THE FACTS ABOUT HOTEL MONTALEMBERT

France Paris

CLASSIC When hotelier Grace Leo-Andrieu opened the 56-room Hôtel Montalembert in 1989, it was one of the first design-led boutique hotels in Paris. Twelve years on, this stylish bolthole - originally designed by Christian Liaigre - has been given a complete makeover by new-kid-on-the-block Francois Champsaur. The hotel's signature blue-and-white striped colour scheme has been replaced with a subtler palate of cinnamon, olive, lilac and taupe. In the lobby, an eclectic yet successful blend of old and new creates a hushed, adult atmosphere, reinforced by the silent attentiveness of the staff. The Montalembert is no place for a party, but as a relaxing hideaway right in the centre of town, it scores highly. ROOMS There are two styles of room to choose from: classic and contemporary. Classic rooms feature Louis Philippe furniture offset by the latest fabrics and lighting; contemporary rooms are all dark wood furniture and black-and-white photographs, softened by taupe walls and lilac bedspreads. Both have small, rather over-the-top bathrooms with chrome details and dark Cascais marble. Like most hotels in the 7th arrondissement, the rooms, especially in the 'standard' category, are on the small side. CONTACT Hôtel Montalembert, 3 rue de Montalembert, 75007, Paris (00 33 1 45 49 68 68; email: welcome@hotel-montalembert.fr). £