Weekend Stay at Hotel Le Ballu in Paris

Location: Hotel Le Ballu is located in the heart of Paris on a quiet side street near the nightlife hotspot that is the Quartier Pigalle. It is a 5-minute walk from Moulin Rouge and is nearby to the famous Montmarte neighborhood where the Sacre Coeur is located.

The Rooms: The hotel features 35 unique rooms with two rooms that are adapted for people with reduced mobility and has many unique room categories: Standard Double, Superior Twin or Double, Deluxe Twin or Double, Junior Suite, Junior Suite with Terrace, Apartment and Apartment with Terrace and Communicator. The rooms all feature an Italian-style shower or bath with air conditioning, sound proofing, free Wi-Fi, large screen TV with international channels and Chromecast, as well as a kitchenette with a microwave, kettle, Nespresso coffee machine, refrigerator, dishes, a courtesy tray with coffee and tea, minibar with drinks and snacks, hairdryer and ByCa welcome products. This was one of the first hotels I stayed in where I could use the Chromecast to share the Netflix from my phone to the TV.

The Pool: The pool can be reserved in one-hour increments for private use and is incredibly unique. The pool is underground and is a rarity indeed at this end of the hotel market; aesthetically, it’s reminiscent of a Russian bath. It includes a private massage room, a toilet, a shower room and a sauna. From my perception, the deck is cleaned after each use and new towels are set out for those using it. This was a very special experience.

The Restaurant: Le Ballu’s restaurant was busy with people at all hours of the day. It serves breakfast in the morning, lunch all day and is open until 11 pm. The staff were incredibly friendly and the restaurant it's self is beautiful, giving you the option to sit in the garden or inside. You are able to try French classics in an Art Deco–influenced space that’s delightfully Paris-meets-Eastern-Bloc.

I recommend Hotel Le Ballu for clients looking for a romantic getaway that does not cost a fortune. It could also be recommended for a family, as there are rooms that can accommodate up to six guests. The staff really go above and beyond to give the hotel the five-star rating and Michelin Key that it deserves. It would be a shame to visit Paris and not stay at this lovely hotel.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Paris. In need of further inspiration? Check out Gillian Spatz's guide, Exploring France: Disney Paris Magic for Every Traveler.