If you’ve spent any time looking for a place to stay in the 9th Arrondissement, you know the drill. It’s usually a choice between a cramped "boutique" room where you can’t open your suitcase and a massive, soulless chain hotel near the Opéra. Honestly, the middle ground is hard to find. That is exactly why Nell Hotel & Suites Paris—specifically the Résidence Nell on Rue Richer and its sister property, Hôtel de Nell on Rue du Conservatoire—keeps popping up on the radar of people who actually know Paris.
It isn't just another bed. It's a weirdly perfect hybrid.
You get the perks of a five-star hotel, like a 24-hour concierge who actually knows which bistro hasn't been ruined by TikTok yet, but you also get a kitchenette. Or a massive marble Japanese tub. It depends on which "Nell" you book, and yeah, that part gets a little confusing for first-timers.
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The Tale of Two Nells: Don't Book the Wrong One
Basically, there are two distinct vibes under the "Nell" umbrella, located just a few blocks from each other.
Hôtel de Nell (the 5-star one) is pure architectural eye candy. It was designed by Jean-Michel Wilmotte, the same guy who did the Lutetia. We’re talking heated parquet floors and organic wool carpets. If you want the famous Japanese baths—those massive tubs carved out of a single block of raw marble—this is your spot. It’s got 33 rooms and feels very "hushed luxury."
Then you have Nell Hotel & Suites (often called Résidence Nell).
This one is the apartment-style play.
It’s got 17 units.
Some are studios; others are full-blown suites with separate living areas.
If you are traveling with a partner and three suitcases, or maybe you're in town for a week and can't bear the thought of eating every single meal at a restaurant, the Résidence is the move. You get a microwave, a dishwasher, and Alessi crockery. It feels like you actually live in Paris, rather than just visiting.
Why the 9th Arrondissement is Secretly the Best Base
Location is everything. But "central" in Paris can often mean "noisy and touristy."
The Nell properties sit in a sweet spot between the Grands Boulevards and the Gare du Nord. You’re a 10-minute walk from Galeries Lafayette and the Palais Garnier, but the immediate neighborhood feels real. It’s the "Faubourg Montmartre" area.
You’ve got the Passage des Panoramas nearby, which is one of those 19th-century covered walkways that feels like a time capsule. It’s packed with stamp collectors and tiny, incredible restaurants.
The hotel is tucked away from the main drag.
Quiet.
But step outside and you’re two minutes from the Folies Bergère.
Contrast is everything here.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Rooms
People see "Suites" in the name and assume every room is a sprawling mansion. Let's be real: this is Paris.
In the Résidence Nell, the "Classic Apartments" are about 31 square meters ($approx 333$ square feet). By Paris standards, that’s huge. By Texas standards, it’s a walk-in closet. You’ve got to manage expectations.
The Junior Suite at the Hôtel de Nell is the real showstopper though. It’s 55 square meters ($approx 592$ square feet) and features a wraparound balcony with views of the Parisian rooftops. If you’re planning a proposal or just want to feel like a character in a French New Wave film, that’s the one to book.
The Japanese Bath Obsession
We need to talk about the tubs at the Hôtel de Nell.
They aren't just for washing.
They’re a ritual.
The water stays hot forever because of the marble’s thermal mass. They even provide Oregon myrtlewood accessories to complete the vibe. It’s a very specific kind of luxury that bypasses the gold-leaf-and-velvet cliché of other 5-star Parisian hotels. It’s minimalist, but it doesn't feel cold.
The Service: Not Your Typical Grumpy Paris Vibe
There is a specific type of service you get at these smaller properties. Because there are only 17 to 33 rooms, the staff actually remembers your name.
- They’ll help you navigate the Metro (Le Peletier and Grands Boulevards stations are right there).
- They handle the "room service" differently at the Résidence—they can often arrange delivery from local neighborhood spots so you aren't stuck with a soggy $30 club sandwich.
- The turndown service at the hotel includes chocolates from À la Mère de Famille, which is the oldest chocolatier in Paris (founded in 1761).
Food and Drink: Beyond the Croissant
Breakfast at both spots is solid, but the vibes differ.
At the Résidence, it’s often delivered to your room. There’s something deeply satisfying about eating a fresh croissant in your pajamas while looking out a Haussmannian window.
At the Hôtel de Nell, you’ve got La Régalade Conservatoire.
Chef Bruno Doucet is the mind behind it.
It’s "bistronomy"—high-end cooking without the white-tablecloth stuffiness. The terrine is usually legendary. Even if you aren't staying there, the glass-roofed bar is a great spot for a cocktail after a day of dodging crowds at the Louvre.
The Reality Check: Who Is This For?
Honestly, if you want a giant lobby with a thousand people and a glittering ballroom, you’ll hate it here. These properties are for people who value privacy and design over "bling."
The walls are soundproofed, but the neighborhood is lively. You might hear the faint hum of Paris outside, but that’s part of the charm. Some guests have noted that the separate toilet and bathroom setup (very common in France) can be a bit annoying if you’re used to American layouts.
Also, keep in mind that the "Residency" model means "limited service" compared to a full-blown resort. You get the 24/7 front desk, but you don't have a 5,000-square-foot gym.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you're actually going to book Nell Hotel & Suites Paris, keep these things in mind to get the best experience:
- Check the street address: Make sure you're going to the right "Nell." Rue Richer for the apartments, Rue du Conservatoire for the 5-star hotel.
- The February Hack: February is the cheapest month to stay. Prices can drop by nearly 30% compared to the June peak.
- Request a Church View: At the Hôtel de Nell, many rooms look out over the 19th-century Sainte-Cécile church. It’s way better than looking at the courtyard.
- Kitchen Prep: If you’re at the Résidence, there’s a supermarket (Passage des Panoramas) about 500 meters away. Stock up on some local wine and cheese for a "night in" that costs a fraction of a restaurant bill.
- The Pillow Menu: Don't just settle for what's on the bed. They have a menu. Use it.
How to Get There
If you're coming from Charles de Gaulle (CDG), a taxi or Uber is usually about 45-60 minutes depending on the nightmare that is Paris traffic. If you're coming from Gare du Nord (the Eurostar), it’s a 15-minute walk. Honestly, just walk if you can; it’s the best way to see the 9th.
Ultimately, Nell Hotel & Suites Paris represents a shift in how people want to travel in 2026. Less "look at me" luxury and more "let me live here for a second" comfort.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the current availability for the Prestige Room if you want the balcony experience, or look into the Deluxe Apartment at the Résidence if you need that kitchenette for a longer stay.