Inside, the décor's cool, shiny and peaceful, all brown and cinnamon and cream. Molton Brown toiletries in the restrooms and WiFi access throughout, both signs of a decent hotel.

What's most surprising is the state of the lifts - the Montalembert wins the prize for the tiniest, most useless, old and cranky lifts in the world. Don't book a top-floor room in this place if you suffer from claustrophobia or are simply on the large side...

The building re-opened after extensive renovation in 1990 and was taken over by the Majestic Hotel Group, which owns several of Barcelona's top properties. The 56 rooms and suites are simple and stylish, with engravings and heavy brass lamps and big marble bathrooms. Check out the pivoting 360 degree mirrors .... if you're brave enough.

If you like a bit of space, get a one- or two-bedroom suite. You'll get your own coffee machine and Bang & Olufsen audiovisual system - what else do you need? 24-hour room service for those honeymooners, and flat-screen TVs for when the groom gets bored.

Standard rates go from €370 ($570) for a small, ordinary room to €800 ($1,235) for a one-bedroom suite (two-bedroom suites are also available). It's pricey, even for a 4-star hotel in Paris, but the location makes it worth it. Try for a special offer, especially if you're going off-peak or staying longer than three nights.

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