Hotel Pullman Paris Montparnasse – a Paris hotel with a view

During our pre-Christmas weekend break in Paris we stayed at Hotel Pullman Paris Montparnasse. This large, modern hotel is in the 15th arrondissement of Paris on the Rive Gauche. It is well located for business and a great base for sightseeing.

The staff were friendly and helpful. We enjoyed our stay in a Deluxe room with views over the city from the 23rd floor and dinner in the Cafe Atlantic restaurant. Read on for my review of Hotel Pullman Paris Montparnasse and what to see in this neighbourhood of Paris.

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How to get to Hotel Pullman Paris Montparnasse

We found the Hotel Pullman Montparnasse easily after our Friday night Air France flight into Charles de Gaule airport. It took us around an hour by train and metro to reach the hotel.

Hotel Pullman has excellent transport links, being opposite Gare Montparnasse. There are two metro stations within a 5-10 minute walk. If you’re arriving by car it’s also convenient to drive in from the Periferique ring-road that circles Paris.

We found arriving by Metro was pretty straightforward. There’s also a useful Air France Les Cars bus connection that runs from both Charles de Gaule and from Orly Airport and stops opposite the hotel.

The hotel faces Gare Montparnasse, one of the major Paris rail hubs, with cars coming and going from the underground car parks. The immediate neighbourhood did not have much character, and Hotel Pullman is housed in a multi-story building. This gives great views if you have a room on the upper floors although not especially charming to look at from the outside.

I hope you enjoy the video below of Hotel Pullman Paris Montparnasse

If you can’t see the video above of Hotel Pullman Paris Montparnasse view it on my blog here or on YouTube here.

While Montparnasse isn’t really a major sightseeing area, there are several things of interest within a short walk. Check out the lively bars and brasseries of Boulevard du Montparnasse. The 210m tall Tour Montparnasse is close by with a viewing platform and restaurant at the top. Jardin du Luxembourg is not too far away. It will take you around 15-20 minutes by metro to reach the central sightseeing areas of Paris such as Notre Dame.

Checking In

First impressions were good as we walked down the steps into the large, bright reception area. We were checked in quickly and efficiently. The lift took us to our Classic room on the 21st floor, but oh dear, our room was not quite ready.

We headed 20 floors down again to reception where the staff were apologetic. To compensate we were given a Deluxe room, on the 23rd floor with a view towards Tour Montparnasse.

On checking in, we were given vouchers for our breakfast in the Justin restaurant on the first floor Although it is a little impersonal, it meant that there were no delays to be seated at breakfast.

On the ground floor next to reception we found a large, open lounge area. It featured modern sculptural easy chairs in shades of lichen green, red and tan with green carpet. The lighting effect kept changing the colours subtly. Despite the hotel’s size there seemed to be plenty of room for everyone. The 60s style bubble chairs were a great hit with the teenagers and kids.

Our bedroom at Hotel Pullman Paris Montparnasse

Our Deluxe room on the 23rd floor of the Hotel Pullman Paris Montparnasse was spacious. It had modern decor of coffee coloured walls and a tall leather headboard. Curtains in a brown satin fabric featured a light excluding lining.

From this floor we had a great view from the window over Paris towards Tour Montparnasse. There was a curvy white desk with a flat screen TV with all the information you need about the hotel and other practical information about Paris.

The neutral tones were highlighted with a black leather desk chair. A couple of red suede effect modern chairs sat at a small round table, with a Nespresso machine to one side.

The bathroom was brown marble with a square white sink on a wooden vanity surface. A powerful shower over the bath and nice orange flower Roger and Gallet toiletries. The overall effect was elegant in a masculine way.

Reducing paper usage

We learned that the hotel had gone through a renovation a couple of years ago. The red and black scheme is the new one which you’ll find in the superior and deluxe rooms. The classic rooms were also refreshed during the renovation. However, they do not have the more modern furniture and colour scheme. If you want the latest design you’ll need to go for a superior or deluxe room.

I was also perplexed by the lack of a folder of information about the hotel facilities, menus and room service. On enquiring discovered that the Pullman policy is to reduce the amount of paper in the hotel. All the information can be accessed through the TV.

I suspect that for men who love to fiddle with the remote control this would be ideal. For others it could be stressful to have to work out the technology just to check the room service menu.

Who’s staying here?

