Recently, we were invited to La Fantasie, one of Paris’s newest hotels. This chic, design-forward hotel boasts eye-catching wallpaper and interior design while also embracing sustainable practices. Its basement spa features an array of pools of different temperatures and treatments based on organic ingredients, providing a perfect relaxation spot for guests. On top of that, La Fantasie offers a stunning rooftop bar with views of the Sacré Coeur and Eiffel Tower and houses the first Parisian restaurant by San Francisco-based Michelin-starred chef Dominique Crenn.
One of the hotel’s standout features is its prime location in the vibrant 9th arrondissement. This area is a hotspot for dining and nightlife, with countless restaurants and wine bars just a short walk or metro ride away. In a few days, it’s impossible to explore them all, but we made a solid start.
What truly sets La Fantasie apart is its neighborhood on Rue Cadet, a pedestrian-friendly street sprinkled with local vendors. From fishmongers and flower stalls to cheese and natural wine shops, the street offers an authentic slice of Parisian life, steering clear of the typical tourist paths. It feels like you’re stepping out from your Parisian apartment.
The hotel’s interiors, designed by renowned Martin Brudnizki, feature colorful details and thoughtful touches, such as intricate wallpaper, teal radios, and brass stirrers in the minibars. The rooms are stocked with products from French vegan brand Holidermie, enhancing the luxurious feel. The entire building provides filtered tap water, allowing guests to easily fill a carafe for refreshing cold water anytime without needing to turn to bottled water. The housekeeping was impeccable folding our sons clothing and wrapping our cords. The turndown service went beyond traditional expectations, including silk sleep masks and CBD gummies.
The spa at La Fantasie is a serene retreat with four soaking pools—hot, cold, mineral, and a jacuzzi—alongside an ice fountain, a hammam, and an infrared room. It’s a simple yet utterly relaxing space ideal for those looking to unwind.
Dominique Crenn’s Golden Poppy restaurant brings a light, plant-based and seafood-focused menu to the table, offering a delightful departure from traditional, heavier French bistro fare. A standout dish is the tuna tartare, served with a shiso leaf, which diners enjoy like a taco. See more on the restaurant here.
La Fantasie is more than just a hotel; it’s a gateway to a boutique experience nestled in the heart of Paris. Whether visiting in the brisk breezes of April or the warmth of summer, La Fantasie promises a refreshing and local experience.
Note: La Fantasie provided support for the reporting of this story.