Hôtel de Nell

Pure urban chic, the Hôtel de Nell is a soigné address in the elegant 9th arrondissement (the managing hotel group also have catered apartments at the Residence Nell a few streets away), perfect for luxurious city breaks. The lobby and bar of the converted town house are all gleaming leather and wood, bold black and white parquet and honey-coloured stone, and the rooms are palatial hideaways done out in oatmeal, marble and ivory colours. If you can, get one with a view and balcony overlooking the spires of the pretty little church next door.

Paris's oldest chocolatier A la Mère de Famille is located near by, and provides boxes of chocolates to adorn guests' pillows (and you can select those pillows from a whole menu of different textures). As well as a more traditional European shower, the huge bathrooms also feature seated Japanese baths, ideal for sharing, and adding an unusual touch of inventiveness to a memorably luxurious stay.

A high-end bistro is attached, La Régalade Conservatoire, where reservations are highly recommended.