determined to ensure that you are satisfied with your visit.

Upon my arrival, Rosemary was just about to send her new B&B guests staying in her own apartment out for their first glimpse of the city's sights. Yet she didn't hesitate to invite me in, to offer me a cold drink, spread out a map and draw on it a walking itinerary that would take me from her door down the hill to the Tuileries and a nearby museum.

The courtyard greets you as soon as you step inside from the street. Rarely in an American city do you find his kind of special, old-world ambiance. It is beautiful and it affords to a bedraggled traveler a sense of serenity. Look down on its trees and plants from the apartment and you sense a touch of the country in the city.

Except for some extraordinarily expensive ones, hotel rooms in Paris (even nice ones) are claustrophobic. Two persons have to maneuver around each other in these shoeboxes. There's plenty of room, however, in the apartment. There's a modern kitchen with a washer and dryer. The windows in each room provide lots of light and air. Everything is neat and spotless.

Because the courtyard permits the apartment to sit so far back in from the street, you are never bothered by the hustle and bustle of the city. It's easy to think that you are somewhere else altogether. This also means that sleep comes easily. During the five nights I was there, I never heard a sound during the night. The soundproofing between units (something I am attuned to, having lived in several apartments) suggests solid construction. I didn't hear any sounds from neighboring units.

As soon as you become acclimated to the apartment and familiar with all the amenities in the neighborhood, it will dawn on you that you are staying in a very upscale residence. I doubt that very many young French professional couples could afford to live at 52 Rue de Clichy.

Upon arrival, I had an emergency on my hands. I had lost my U.S. passport and the American Embassy was closed in observation of Labor Day. I mentioned my problem to Rosemary and said that I would go to the embassy on the next day. On Tuesday, before I could get to the embassy, Rosemary (without my knowing that she was acting on my behalf) had already talked with an embassy official and determined that I could cut the (nearly mile-long!) line and obtain a new passport with a minimum of fuss. I walked into the American Embassy (10 minutes away) and 45 minutes later walked out with a new passport.

On Wednesday afternoon Rosemary invited me up for a before-dinner drink on her balcony. In perfect weather looking over the courtyard, we conversed over a broad range of subjects. Rosemary is delightful conversationalist and she could put anybody at ease.

I said that Rosemary is like a concierge. Her foremost priority during my stay was to ensure that I was doing everything during my trip that I had planned to do. Her knowledge of Paris is encyclopedic. Her restaurant tips were uniformly excellent. Rosemary doesn't merely rent units. She caters to her guests' needs and wants.

I had a wonderful first...

This review has taken me a while to get to! We had the pleasure of staying in the apartment at 52 Clichy from the 23-28th September. Last year we stayed with Rosemary in her B&B, and this year we tried the apartment. We were not disappointed. The apartment is HUGE! Very easy to get to from Gare du Nord, and located in a great area with many great restaurants around, an amazing bakery a few doors up the street, a little supermarket across the road and an ATM directly opposite the main entrance door. The building is very secure, and has a good sized lift to the apartment door. The location is great, 5 minutes walk to Moulin Rouge and about 15-20minutes walk up the hill through Montmartre to Sacre Cour. Public transport is with a few minutes walk, and taxis are easy to find. Our hostess Rosemary is a British expat who is an absolute wealth of information to impart on anything you need to know while in Paris. Having her guidance with all things French was an absolute plus for us the first time we stayed with her, and again this time she gave us some great advice as well! The apartment itself as I said is huge, and beautifully appointed. There is a fully equipped kitchen which is great to do your own breakfast, or if you want Rosemary will drop a breakfast down to you (worth trying her homemade Greek yoghurt!). We didn’t cook dinner here as there are too many great restaurants to try, but you could definitely make dinner if you wanted to. The kitchen also has a washing machine in it, and drying racks were supplied which we took advantage of. There is a dining area, and lounge area with 2 large lounges, the bathroom is a good size for Paris, with good bench space and a shower over the bath. Water pressure is good although it does take a little while for the hot water to come through. And what a luxury to have 2 toilets in this home away from home! Rosemary has thought of everything, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this lovely apartment!...

A Parisian Gem: Exquisite Charm and Unmatched Hospitality

As an avid traveler who has experienced various accommodations around the world, I am thrilled to share my exceptional experience at this enchanting Parisian bed and breakfast. Nestled in the heart of the city, this delightful haven offers an authentic Parisian experience, blending classic elegance with modern comfort.

From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was enveloped in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Rosemary, an amazing person with a passion for hospitality, has created an oasis that feels like a home away from home. Her attention to detail is impeccable and evident in every corner of the beautifully appointed rooms.

The apartment we stayed in was a masterpiece of comfort and style, with a comfortable bed, luxurious linens, and a quiet peaceful cozy view outside. The decor was a tasteful blend of traditional and contemporary, creating a space that was both inviting and stylish.

Breakfast each morning was a culinary delight. The spread included freshly baked croissants, local breads and pastries, fresh-cut fruit salad, and a selection of delicious locally sourced jams. The coffee, rich and aromatic, was the perfect start to each day.

What truly sets this bed and breakfast apart is the genuine care and personalized service provided by the host. Rosemary’s recommendations for local attractions and hidden gems in the city were invaluable, and her willingness to go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay is remarkable.

In conclusion, this Parisian bed and breakfast is not just a place to stay; it's an experience that embodies the charm and elegance of Paris. It's a rare find that I would recommend without hesitation to anyone seeking a unique and exquisite stay in the City of Lights. Five stars...