Hôtel du Sentier

It takes something special to stand out in the Parisian hospitality market — how about an Egyptian-themed building on the aptly named Place du Caire, renovated into a charming 30-room boutique hotel whose eclectic design references seemingly every era from the Pharaohs to 20th-century modernism? Sentier is the name of the neighborhood, and the Hôtel du Sentier represents it well, combining historically aware aesthetics with confident contemporary luxury.

Every one of its 30 rooms is different, and many are impressively spacious and sunny; all feature marble bathrooms and basics like fast wi-fi and thoughtfully curated minibars. And as stylish and urbane as it is, it’s meant to evoke a bit of the spirit of country village hospitality, which means it’s rather warmer, in the interpersonal sense, than the typical Parisian boutique hotel.

At the Hôtel du Sentier’s size a restaurant is by no means guaranteed, but here there’s a bistro that opens onto what feels like a village square, and is packed with hotel guests and locals alike. There’s a full bar, and an extensive wine list, and, in contrast with some more rule-bound establishments, a laissez-faire approach that permits such indulgences as an all-day breakfast.