Although the atmosphere and decor was well suited to the business traveller there were a mixture of guests staying at the weekend, as you’d expect. With 900+ beds, the hotel is one of the few Paris hotels large enough to host conferences in the centre next door.

The main business travellers I spied while we were there were a steady stream of airline crew. There were also plenty of couples and smaller groups, a few with children. Also a large group of Japanese teenagers visiting Paris on a student holiday, laden down with Galaries Lafayette shopping bags.

A benefit for both business and leisure travellers at the Hotel Pullman Paris Montparnasse was free wifi in all the rooms. I found it to be pretty fast and there was a business centre on the ground floor, equipped with computers and printers.

What’s for breakfast?

After a sound night’s sleep, we really enjoyed the buffet breakfast, served in the Justin restaurant on the first floor. It featured orange and dark wood chairs as well as elegant red and silver Christmas bauble arrangements.

Despite the size of the hotel, there was no crush and we were seated quickly and served a cup of coffee. The breakfast buffet was excellent with fresh pastries and a good spread of all the usual cold meats and cheeses as well as a hot selection.

I noticed that the restaurant was large, but only the central portion was in use. This seemed a good arrangement to allow for the large number of guests when the hotel is full. This makes for a cosy atmosphere when there are fewer guests.

To one side the restaurant had a sloping glass conservatory roof, which looked out onto a garden. Despite us being above ground level it was planted with grass and shrubs. I wondered if we could get outside if the weather was fine. The roof garden gave a pleasant aspect for a city hotel that has no other garden areas.

The restaurant is open every weekday evening except Saturday and Sunday when meals are available in the Cafe Atlantic on the ground floor. Tthere is a “Baby Brunch” buffet on Sundays which is popular with families, as children are entertained while parents can relax.

Dining in Cafe Atlantic

Having eaten out on Saturday night, we decided to dine in the hotel on Sunday evening. We were happy to have a night in after so much sightseeing when many of the local restaurants were closed.

With Restaurant Justin closed on Sunday nights, we tried out Cafe Atlantic on the ground floor. We stated with an aperitif at the chrome bar area, with acid yellow bar stools and a big TV screen on the wall playing sports. I really enjoyed my Ciapirinha cocktail. Guy had a beer before we moved to the casual dining area for a light dinner.

I decided to try out the Power Menu, which is designed for businessmen looking for a rapid set-price lunch. My choice was the Plat de jour with 3 mini deserts. I enjoyed the nicely grilled fish with a creamy sauce of shallots and chives and mashed potatoes on the side.

Guy’s choice was from Les Signatures menu with French classic dishes. He ordered the Jarret de Veau braisse with legumes confits. This small steak was served with a mixture of braised Mediterranean vegetables. We followed with a plate of cheese with green salad.

Paris is an expensive city and if you’re watching your budget you probably wouldn’t be eating in the hotel. I thought the prices were fair for a hotel of this quality and the service was friendly and efficient.

While the food and atmosphere were enjoyable, I’d say Cafe Atlantic isn’t really a destination bar or restaurant. Rather, it’s a place where guests can find a pleasant meal when they are too tired to go out and brave the buzzing nightlife of Boulevard du Montparnasse.

What’s there to do?

I sought the recommendations of the concierge on the best things to see close to the Hotel Pullman Paris Montparnasse and here are his suggestions;

Tour Montparnasse, for the best views over Paris especially in the evening when the nearby Eiffel tower is all lit up. There’s a viewing platform at the top and the Ciel de Paris restaurant and champagne bar. This can be expensive, as you’re paying for the view and the Wow factor. There’s a small branch of Galerie Lafayette department store at the base of the tower.

Jardin du Luxembourg is a classic Parisian park 20 minutes walk from the hotel. It is full of beautiful parterres, fountains and statues. This park is for lovers but also fun for families with a small boating lake where you can rent old fashioned toy boats to sail.

There’s a branch of the Angelina’s tea room in the Musee du Luxembourg where you can try their famous hot chocolate and Mont Blanc meringue covered with chestnut cream.

More things to do

The Saint-Suplice church is one of the largest churches in Paris, second only to Notre-Dame in size. This was the church where the famous French writer, Victor Hugo was married. You can also see frescoes by Eugene de la Croix.

