As someone who believes in celebrating life’s small moments, finding joy in the little things, and living unapologetically, Paris, France seemed like the perfect destination to mark my 25th birthday. My significant other and I wanted to immerse ourselves in the beauty of Paris, and in true “Unapologetically Sie” style, we craved a stay that allowed us to slow down, embrace self-care, and savor every magical moment. So, we boarded the Eurostar from London to Paris, ready to celebrate love, faith, and a lifestyle of freedom (check out my Eurostar journey here).
We had 48 hours to explore the City of Light, and naturally, the right hotel was essential. We wanted a spot with chic decor, a peaceful location just outside the city’s hustle, and the charm that would help us romanticize this beautiful experience. After much searching, we found Hotel Rose Bourbon, tucked away in the lovely 15th Arrondissement, just a short walk from one of Paris’s most iconic landmarks.
What made us choose this hotel? Simply put, its prime location. I love finding joy in small, intimate moments—whether it’s taking a quiet stroll or experiencing something iconic like the Eiffel Tower without being in the heart of the tourist frenzy. Hotel Rose Bourbon is just a 20-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower, which allowed us to enjoy the beauty of Paris while still feeling like we were part of a local community.
Situated in the 15th Arrondissement, this charming boutique hotel gives you the perfect mix of accessibility and serenity:
This location was everything we could have wanted, offering proximity to the iconic landmarks while letting us retreat into quiet moments of joy. If you love to travel while still feeling like you’re “living like a local,” you’ll adore staying here.
Before we even set foot in Paris, I was impressed by the hotel’s attentive service. They reached out via WhatsApp to confirm our arrival time and answer any questions we had, making us feel welcome before we even arrived.
Once we got to the hotel, we were warmly greeted by Pascale at the front desk. Not only were we able to check in early (a birthday treat!), but Pascale also graciously offered us a choice of rooms on different floors. This level of personal attention really made us feel special and set the tone for our stay.
Now, for all its beauty and charm, Hotel Rose Bourbon does have one downside: no restaurant or room service. While this didn’t dampen our stay, it’s worth noting for future guests who might prefer the convenience of in-house dining. However, the hotel more than made up for it with its cozy, fully-stocked bar.
If you ever stay here, you must try the red and white Martini or the Limoncello Gin from Bombay Sapphire. The ambiance at the bar was perfect for a relaxing evening drink, and it made for a delightful retreat after long days of wandering around the city.
As for dining, the local area is brimming with restaurants, markets, and charming cafés. We ventured out every day to discover new spots, and I’ll share a few of our favorites below.
We stayed in the Superior Double Room, and to say it exceeded our expectations would be an understatement. Paris is known for its cozy, often compact hotel rooms, but our room at Hotel Rose Bourbon felt incredibly spacious. From the comfortable double bed to the chic decor and large window overlooking the peaceful 15th Arrondissement, it was the perfect space to relax and reflect.
The room came with all the essentials: a desk for catching up on writing, a flat-screen TV for those rare moments we weren’t out exploring, and a well-sized bathroom with all the luxury touches. Though we didn’t have a terrace, the natural light streaming through our window made it feel airy and calm.
As I mentioned, Hotel Rose Bourbon doesn’t have an in-house restaurant, but that just gave us more reason to explore the incredible food scene nearby. Here are a few of our favorites from the area:
Every meal felt like an opportunity to soak in Parisian culture, one delicious bite at a time.
Since this trip was a celebration of my 25th birthday, my significant other coordinated with the hotel staff to surprise me with little details throughout our stay. He had nothing but wonderful things to say about their attentiveness and friendliness. The hotel’s attention to detail truly made the experience special.
Our stay at Hotel Rose Bourbon was the perfect mix of romance, relaxation, and local charm. It truly allowed us to embrace the slower moments of life, from morning strolls to sunset views of the Eiffel Tower. If you’re looking for a hotel that embodies comfort, style, and a serene atmosphere just outside the heart of Paris, I highly recommend this little gem.
This hotel epitomizes what it means to indulge in moments of self-care, celebrate life’s joys, and travel with faith and freedom. Whether it’s a solo date, a romantic getaway, or a simple staycation, you deserve to stay somewhere that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
Until next time, stay gracious, live unapologetically, and always find joy in the little things.
— Sie