Hôtel Joséphine by HappyCulture ★★★★

“Put down the knitting, the book and the broom, it’s time for a holiday…”

It was with great anticipation that we sauntered through the streets of Paris towards the Hôtel Joséphine. The City of Love managed to capture me under its spell each and every time I ventured here; it’s blessed with an intangible magic that drifts languorously down the grand boulevards lined with world-renowned monuments and charming French brasseries. And this time was no different; in fact, the Parisian magic was stronger than ever thanks to the hotel’s magnificent location; just a stone’s throw from the Moulin Rouge, Opéra Garnier and the Sacré Coeur, we truly were in the perfect place to explore the city’s wealth of cultural gems.

“Come taste the wine, come hear the band…”

Once we had arrived, it was time for the true show to begin. As soon as we entered, the curtain was lifted on a truly vibrant setting, designed by artist and decorator Julie Gauthron. As a fan of novel hotels, I was utterly entranced; colourful floral wallpaper lined the reception room, where the space had been artfully transformed into an atmospheric lounge area, complete with a vast bookcase, vintage furniture and plush chairs. Our Superior Room emanated the showbiz feel of the cabaret, from the bright block colour fixtures and the sumptuous bedding and amenities to the black and white cabaret photos that adorned the walls.

“Start celebrating right this way, your table’s waiting…”

But of course, a hotel is so much more than the room, and the pleasant surprises here began right from daybreak. As the sun rose over the iconic cityscape, we swept down a pretty wrought iron staircase to devour our delicious petit déjeuner served in a characterful vaulted cellar. Later on, after a day bursting with sightseeing, we made sure to return for Happy Time, where from 6pm, we travelled back in time with delicious daily cocktails inspired by the glistening decades of the 20s and 30s.

After our rainbow-coloured stay at the wonderful Hôtel Joséphine, I almost felt as if I could be one of the exotic ladies in the faded black and white photographs that adorn the walls…maybe life actually is a cabaret!