The church is in the elegant neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Pres. Here you will find some of the designer boutiques like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. There’s also classic brasseries, such as Les Deux Magots and Cafe Flore that were frequented by 19th century artists and writers. (25 mins or 2 stops on the metro)

The Catacombes are a must-see attraction for teenagers. They house the bones and skulls that were moved from the Cemetery of the Innocents in the 18th century to be relocated in this underground quarry. Be aware that there may be a queue as entrance is limited to 200 people at any one time. Entrance cost €29 with audioguide. (20 mins walk, 4 stops on the metro)

Le Bon Marche on the Rive Gauche is the oldest department store in Paris. It iss recommended for its elegant designs and professional staff (3 stops on the Metro).

Where to eat out?

Here are the concierge suggestions for where to eat out while staying at Hotel Pullman Paris Montparnasse. Be aware that eating out in Paris is expensive by UK standards and you should expect to pay €40-€100 per person for dinner.

On Boulevard du Montparnasse you’ll find plenty of bars and brasseries although many are of the ‘just for tourists’ kind. For a classic brasserie try La Closerie des Lilas (171 Boulevard du Montparnasse) which in the 1920s became a favourite of writers such as Earnest Hemmingway and Scott Fitzgerald.

Another brasserie to try is La Rotonde (105 Boulevard du Montparnasse) which was frequented by artists such as Picasso and Modigliani before the Second World War and for some of the best seafood in Paris make a reservation at Le Dome (108 Boulevard du Montparnasse) which serves fresh fish and classical French dishes in a large, historic dining room.

If you are looking for a bistro that’s more intimate you could try l’Assiette (181 Rue du Chateau) in a former butchers shop which is charming with a simple French front but the chef, David Rathgeber is a student of Alain Ducasse. Another Bistro to try is Le Chardenoux des Pres (27 Rue du Dragon in Saint-Germain-des-Pres) run by top chef Cyril Lignac.

Options for families

American guests sometimes like a hamburger and are directed to Ralph Lauren’s mansion at 173 Boulevard de Saint Germain which has been converted into a showcase for the Ralph Lauren brand with fashion and home ranges on the upper floors and Ralph’s American restaurant on the ground floor for American dishes, with a private courtyard which is lovely to eat out in summer.

Families staying in Montparnasse might enjoy eating at the casual dining chain Hippopotamus (68 Bouleverd du Montparnasse) and the brasserie La Rotonde mentioned above (105 Boulevard du Montparnasse) is also good for families.

Who will Hotel Pullman Paris Montparnasse suit best?

We enjoyed our stay at Hotel Pullman which is ideally suited for business and leisure travellers who want a comfortable, well located hotel as a base for sightseeing. Those looking for a romantic break with charm and character would need to book elsewhere, as this is a large hotel with 900+ bedrooms, although it effortlessly accommodated all guests and we never felt crowded.

The decor of the hotel is modern, with an elegant and slightly masculine feel to the Superior and Deluxe rooms, while the Classic rooms were pleasant but with less up to date furnishings. The hotel would suit couples, groups of friends, business travellers and families with older children and is also ideal for group bookings as its size enables it to easily accommodate larger parties.

Hotel Pullman Paris Montparnasse | 19 Rue Commandant René Mouchotte, 75014 Paris | Check prices and book here

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Visitor Information for your weekend in Paris

Getting from the airport

The best value and quickest way to get from Charles de Gaule Airport (also known as Roissy) is to take the train directly from the airport station. It’s a 10-15 min walk from the arrival gates.

We bought a ticket at the machine in the station which covered our journey on the RER regional train to central Paris.There was an easy change onto the Metro to take us to Hotel Pullman. The whole journey was around 1 hour from CDG Airport to Montparnasse.

An alternative which might suit you if you are staying near Montparnasse is the Air France ‘Les Cars’ Airport Bus. This drops you right opposite the Hotel Pullman Montparnasse.

Getting around

We found the metro to be an easy and convenient way to get around and all tickets are valid on metro and buses. We considered buying the Ticket Mobilis day passes but were glad we didn’t in the end as we found that a ‘Carnet’ or book of 10 individual metro tickets (€13.30) lasted us both for the weekend, as we only took 1-2 Metro journeys each day and walked to many places as the weather was good.

Heather and Guy flew with Air France from Bristol to Paris – thanks to Air France for providing* Heather’s flight. There are several flights per day with Air France to Paris Charles de Gaule Airport from London Heathrow and other regional airports.

Thanks to Hotel Pullman for hosting* Heather and Guy for their weekend in Paris.

* More info on my policies page

This article is originally published at Heatheronhertravels.com

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