Hôtel Le Bellechasse

Giant butterflies, outsized stripes, a curtained bathroom, riotous colors... if you like an eclectic-contemporary design, this tiny, well-priced boutique hotel around the corner from the Musée d'Orsay won't disappoint. French fashion designer turned sought-after interiors star Christian Lacroix masterminded all 33 boisterous rooms and the public spaces of Le Bellechasse, set on a small street in a quiet but central corner of the elegant seventh arrondissement.

YOU SHOULD KNOW As chic as they may be, a discord of patterns and colors creates a certain amount of visual noise in these small spaces.

room

Each compact room design is unique, but all blend fabrics, textures, and colors, as well as Lacroix's whimsical characters screened on the walls and ceilings.

There is one Privilege room with a private terrace, ostensibly for smokers but a nice addition whether you indulge or not.

bathroom

In a few of the guest rooms the bathroom is enclosed, but most are an open-concept design, with a curtained bathtub and a sink set in a corner. All rooms have a separate toilets.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Privacy is not a strong point in the open-plan bathrooms. If this is an issue, be sure to request a standard bath when you book.

lobby

Mismatched velour-and-leather armchairs mingle with quasi-neoclassic art and floral tiling in the small but welcoming lobby. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook an elegant courtyard where drinks can be had in warm weather from the honor bar.

dining

A limited continental breakfast or a full buffet breakfast, including some hot and plenty of cold options, includes quality French pastries, gourmet juices, teas, and coffees.

drinking

The lobby bar offers a choice of wine and drinks, and at happy hour (each night from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) already reasonable drinks are slashed to half price.