Paris. The name alone conjures images of endless beauty. It's not for nothing the City of Light is considered the most enamoring in the world. Romantics will always have the cobbled hillsides of Montemarte, fashionistas the appeal of left bank chic, intellectuals the cafes of Saint Germain and the Latin Quarter. When the urge to wander the boulevards of this great city becomes too much, these are boutique hotels that will make you fall in love with Paris.
Saint James
What’s the edge: Saint James Paris is the only chateau hotel in the capital, located in a very upscale neighbourhood on the site of Paris’ first airfield, where hot air balloons used to take off.
This Relais and Chateaux neo-classical mansion hotel is also home to the very private Saint James Club - in all a cultured slice of country estate right in the heart of Paris.
Belle Juliette
What’s the edge: The colourful and atmospheric Hotel La Belle Juliette is a new luxury hotel in the Latin Quarter area of Saint Germain des Pres, where the worlds of fashion and luxurious boutique shopping meet.
Hotel Duo
What’s the edge: Squarely aimed at couples (hence the name), Hotel Duo is a super stylish retreat in the lively Marais district. Interiors are totally contemporary, yet cosy, with dark wooden beams, concrete pillars and large open spaces making it totally modern.
Hotel des Academies des Arts
What’s the edge: The boutique Hotel des Academies des Arts is a Parisien pied-à-terre par excellence. With an arty Rive Gauche setting, the hotel pays tribute to artists, both former and contemporary, while providing impeccable service.
Hotel Daniel
What’s the edge: With a chic Champs-Elysées setting and Chinoiserie style, the Relais and Chateaux Hotel Daniel is an exotic escape in the heart of Paris. Decorated in exquisite French 18th century fashion, Hotel Daniel offers an invitation to travel through the pages of a travellers’ journal.
Le Royal Monceau
What’s the edge: Le Royal Monceau is a Phillipe Starck-designed Raffles hotel steps from the Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe and Parc Monceau on upscale Avenue Hoche. There’s a focus on art too, with a gallery, art-book shop and dedicated art concierge. Expect a decadent, modern decor of exposed brickwork, iron railings and lavish carpets.
Residence Nell
What’s the edge: The sleek, but snug apartments and studios of Residence Nell are the work of Phillip Starck protégé Patrick Jouin. It’s great for families (with handy kitchenettes and sofa beds) and has the intimacy and feel of a private mansion. Combining comfort and a brilliant location in the arty 9éme arrondissement, this luxury pied-à-terre can be taken from a night to a month.
Hotel Keppler
What’s the edge: With bold monochrome colours and cutting-edge style, world-renowned designer Pierre Yves Rochon has created a homely Haussmanian hideaway. Hotel Keppler is sophisticated and elegant, contemporary and classic.
Hotel le A
What’s the edge: The boutique Hotel le A channels the spirit of a New York gallery from the seventies. In a quiet street between the Champs-Elysées and Faubourg Saint Honoré behind a 19th century frontage punctuated with bamboo, you’ll find dark hardwood floors, art gallery white walls and lots of natural light. There’s also a well stocked, cosy library and intimate bar.
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