L’Hotel, Paris

About

Right in the heart of St Germain-des-Prés, it was here Oscar Wilde came to rest his head; literally, it was his last residence. Small, sultry and perfectly located, this is an old faithful where you wish the walls really could talk.

Décor

Heavy curtains and lush fabrics in hues of red, purple and gold – there’s a definite nod to the baroque here and a feeling of opulence throughout. UJ loved the Le restaurant, where small, perfectly-formed sofas replaced chairs at the dinner table; the leopard print rug really did if for us. The décor – by Jacques Garcia, who is also responsible for interiors at Hotel Costes – plays with contrasting patterns with expensive, French attitude.

Highlights

We loved the layout of the hotel; while waiting for the elevator, you can stare down and get vertigo. The hamman downstairs was also a nice touch – you can book it out privately, which feels very extravagant. The main highlight however is Le Restaurant (Le Restaurant and L’Hotel, geddit!). Boasting a Michelin star, chef Julien Montbabut serves a stellar, modern (even, dare we say, light) French menu; this is a tucked-away Parisian find. Even breakfast here feels like a special treat, and the cocktail list (by multi-award-winning bartender Carlos Madriz) is bespoke, innovative, and worth staying in for. Go for a ‘Bittersweet Love’: homemade lemonade, tequila, guarana-infused tea and various herbs and spices.

Why Go Now

November sees a special B&B offer at L’Hotel , so it’s the perfect time to and treat yourself to a gastro weekend. Pull up at the bar and sample from the menu, move into the dining room, and then roll into bed.