Seven Hotel ★★★★

“The chief danger about Paris is that it is such a strong stimulant.” – T.S. Eliot

There really was only one choice when we thought about where to stay in Paris. It had to be the Latin Quarter, so named after the Latin language that was originally used by the scholarly types who attended the university. Since then it's been the place where philosophers, artists and writers congregate, creating some of the most lively and bohemian streets in Paris. When I visited her many moons ago in her shoebox apartment near the Sorbonne, I remember joining her for morning jogs around the Luxembourg Gardens, picking up fresh bread and croissants on the way home, and the incredible feeling of casually bumping into world-famous edifices around each corner. Hotel Seven **** is nestled in the 5th arrondissement, also known as 'the Pantheon Quarter', after its landmark memorial to France's greatest minds. Just off the famous Rue Mouffetard, with its markets and boutique shops, you can tell from the exterior that this hotel is a little different. This heritage building is illuminated with fairy lights and glowing sculptures. Welcome to a hotel that captures something of the brazen and creative spirit of Paris.

“An artist has no home in Europe except in Paris.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

Walking through the different areas of the hotel is like walking through a dream. Each area is uniquely designed, and beautifully so, with a definite colour scheme and distinct ambience. We were welcomed warmly and found the staff to be charming throughout our stay; they're obviously glad to be working in such a stand-out establishment. We headed straight to the lounge bar to get a refreshing drink, and sat surrounded by fibre-optic lights suspended from the ceiling on crushed velvet high-back chairs. Pastel purple and turquoise up-lighting combined with light browns and creams created an exceptionally pretty place. The plethora of lights made it feel a bit like we were surrounded by fireflies. Hotel Seven has an extensive wine list and its own cellar, and the barman knows how to mix a fantastic cocktail. There's a tangible convivial atmosphere, and I'm guessing the funky décor was part of the reason. Paris being outside was another.

“Whoever does not visit Paris regularly will never really be elegant.” – Honoré de Balzac

A floating bed, TV channels that controlled the fragrances of the room and a cowhide pattern bath were some of the most unique features in our room. The many lights all had dimmer switches, so we could create our own moods depending on the time of the day. Glass and mirrors were used to play with our perception of distance and surroundings.

“London is a riddle. Paris is an explanation.” – G. K. Chesterson

Hotel Seven offers a great breakfast, though there's no restaurant to speak of. Still, who wants to be tied to their hotel for meals when they have the whole of Paris to explore? Not us! We loved staying at such a bold and imaginative hotel, as it totally enhanced our experience. Instead of feeling like the fun had ended when we got back to the hotel, here it just continued.