What to expect: The Villa Montparnasse is a cozy hotel with 46 rooms, allowing staff to give a personalized welcome to each guest. The tranquil atmosphere is enhanced by 1940s-style jazz playing quietly in the lobby and halls, a contrast to the bustling Montparnasse district outside. The modern colonial decor is elegant and tasteful with stone tile floors, leopard-print wall panels, and whimsical touches. Leisure travelers stay here for the historic Left Bank location, just across from Montparnasse cemetery and Luxembourg Gardens. Amenity highlights: Opened in 2000, the Villa Montparnasse has modem connections in each room and completely modern bathrooms with heated towel racks. The intimate lobby bar is a peaceful place to order a coffee and enjoy the complimentary daily newspapers, or to have evening drinks before going out to dinner. Insider tip: Shoppers can enjoy the best of both worlds at the Villa Montparnasse. The chic designer boutiques of St-Germain-des-Pres are just a half- mile north, while the discount outlet shops around Rue Alésia to the south are treasured by Paris bargain hunters. Art and crafts fans can peruse the works of locals at the weekly artist market, every Sunday at the foot of Montparnasse Tower. |