LE ROYAL MONCEAU
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Two Michelin-starred restaurants, croissants voted the best in Paris, and a "Palace Distinction" rating - one step higher than five stars in France - are only some of the highlights of this masterpiece of magnificence. Philippe Starck probably didn't look at the price tags when he redesigned Raffles' historic hotel, a favourite among visiting celebrities. The 99-seat cinema hosts movie premieres; the sexy red-lit cigar lounge could convert a non-smoker; and the huge spa offers world-exclusive Clarins treatments and an indoor pool under a glass ceiling to let in natural light. An art concierge provides tours of the collection, while a new kids' program entertains families.
Rooms from €600 ($885) a night.
See leroyalmonceau.com.
ST JAMES PARIS
With a garden bar resembling a hot-air balloon, this chateau-hotel built on a former aerodrome seems to float above everyday reality. Upon entry, the circular driveway leads guests into a neo-classical mansion that has been fantastically transformed by the eccentric interior decorator Bambi Sloan. The lobby's grand staircase overlooks a 14-metre chandelier, two mounted zebra heads and panther velvet armchairs. In the corridors, striking black walls with white trims and quirky wallpaper create a striking passage to spacious suites splashed in vivid colours, contrasted with antique furniture and sublimely ornate bathrooms. Impeccable concierges are another standout attraction.
Rooms from €340 a night.
CITADINES SUITES LOUVRE PARIS
"Just turn left and walk through the Louvre" is the concierge's glorious reply when asking directions to the Seine riverfront. Opened in March, in a 1908 building with art nouveau facade in the prestigious 1st arrondissement, this boutique property is even closer to the Palais Royal and the Comedie Francaise Theatre. The sophisticated suites are designed as luxury apartments, complete with kitchen and a washer-dryer that comes in useful midway through a European holiday. Downstairs, the breakfast room converts to a lounge room in the evening, but guests rarely use it when surrounded by so many better options for entertainment and dining.
Rooms from €215 a night.
MAMA SHELTER
Another uber-cool Philippe Starck-designed space, this is a more affordable option for travellers of all ages and backgrounds. Encouraging people to mingle, the lively restaurant, pizzeria and cocktail bar form the centrepiece of the hotel. DJs and musicians perform on weekend nights. On a sunny afternoon, the hot spot is the rooftop, where daybeds and long tables create a casual atmosphere. Affordable rooms are small and dark but comfortable, with a kitchenette and kooky cartoon-character lamps. An Apple TV provides free movies, games and an inbuilt camera to take photos in bed, if the mood strikes.
Rooms from €89 a night.
SECRET DE PARIS
The next best thing to sleeping halfway up the Eiffel Tower or behind the great clock of the Musee d'Orsay, this boutique hotel's rooms are decorated like the city's main attractions. Other themes include Moulin Rouge, Opera Garnier (both a short walk away), the Trocadero and the Artist's Studio. In the basement, next to the sauna, a small gym also attempts to bring the outdoors inside with garden-print wallpaper. Complimentary bottled water and orange juice are provided in the mini-bar, and the front-desk staff are particularly helpful and friendly.
Rooms from €216 a night.
LA MAISON CHAMPS ELYSEES
Fashion designer Martin Margiela applied his signature deconstructionist touches to his first hotel project. The result is a gorgeous avant-garde style, which mixes classical and modern decor. White dominates, from furnishings to surfaces, with chairs and tables draped in immaculate cotton and linen. The White Lounge and restaurant are almost too pure to drink in, but two other bars are all black. Interesting accommodation options include the curiosity case suite, containing many strange and playful objects in the living area, and the boutique rooms with views of an interior garden.
Rooms from €183 a night.
The writer stayed courtesy of the hotels, excluding La Maison.
