L'Edmond Hotel ★★★★

Situated in the heart of the seventeenth arrondissement in the north-west of Paris, the Edmond Hotel stands on the stylish Avenue de Villiers, a few steps from the lovely Parc Monceau and the Champs-Elysées. This is a very Parisian neighbourhood that has preserved its authenticity, with gorgeous Haussmann buildings in sculpted stone lining the streets.

The Edmond is housed in a former private mansion that we later discovered belonged to the celebrated French author and playwright, Edmond Rostand, at the turn of the last century. You can sense the touch of literary charm in the historical atmosphere that seems to saturate the 19th-century building. On entering for the first time, I was moved by the period details and the intimate, gentle feel despite its location in the centre of the capital. The refined and contemporary interior design has taken nothing away from the historical character of the building. The tranquillity is a pleasant and welcome surprise, with lovely green spaces installed here and there, including on the terraces, courtyards and balconies. It truly is a haven of peace with an oasis of green, tucked away on one of the largest avenues in Paris, which makes for the ultimate luxury.

Still, the Edmond is above all a modern hotel, as you can see from the high quality of the facilities and services. The suites and the superior suites are decorated in a minimalist contemporary style, with soft colour schemes, oak parquet flooring and light wood furniture. Some look out onto the inner courtyard while others (on the first floor) have a private terrace where you can enjoy a drink from the minibar in your room. The bathrooms, in marble and ivory mosaics, invite relaxation, with large bathtubs and a separate rain shower. With flat screen televisions, queen-sized beds, 24-hour room service, in-room massages and a personal coach on request, the service in this luxury establishment is impeccable.

Each morning, we headed to Salon 1868 for a generous buffet breakfast. A modern and stylish setting, with wooden parquet floors, warm colours and a glass ceiling make for a cosy feel. The restaurant does not serve lunch or dinner. In the bedroom, however, there is a very well equipped mini kitchen, where you can prepare light and easy meals. Still, the hotel boasts a privileged location and we would of course recommend spending evenings out enjoying the capital. The rue des Dames, rue de Levis and the Batignolles area are brimming with excellent French restaurants, and are just a short walk away.

Each night we would meander back to the Edmond, hand in hand under the Parisian sky, admiring the endlessly captivating beauty of the city of lights, and feeling as if we were walking on air.