On a quiet side street in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, there’s a retro-chic boutique hotel in a neighborhood just far enough from the city center to taste the less touristic Paris. (Food tip: the 13th arrondissement is known for its Asian restaurants.) C.O.Q Hotel is an acronym for Community of Quality, a philosophy of high-quality French living, style, and ambiance.
More than a hotel, a space for living.
Before entrepreneur and businessman Michele Doyelle opened the hotel in 2016, he enlisted the interior expertise of Agence Favorite, giving the creatives free rein to design intimate and convivial space, without restrictions to box in their creativity. A warm space conducive to community was born, a comfortable home away from home to invite your friends, hold an event, or to just linger a while.
Disclaimer: my trip to C.O.Q Hotel was part of a collaboration for this blog; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Eclectically chic design
Eclectic and chic design is brought to every square meter of the hotel with moody colors, rich textures, and vintage details in the form of furniture and art. Real vintage portraits hang above each bed in the rooms and throughout the lounge as the C.O.Q touch.
Everyone knows France is synonymous with high-quality, so in that spirit C.O.Q embraces French made products from the food and wine it serves to the souvenirs you can take home with you in their concept shop. The French touch I loved the most? The design team plucked vintage furniture from the city’s flea markets to contrast with the more contemporary elements. Color is strategically used throughout each floor: from light and moody greys to darker blues as you climb higher up into the building, playing on natural light.
The multi-room lounge and winter garden 🌿
The heart of C.O.Q is their multi-room lounge that serves as a dining room, living room, and stylish hang out space. During my stay, I noticed the communal area was a creative hub for sharing; one woman live-streamed to her audience, another group held a meeting, one family chatted over board games. The Winter Garden lets natural light in with its glass roof. The plant-filled area is good to spend a few hours, reading, working or hanging out with friends. The outside terrace even has a chicken coup. (Notice the play on words? COQ also means rooster/cock in French!)
Grab a game from their board game collection, play a record on their vinyl player, or stay for a movie night with their pull-down screen. Come happy hour guests can even enjoy complimentary wine and small snacks served up at the glowing brass island downstairs.
If you’re feeling hungry the kitchen can serve up soups, pizzas, meat/cheese boards, and other items. I really enjoyed the serve yourself breakfast (13.50€) that included pancakes, gourmet confitures, pastries, cold cuts, yogurts, eggs, fresh fruit and juices, and more.
Clients, friends in transit, regulars or visitors for one evening…
Welcome to room #22 🗝
With 50 rooms spread over three categories (Classic, Superior, Deluxe), each room is a unique design combination and creation. Every vintage furniture piece comes straight from Parisian flea markets; from the beveled mirror above the wooden desk to the antique side tables, each piece adds warmth to the room. I especially loved the jewel-toned velvet throw placed over the bed. Contemporary light fixtures are a nice modern touch.
A relaxing scent came over me as I walked around the room. In a small gift pouch on the bed was a natural essential oil spray with hints of lemon, lavender, and orange. Now I’m spritzing C.O.Q spray around my apartment!
The bathroom. This was my favorite room in all of the hotel. The Deluxe room has arguably the best bathroom on the entire property; a Bearclaw bathtub set among striking white tile and black hardware elements, complete with two fluffy robes, black slippers, and Rituals toiletries. The sleek and modern touch contrasted cooly with the retro vibes in the bedroom. *C.O.Q Hotel is eco-responsible. They use a dilution system that reduces cleaning products’ packing by 80%.
Other rooms at c.o.q hotel
C.o.Q Communal area
The Verdict?
It was refreshing to experience a new side of Paris in a district I rarely visit but am starting to love. The service is friendly, laid back and the vibe is uniquely different, offering something for people with an eclectic and vintage eye. For the price point, you still get to experience fine French style with a comfortable vibe and without any of the stuffiness. This is really a place that lives up to its mission of hospitality and community.
Le C.O.Q Hôtel Paris
15 rue Édouard Manet
75013 Paris
From 139€ per night
Gorgeous Globe 
