Hôtel Alfred Sommier Review: A Boutique Luxury Stay in the Heart of Paris

Ah, Paris. You’ve not done it in the past, but years later you’ve finally captured a piece of my heart and I don’t know what it was this time around. Perhaps it was the scorching 37 degree sun which nearly cooked me alive, the mesmerising Eiffel Tower as the sun began to set or the beautiful streets lined with Instagram ready brasseries. It was probably a mix of all of those, but perhaps it was mostly down to my stay at Hotel Alfred Sommier – Paris’s newest luxury boutique hotel.

The property dates back to 1860, when Alfred Sommier and his father (who were entrepreneurial sugar refiners) built their “hotel particulier” in la Madeleine district. They wanted to settle their family and to entertain, in a mansion corresponding to the prosperity of their business back then. Having been kept very well-preserved, Alfred Sommier’s “hotel particulier” has as of today been transformed by one of the family’s descendants into a luxurious hotel and I’m so glad they decided to do such a thing.

Pass the reception desk as you enter and you’ll fall in love with every moment after. The marbled floor seating area with its antique piano and ruby-red chairs lined with gorgeous brass tones. To the artwork on the walls depicting the castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte (which is still owned by the family) and old gilded gold mirrors above the fireplace. It’s all about the service here too which starts as soon as you arrive, right until you leave the front doors.

My favourite part of the entire property was the grand staircase. Whether you’re at the top or bottom of it, you can’t help but admire its beauty and it’s here where you really feel its 19th century grandeur showing just how successful the family really must have been. Alfred’s monogram is even wrought inside the staircases iron railings which you’ll notice as you climb it.

The hotel has a total of 80 rooms and suites, all of which are no doubt striking. I was staying on the top floor in a deluxe room which looked down onto the front courtyard. I really loved the colour scheme they’ve chosen, with its pristine white walls, rich velvet blues and more of those copper tones at almost every turn. The room centres around a marble fireplaces and sleek, simple furniture which adds a touch of sophistication. The bed was also one of the comfiest I’ve enjoyed in some time.

As for amenities, this was the only area I felt slightly lacking. In the bedroom a little more info would have been appreciated about the hotel. Such as laundry information, reception contact number or any evening menu in the restaurant. Of course the all important coffee/tea making facilities were present, in the form of the trusty Nespresso machine. In the marble bathroom I was treated to a nice walk-in shower and some fabulous Guerlain amenities which highlight the French elegance of the hotel and its owners.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the “caryatids” large dining room and under its canopy. It really is a magnificent place, especially in the outer glass courtyard area which is filled with lots of light and sun. More of those red chairs feature here and the floors really are a spectacle so don’t forget to look down! Beautiful tiles, contrasted by a richly restored parquet flooring.

Just at the end of the dining room you’ll find the hidden Louis XV salon which I didn’t get to spend anytime in sadly, and the outside terrace which in the Summer the dining room and bar can spill out onto. There’s also a total of five meeting rooms, bathed in natural daylight to host private receptions, business meals and seminars. A wedding here would be a magical affair.

Breakfast was just as spectacular as the rest of our stay and well worth the €28 price tag. From the moment you sit down, your breakfast experience starts with the faultless service and wonderful location in the atrium looking out across the garden. Stunning breads, buttery croissants, quality charcuterie & cheeses – not to mention the coffee. Gosh it was good. If there was one thing you shouldn’t miss out on whilst staying at Alfred Sommier – its breakfast.

If you needed more reasons to convince you that a stay here will complete your Paris experience, then perhaps the location will. Located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, everything is quite literally on your doorstep or within a short walking distance. Galeries Lafayette is a 10 minute walk and offers the most magnificent views over Paris, both the Louvre and Carrousel Arc de Triomphe are just a little further and the Eiffel Tower a leisurely 30 minutes away.

We had such a lovely stay at Hotel Alfred Sommier and I wouldn’t hesitate staying here again. The service and staff are immaculate, the rooms are cozy and incredibly well air-conditioned (particularly lovely in a 37 degrees Paris) and the building is a thing of beauty with a location to help you fall in love with Paris if you haven’t already done so. Alfred Sommier – we’ll be back!