SO/ Paris

SO/ Paris: A Chic, Modern Oasis with Breathtaking Views

SO/ Paris, a Michelin Key Selected property, has quickly established itself as a vibrant and fashionable luxury destination on the banks of the Seine. Housed in a extensively renovated 17-story office building from the 1950s, the hotel offers a refreshing departure from traditional Parisian interiors with its bold design, contemporary art, and unparalleled panoramic views of the city's iconic landmarks.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for SO/ Paris is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as a "superb," "exceptional," and "luxurious" hotel. It is lauded for its modern design, impeccable service, and, most notably, its breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and the Seine. The hotel is considered a "chic sanctuary" that blends Parisian elegance with a cosmopolitan flair.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features:

• Exceptional Views: The panoramic vistas from rooms and especially from the rooftop Bonnie restaurant and bar are a major draw, offering unparalleled perspectives of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, Sacré-Cœur, and the Seine.
• Striking Design & Ambiance: The hotel's design, crafted by RDAI (the firm behind Hermès stores), is described as modern-luxe, chic, unpretentious, and vibrant, filled with contemporary artwork. It's seen as a "design-forward" property that stands out from more traditional Parisian hotels.
• Impeccable Service: The staff is frequently praised for being "immaculate, friendly, welcoming," "genuine," "super-efficient," and "delightfully down-to-earth."
• Rooftop Bar & Restaurant (Bonnie): Bonnie, located on the 15th floor, is a major highlight, known for its stunning 360-degree views, vibrant nightlife, and being a popular spot for both hotel guests and Parisians.

3. Room Quality

The 162 rooms and suites, spread between floors 7 and 14, are consistently described as spacious, comfortable, and stylish retreats. They feature floor-to-ceiling windows that allow for glorious natural light and, in over half of the units, offer direct views of the Eiffel Tower. The design incorporates luxurious parquet floors, bold colors, modern furnishings, and thoughtful touches like contemporary artwork inspired by Parisian life.

Amenities include plush bedding, rain showers, Maison Codage toiletries, Nespresso machines, and complimentary soft drinks in the mini-bar. Some rooms also boast Juliet balconies. Guests appreciate the modern technology, such as USB outlets, steamers, Bluetooth speakers (extending into the bathroom), and 55-inch 4K Ultra HDTVs.

4. Dining Experience

The primary dining venue is Bonnie, the restaurant, bar, and nightclub spanning the top two floors of the hotel. Breakfast at Bonnie is highlighted as an "excellent experience" and an "event" due to the spectacular views of the Parisian skyline, including Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower. The breakfast typically includes fresh-squeezed juice, pastries, fruits, hot and cold items like quiche, eggs Benedict, and avocado toast. While breakfast is often described as delicious and a "filling start to the day," it can be pricey if not included in the room rate (around €38 per person).

The dinner menu at Bonnie is described as Parisian at its core, featuring classic French dishes with an inventive twist and a hint of seafood flair. However, one guest review mentioned the "food being very disappointing" at the restaurant, suggesting that while the ambiance and views are exceptional, the culinary aspect might not always meet the same high standard for all.

5. Service & Staff

The service at SO/ Paris receives consistent praise for being "attentive," "impeccable," "friendly," and "genuine." Staff members, from reception to concierges and waiters, are noted for their professionalism, willingness to help, and down-to-earth demeanor, often going "beyond the ordinary." Guests have highlighted instances of staff proactively offering early check-in and late check-out, as well as providing personalized assistance. The staff's chic, Patou-designed uniforms also contribute to the hotel's fashionable image.

6. Location & Accessibility

SO/ Paris is situated on the Right Bank of the Seine, in the 4th Arrondissement, nestled between the trendy Le Marais neighborhood and Bastille. This location is considered central yet offers a "quieter stretch" compared to more bustling tourist areas.

• Public Transport: The hotel boasts excellent accessibility to public transport. The Sully-Morland Metro station (Line 7) is just 150 meters away, and Place de la Bastille (Metro Lines 1, 5, and 8) is a mere 700 meters away. Several bus routes are also easily accessible.
• Nearby Attractions: Guests can easily walk to attractions like Notre-Dame Cathedral and explore the shops and restaurants of Le Marais. While not directly next to major landmarks like the Louvre or Eiffel Tower, these are easily reachable by a short Metro ride (approximately 10 minutes to the Louvre).
• Airport Access: SO/ Paris is a 30-minute drive from Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), or approximately an hour by RER regional rail and Metro. The hotel also offers complimentary bicycle rentals for guests to explore the city.

7. Value & Pricing

Nightly rates at SO/ Paris generally start around €500-€550 (approximately $515-$565 USD), with some reviews indicating rates between €250-€500/night. While considered a high-end luxury hotel, guests often find it offers good value, particularly if the rate includes breakfast, with some deeming it "fantastic value" below €350/night for the quality and amenities. Those prioritizing being within immediate walking distance of specific major attractions like the Louvre or Eiffel Tower might consider other options at the higher end of the price range.

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are largely positive, a few recurring criticisms and issues have been noted:

• Absence/Confusion Regarding a Pool: Several guests have expressed confusion or disappointment regarding a pool, with some noting that signage within the hotel indicated a pool existed, yet there wasn't one on-site. However, it is also stated that guests have access to a fitness room on the 7th floor and to a spacious swimming pool at the nearby O Zenhit sports club. One review, however, mentions an "indoor swimming pool" on-site.
• Restaurant Food Quality: While the views and ambiance of Bonnie are universally praised, at least one review found the food itself "very disappointing."
• Noisy Rooms: One guest reported a "noisy room" located next to the gym, disturbed by the sound of weights being dropped.
• Isolated Service Incident: A specific incident involved "unacceptable behavior" and rudeness from reception staff during a New Year's Eve stay, where guests were denied bathroom access and assistance with an Uber.
• Location for First-Time Visitors: While well-connected by metro, some suggest that the location, being in a "quieter stretch of the Marais," might not be ideal for first-time visitors who prefer to be within immediate walking distance of all major tourist attractions.

In conclusion, SO/ Paris stands out as a stylish, modern, and service-oriented luxury hotel that offers exceptional views and a vibrant atmosphere. While generally highly recommended, prospective guests might want to clarify the current pool facilities and consider its specific location if direct walking access to all prime tourist spots is a top priority.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. reddit.com
3. flyertalk.com
4. luxurylink.com
5. booking.com
6. parishotelsfr.com
7. thepointsguy.com
8. booking.com