So/ Paris Hotel

Hotel review

Off the Boulevard Morland, in the Arsenal district, the SO/ Paris is a vision of a quirky futurism; the past’s vision of tomorrow. It is much in favour with the world of art and fashion, and the painting, sculpture, and architectural quirks of contemporary French artists are found from the lobby to the elevator to the suites, which look our either over the Bastille or, better, the postcard view of the Seine, from Austerlitz station to the Eiffel.

The rooms are comfortable and economic, with wide, cumulonimbus beds. The views, perhaps the widest of any hotel in the city, are down to the surprising height. The elevator is so smooth, one hardly notices the fifteen-story rise to the top, and one needs to cross the Seine on the nearby Pont du Sully and stand on the Left Bank to realize its full stature. The colourful interior of pastels and space-age columns belies its beige, almost subliminal, exterior which blends surprisingly well into its surroundings.

From the top two stories, there is a full-circle panoramic views across the entire cityscape. This is where the Bonnie—restaurant, bar, and club, all three a mid-century modern blend of glass, mirror, and steel—presides, where the eggs and bacon are served each morning, and where each evening the drinks are poured until late.

There is a casual-but-serious business feel to the hotel, best captured in the subterranean leisure centre, which leans more toward exercise than ease; the 20-meters long pool, gym equipment, and yoga studio (with organized classes) are well used by those wanting to capitalize on their stay. The small, friendly-staffed spa, offers, alongside massages and a Turkish bath, as part of the welcome package, a free tailor-made facial serum from Codage Paris cosmetics, which is crafted after a half-hour consultation.

James Patterson