80, Boulevard de Picpus, 75012 Paris

Hôtel du Printemps

Name: Hôtel du Printemps
Address: 80, Boulevard de Picpus, Paris, 75012, FR
Rating: 4.3

Hotel 2-star in Paris

Presentation

Hôtel du Printemps lives up to its name on this tree-lined boulevard de Picpus, just a few minutes from Place de la Nation. People generally arrive without really knowing what to expect, looking for a quiet address in the 12th arrondissement. The façade remains discreet. You push open the door. The lobby is pleasantly surprising: a fireplace stands in the lounge, surrounded by armchairs that immediately make you want to linger.

At reception, the welcome is brisk. The staff, available both during the day and late into the evening according to what travelers regularly report, take the time to point out which metro lines to take. Picpus is a two-minute walk away. Nation, five or six. Luggage is dropped off while waiting for check-in time, a neighborhood map is picked up, and a dinner recommendation is requested.

In the morning, head to the breakfast room, or the patio when the weather allows. The buffet focuses on organic and regional products, served from seven to ten in the morning. A surcharge applies, a common practice in this type of establishment, which also leaves the freedom to those who prefer to head out early for a coffee in the neighborhood.

The rooms are divided into four categories, from single to triple, all air-conditioned and decorated in neutral tones, with parquet flooring. Comfortable bedding, flat-screen satellite TV, free Wi-Fi: reviews often mention this simple, well-thought-out comfort. The walk-in showers, however, remain modest in size. A common compromise in the 12th arrondissement, where every square meter counts, without affecting the cleanliness praised by most guests.

Three rooms are located in an adjoining building: an accessible room for guests with reduced mobility on the ground floor, and two others with terraces on the first floor, not served by the elevator. Something to keep in mind depending on your mobility when booking.

Still on the ground floor, the inner patio serves as an extra lounge as soon as the weather turns nice. It is the only smoking area tolerated in this non-smoking hotel. The bar, open continuously, offers hot and cold drinks in front of the fireplace, on the terrace, or in the room. A small room service menu lets you snack at any hour: verrines and terrines created by chefs, practical for those arriving back late.

The neighborhood is worth taking the time to explore. Picpus Cemetery, one of the most discreet in Paris, is just a few minutes’ walk away. Rothschild and Armand-Trousseau hospitals close off the view to the north. Gare de Lyon and Bercy are not far. Neither is the Accor Arena, directly accessible from Picpus station. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, a market sets up on Cours de Vincennes, a few hundred meters away.

One final tip, gathered from the reviews: it is better to book a room facing the patio if you sleep late in the morning. The street comes to life quickly after eight o’clock.

Summary of some positive reviews read on the web

Convenient location, between the Picpus and Nation metro stations, just a few minutes’ walk from each.
Room rather small but functional, with efficient air conditioning, appreciated even on a very hot evening.
Staff available during the day as well as late into the evening, with advice given directly at reception to help you get around the neighborhood.
Breakfast buffet for around 11 euros, with enough choice to suit different tastes in the morning.
Modern room and bathroom, cleanliness mentioned several times by guests.
Quiet street despite the immediate proximity of Place de la Nation, ideal for a relaxed stay in the 12th arrondissement.