HotelChatter

But those few wild splashes of colour in the foyer are just a taste for what's to come in the bedrooms, all 34 of which are individually decorated by the designer's scatty imagination. Take care to discuss the kind of style you like with the staff when booking and check out the rooms on the website - some are quietly stylish, others extravagant and frightening.

All the rooms are pretty small, though, and wardrobe facilities vary - some are just clothes racks. This isn't rare for Paris, but if it's an issue for you, go elsewhere to avoid cramped disappointment. You get free WiFi and fluffy slippers (hurray!) in all.

The Bellechasse has no restaurant. So here's a top tip for a real evening out - if you like all these rich, plush fabrics and deep, moody colours, head over to the nearby L'Hotel for dinner. It's super fine-dining (one Michelin star) in an intimate dining room, where you sit on sofas rather than chairs proper and are served by staff wearing heavy purple jackets. The food is excellent, the wine list as long as your arm, and the place a real experience. Being a hotel, of course, you can also stay here, but don't expect the rooms (or tiny lift) to be any bigger.

Rack rates at the Bellechasse range from €340 ($525) to €390 ($600) a night for a double, not including breakfast (a massive €25 ($38) - pick up a croissant outside), but try for a special offer if you're staying longer than three nights.