Villa Madame

The simple stone building on a quiet side street says little of the lush interiors guests will find inside, though the flower boxes that spill with blooms offers some hint. In the entry, a box light hangs in front of an enormous vase filled with branches and flowers. On one side sits a simple blond check-in desk, surrounded by flowers and artwork, and to the right is a sitting room and library that features a working fireplace. A curving wooden bannister with wrought-iron railings leads to upper floors (though there is an elevator as well), while the hallway extends back to the so-called Secret Garden, a verdant green space kitted out with contemporary outdoor furnishings. The nature theme seeps throughout the common areas, which offer up more flowers, candles, and the scent of essential oils -- these have been custom-blended for the hotel and change according to season. Polished marble floors connect the space, topped by an artful combination of new and antique pieces. The vibe is distinctly sensual, and given its atmosphere, it's no surprise that this hotel draws mostly couples on romantic getaways.

Paris is a city for walking, and Villa Madame's location in the 6th Arrondissement -- considered the quintessential Parisian neighborhood -- is a perfect spot to practice the French art of the "flâneur," or strolling. Home to Saint-Germain-des-Prés (an eight-minute walk from the hotel), the Latin Quarter (a 14-minute walk), and Luxembourg Gardens (just four minutes away on foot), this neighborhood is also chockfull of shops, patisseries, bakeries, wine shops, and cafes. The busy Carrefour de Buci, dotted with cafés, flower markets, and shops, is just an 10-minute walk from the hotel. All of Paris is accessible from the nearby public transit (the nearest metro is just a four-minute walk away), which gives access to the Eiffel Tower in 26 minutes. Although the Musee d’Orsay is 21 minutes away whether on foot or by transit, the metro does cut down the time it takes to reach the Louvre museum to 12 minutes. (It's 24 minutes on foot.) Charles de Gaulle Airport is a 46-minute drive from the hotel.

The rooms at Villa Madame are individually decorated, and attention has been paid to every detail. The hotel's nature theme continues here, with potted plants and flowering orchids dotting the rooms, alongside touches like rough-hewn wooden beams, or mirrors framed with brass shaped like bamboo stalks. The overall color palette is a tasteful neutral with aesthetically pleasing splashes of bold color, such as the bright contemporary rugs that warm up the wide-plank wooden floors. Couches and chairs in cozy velveteen fabrics enhance the look. All room categories feature comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, mini-fridges, iPod docks, safes, work desks, and free Wi-Fi. Even the basic room level may come with a terrace (ask when booking), while upgrades bring more space, tea and coffee making facilities, and separate tubs. Bathrooms have creamy interiors, with light brown marble floors, and ivory-colored tiles. Though on the smallish side, spa-like bathrooms have walk-in showers or shower/tub combos with both rainfall showerheads and handheld wands -- as well as essential oil dispensers -- fluffy robes, illuminated magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and Hermes toiletries. 

The lobby lounge and bar offer an attractive, comfortable seating area where guests can peruse the free daily newspapers and a selection of books. There's a working fireplace that blazes in winter months, or, weather permitting, the Secret Garden out back provides quiet outdoor space for lounging, eating, or cigars from the owner's collection. Breakfast isn't free, but it is made to order with organic selections from local, sustainable farms, and can be eaten in the dining area or delivered to the room. There's no fitness center, spa, or meeting rooms, but there is a public computer in the lobby and the hotel does offer loaner iPads. Airport shuttles, babysitting, and laundry services can be arranged for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout.