VIBE

Intimate boutique hotel set in an 18th century manor house on the elegant Place des Vosges square. Stepping inside the lobby, with its imposing stone fireplace, heavy oak beams, and mix of bright colors and relaxed furniture, you’ll find a tasteful meeting of Old World luxury and modern times. Rooms are furnished in period antiques and replica oil paintings, while the silk-and velvet-covered sofas in the formal salons evoke the royal court society scene that once mingled here (think greats like Molière and Racine). The service is relaxed and friendly and the guest amenities (from the brand new spa to the high-tech in-room entertainment systems) are thoroughly 21st century.

GO HERE WITH

Significant other; family; friends

WHY WE LIKE IT

It’s the finest hotel in this part of town. When we want to escape to the cobbled medieval streets of Le Marais without skipping out on the luxury of more spacious hotels on the grands boulevards, we come here. (We’re especially partial to the picturesque scenery of Place des Vosges.)

AMENITY WE LOVE

The fabulous location–you get Le Marais without giving up the comforts of the best of Paris.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

An onsite restaurant would be a bonus.

GOOD TO KNOW

Although there’s no restaurant, breakfast is available in a charming, vaulted stone cellar. Even if you don’t stay in a suite, it’s worth checking one out–they’ve got a nifty two-level configuration complete with lofted bed. Private and valet parking services are available.

CLOSEST COMPS

Relais Christine (Paris); Hôtel Lancaster (Paris); Draycott Hotel (London)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to Paris