In the heart of Pigalle, within walking distance of Montmartre: review hotel Rochechouart Paris

On the occasion of our musical getaway to Paris for the concert of Andrea Bocelli, booked with Flying Blue miles., having to stay one night in the Ville Lumière we opted for this hotel participating in the collection Design Hotels by Marriott. Needless to say, the motivation was to achieve the maximum, as always.

Two promotions I have accumulated: the American Express promo cashback on spending at Marriott hotels across Europe and the beginning of the year promo Bonvoy, which gave points and a bonus night.

Reservation

During the week of the Easter vacations, the already anything but cheap Paris certainly did not have low season prices. Plus, abetted by the Marriott promo, I was looking for a sign that I had not yet visited since the beginning of the year, and this hotel represented the best option for price to location ratio.

The cost of one night was about 267 euros. Fortunately, 100€ was returned to me by Amex thanks to this expenditure. In total I put in my pocket. just under 9 thousand Bonvoy points.

The location

Hotel Rochechouart is in a particularly interesting location for experiencing Paris with an authentic and, at the same time, very scenic look: it is on boulevard de Rochechouart, between the 9th arrondissement and the vibrant atmosphere of Pigalle, right at the foot of Montmartre. This means having one of the city's most iconic neighborhoods at your fingertips, including clubs, theaters, public transportation stops, and glimpses that quickly lead to the Sacré-Cœur and the most charming streets of the Parisian hillside.

The history of the hotel

The Rochechouart is a hotel with over a century of history behind and still retains the charm of a grand Parisian address of yesteryear. The property is told as a true gem of the 1920s, deeply connected to the artistic and worldly identity of the neighborhood, so much so that even its contemporary design deliberately recalls the elegance Art Deco and the legacy of its past. This historical soul is also found in the spaces of the Mikado Dancing, the hotel's former ballroom, which harkens back to the Paris of tango, tea dances and early 20th century nightlife.

I Design Hotels by Marriott are just that: independent facilities that partner with the chain to enjoy the marketing benefits, but maintain an identity that, at least on the surface, does not reflect the classic specifications of a large chain.

The room

We arrived in the early afternoon and, after a quick chat with the receptionists, reached our room. No upgrade, or rather: a high floor and a "view" that were sold to us as a promotion to a better room.

The hotel is not large, and I'll say that right away: I do not recommend it to those who have walking problems. There are so many steps, a very narrow elevator and cramped rooms, as only a building over 100 years old can have.

We were at the sixth floor out of eight and our view of the rooftops was not at all wow, except for the fact that in the distance and, without fog, you could see the top of the Eiffel Tower.

The layout of the room was truly original: the WC immediately to the right, separated from the rest of the bathroom, which was instead on the opposite side of the room.

As a result, if you wanted to wash your hands after going to the bathroom, you had to go through the whole room.

The room was basic, a window to the rooftops but also a view of the stairs and other rooms in the hotel.

All very small, with every inch exploited for a specific purpose.

Finally, the bathroom, which was probably the most spacious environment in the room.

The rooftop

This hotel, in warm weather, has a rooftop that is worth visiting regardless of being a guest or not.

Escape the chaos below and take refuge up here to enjoy a glass of wine, or a bubbly, while admiring the Sacré-Cœur worth the price of the ticket.ì Too bad our visit happened on a dreary day and everything was closed.

Services

Do not expect swimming pool or spa. There is a restaurant that is the classic Parisian eatery reinterpreted in a co-working style, with the added bonus of a vintage ambience. On the upside, prices, according to the list displayed, could even reach 2000€/night

Breakfast

Strangely enough, I had booked a room with breakfast included, also usually excluded from status privileges in these insignia.

The setting is atmospheric, because precisely you are in a 100-year-old building, in a place that has surely seen rivers of wine and much Parisian history pass by. The offerings are varied: not huge, but there was almost everything. Sure, if you're aiming for a gargantuan buffet look elsewhere, but if you settle for a good way to start your day you won't be disappointed.

In conclusion

La location and the rooftop Are the real pluses of the hotel. For a romantic weekend in Paris I feel I can recommend it without any problems.

The verdict

A design hotel is that, a hotel with a well-defined soul, sure the Design room had very little (or maybe nothing), but for a romantic weekend, wanting to be in one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Paris is a good choice

6.5

Pro

• Location
• Rooftop

Against

• Cramped
• Room for nothing design