Hotel Bachaumont

This sleek revival of a 100-year-old neighborhood hotel that closed in the 70s is a newfound favorite with the international fashion set—whether staying the night or just stopping in for a stylish bite or drink at the wildly popular cocktail bar. Its retro-chic interiors, by hotel design star Dorothée Meilichzon, are an epitome of the kind of pared down elegance so popular in Paris right now. Set on a quiet cobbled street in the Montorgueil market district, close to newly renovated Les Halles, this is an excellent base from which to explore the heart of Paris.

Heads up shopaholics: this is boutique central. The venerable old market street Rue Montorgueil is a great place for a wander and rues du Louvre, du Jour and Etienne Marcel overflow with trendy treasures. There's also the massive underground mall at Les Halles for all those branché French fashion chains, plus Zara and H&M, and you're a hop from the Marais.

room

Rooms range in size from quite small to fairly sizeable suites on the higher floors, with balconies and/or views over Paris. All the rooms are elegantly spare, done in deep lyrical colors with chevron parquet floors and design lighting. Street-facing rooms come with small but charming terraces.

bathroom

Bright, retro-style tiled baths are ample enough—especially in the suites—with walk-in showers all the amenities with Bigelow bath products. Top-end suites have footed baths and showers plus double sinks.

lobby

The lobby consist of a reception area, restaurant and bar. There are no real lounge spaces in the hotel, but you can ask to be seated in the restaurant during the day to work or relax.

YOU SHOULD KNOW After 8 pm the restaurant and bar are hopping, so any lounging you want to do will be in your room.

gym

A small basement gym provides everything needed for a basic workout.

dining

A copious buffet breakfast is served in the glass-roofed winter garden, which is a wildly popular—and very good—gastronomic bistro at lunch and dinner that spills onto the sidewalk in warm weather.

It's a good idea to reserve for dinner.

drinking

The hotel is owned by the Experimental Cocktail group, masterminds behind Paris's cocktail revival, with outposts in London and New York. Meaning you won't be disappointed in the elegant Night Flight lounge, where you'll enjoy great cocktails and bar snacks along with a crowd of chic Parisians.