THE FACTS ABOUT HOTEL DE LA TREMOILLE

France Paris

Don't be fooled by the stately façade of the Hôtel de la Trémoille: that's just about the only element of this 19th-century palace that has remained untouched by the massive make-over administered by its new owners, The Scotsman Hotel Group (42 The Calls in Leeds and Edinburgh's The Scotsman). Once a favoured haunt of Orson Welles, this jewel-box, 93-room hotel on a quiet street near the Champs-Elysées has been given an injection of classic Parisian chic and playful kitsch. The building's strong structure is complemented by fresh, clean lines, beige and chocolate-brown cushy armchairs, thick velvet curtains, gilded mirrors, 19th-century ceiling mouldings and high-speed Internet access. Add to that fabulous fake-fur bedcovers, the odd splash of primary colour and black-marble bathrooms and the result is undeniably eyecatching. Room-service orders are delivered to your 'hatch', an in-room drop-off cupboard that ensures minimal disturbance. Senso, the Sir Terence Conran bar/restaurant, serves modern bistro dishes and is packed with Parisians at weekends. WHEN TO GO Spring and autumn for strolling around the neighbourhood WHICH ROOM TO BOOK A corner suite (such as 305) or deluxe room CONTACT Hotel La Trémoille, 14 rue de la Trémoille, 75008 Paris (00 33 1 56 52 14 00; fax: 40 70 01 08; www.hotel-tremoille.com; The Scotsman Hotel Group 0131 556 5565). Doubles €398-€550; suites €948