Strange Hotels in Paris

Do NOT Expect:

• To not get any exercise. Located in the heart of historic Montmartre, the hotel is accessed from Rue Lepic via a set of typically steep Montmartre stairs.
• A crowded hotel: there are only 5 suites.

18th century Time Travellers

Caron de Beaumarchais***

Rates: Double bed overlooking the courtyard, 145 Euros, frontside larger rooms, 185 Euros

Expect:

• To feel like you might have interrupted Beaumarchais as he is finishing his final act of “The Marriage of Figaro”. A rare piano forte of 1792, a card table that appears to have been abandoned mid play, a fireplace, music stand, candles and chandeliers recreate the atmosphere of a private townhouse in the time of Beaumarchais and Mozart.
• Something totally French. All 19 rooms reflect the taste of the art of living invented in Paris in the 18th century.
• One of the most central locations. If you like the trendy Marais, this is the place to stay (and you’re just minutes from the best Falafel in the world from the old Jewish quarter).

Do NOT Expect:

• Breakfast to be included. But it is served until midday (quite rare with hotels) and costs 13 Euros extra.
• To find the rooms particularly large, the smallest rooms overlook the courtyard, and the top-floor rooms are very small, but have panoramic balcony views across the Right Bank.
• To find this hotel anything but charming.

Website:

Rockstars!

Hotel L’Amour****

Rates: Doubles start at 150 euros (reservations best done over the phone to choose a room theme)

• An untouristed 20-room theme hotel hiding in an undistinguished lane near the red-light district of Pigalle that was once a serviceable, pay-by-the hour establishment.
• Rooms adorned with romance novels, erotic art and old photo magazines.
• A good-looking hipster crowd and the surrounding charm of 9th arrondissement. Owned partly by the proprietors of the nightclub Le Baron (not that it should matter), the place has become a darling of the international fashion and rock ’n’ roll set.

• Phones, televisions or Internet access in the rooms (said to be too distracting for lovers. But there’s an iPod connection in every room and wireless Internet service in the public spaces).
• Groveling servants
• To feel like a tourist

Luxury Beyond the Four Seasons Hotel Chain (that’s far less boring)

L’Hotel ****

Rates: Last minute offers for a “petite mignon” room from 250 Euros and a “chic’ room from 510 Euros.