Hôtel Bowmann

Though it’s a newcomer to the Parisian luxury-hotel scene, the Hotel Bowmann has no trouble fitting in: it’s a lively blend of classic Haussmannian architecture, modern furniture design, and contemporary decoration. The location — on Boulevard Haussmann, fittingly — is close to the Parc Monceau, and surrounded by a wealth of art galleries in the north end of the 8th. And the atmosphere, for lack of a better label, is “discreet luxury” — smaller and more intimate than Paris’s officially designated palace hotels, it’s nevertheless a thoroughly high-end experience, with no compromises made in either comfort or service.

In classic Parisian style the entry-level rooms are relatively compact, though spacious enough and more than a little bit plush. The Executives and Deluxes quickly add enough space to make a noticeable difference, and look out over either the hotel’s garden or the Boulevard Haussmann. And the suites are positively capacious, all with separate bathtubs and showers, some with Eiffel Tower views, and the top-end suite spanning 100 square meters plus an additional 100 square meters of terrace, complete with a jacuzzi and a panoramic view. To this you can add the 99 Hausmann restaurant and bar, with garden and terrace seating, and a spa by Lacure Officine.