Hotel Therese

LOCATIONS DON'T COME MUCH BETTER than that of Hôtel Thérèse, centre stage in Paris. You name it – the Louvre, the Opéra, the Seine – and all are just around the corner. So too are shopportunities galore.

But there’s more to this smart little boutique hotel in Paris than simply a great address – nice though it is to be in the city’s smart first arrondissement. Rather than a place of bold statement-making design, Hôtel Thérèse offers a restful vibe enveloped in crisp, classic-contemporary elegance.

This one-time 18th century townhouse has been artfully revamped to provide stylish surrounds and clutter-free comfort zones. Walk past the box trees flanking the entrance and step into a smart salon-style foyer cum lounge. Dive into a sleek suede armchair, admire the modern artworks set against lime-green walls, or sip an aperitif in the wood-panelled honesty bar.

Unpretentious comfort and chic shades of taupe, vanilla and coffee-’n’-cream are the keynotes in the smart (if small) bedrooms. Crisp cottons, natural wool throws, chocolate-brown velvets, ebony-dark bedheads and high quality fabrics add to an effortless feeling of wellbeing.

Quiet sophistication

Walls are accented with original photos, oil paintings and prints (some antiques, some flea market finds). Spotless bathrooms with gleaming tiled walls sport Philippe Starck lighting and chunky chrome fittings.

Even the smallest (Classic) rooms at the Thérèse have a quiet sophisitication, while the hotel’s side street location means minimal traffic disturbance. Those at the rear overlook a pretty terrace, while Club rooms up in the eaves have the biggest bathrooms. Do ask for a double bed when booking – several rooms have side-by-side twins.

Continental breakfast is served in the stone-vaulted dining room, or brought to your room. Paris starts right at the front door: the surrounding streets are rife with literary connections and there are excellent restaurants – not to mention all the sights and shops of the capital – within minutes. Bright and friendly young staff are yet another plus at this rare right-bank find.

© Room for Romance