There's a lot to like about this boutique hotel -- and that goes beyond its prime location in upmarket Saint-Germain. It's impossible to ignore the romantic vibe here, which characterizes this hotel inside and out. Situated in a six-story beige townhouse with top-story dormer windows, the hotel looks exactly like what many travelers staying on the Left Bank have in mind when they arrive in Paris. Inside, the hotel shows off its charming, individual style with a marble-floored entryway, painted paneled walls, elegant golden sconce lighting, and ornate antique accents, such as wooden chairs finished with velvety red upholstery. An arched, mirrored doorway leads into a small but cozy lounge with romantic red wallpaper, red couches and armchairs, traditional wood furniture, and a hanging tapestry. The breakfast room offers up similar style, with wooden tables, a functioning fireplace, and an antique pendulum clock. Overall, this hotel offers a fresh and polished take on the traditional look and is a step above much of its three-pearl competition. Because of its exceptional location, this is a hotspot for leisure travelers, while the romantic bedroom decor makes it a sweet spot for couples, too.

The Hotel de Seine is situated on a quintessentially Parisian street in the heart of the bustling Saint-Germain district of Paris's 6th Arrondissement on the Left Bank. The area is famous for its bookstores, art galleries, and cafes, many of which were once popular haunts of prominent members of the Existentialist movement. Shopping, restaurants, transportation, and attractions are all within easy walking distance, and for tourists, this is prime real estate. Guests can walk to the Luxembourg Gardens (10 minutes), the Seine (five minutes), Notre Dame Cathedral (15 minutes), the Louvre (15 minutes), and the Musee d'Orsay (15 minutes). For destinations farther afield, the metro is just a three-minute walk from the hotel and puts sights such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower within a 30-minute ride. Additional travel distances are as follows:

• Three-minute walk to Mabillon Metro Station (line 10)
• Five-minute walk to Odeon Metro Station (lines 4 and 10)
• Eight-minute walk to Latin Quarter
• 25-minute drive to Orly Airport (without traffic)
• 35-minute drive to Charles de Gaulle Airport (without traffic)

While there's a good deal of stylistic variety between the categories at this hotel, all 30 rooms are charming and feature decor that's definitively romantic. Expect to see wallpapered damask accent walls and coordinating heavy drapes plus red throw pillows and upholstery, while antique wood furniture brings even more classic style. The deliberately weathered green furnishings that we saw in the Double Room that we visited were particularly quaint. Modern wall art brings even more color to most rooms and adds an updated twist to the look. 

Though small, rooms and bathrooms are decently sized for a central Paris hotel, and include storage space in the wardrobes. All rooms are air-conditioned and include desks, electric kettles, flat-screen TVs, and safes. White marble bathrooms are an impressive sight, and all have a good amount of counter space on brown marble vanities as well as shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and premium Damana toiletries. Street-facing rooms can pick up some street noise, so light sleepers may want to consider courtyard-facing rooms.

In addition to a charming lounge, the hotel has a chic little breakfast room which serves up a daily breakfast buffet featuring breads, hardboiled eggs, cereal, cheese, and hot drinks. Breakfast costs an extra fee and can also be served in room. French and English newspapers are also available in the breakfast room. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and staff can provide concierge service and luggage storage, or can arrange for same-day laundry service and airport transportation. The hotel's lounge can be booked for private events and meetings. A computer and printer are available for guest use and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.