This grand dame resides loftily over the Rue de Rivoli, offering a palace-style hotel at pocket-friendly prices. Named after the (brief) friendship struck between Britain and France during the reign of Queen Victoria, Hotel Brighton is an affordable base for exploring the city of lights, with an enviable location on the doorstep of the Louvre and Musee D'Orsay, and the Gallic chic of the boutiques on the Faubourg St Honoré a short saunter away.

Inside it's pure 19th-century pomp - all faux marble columns, crystal chandeliers and gilt portraits of French Nobles. The communal spaces boast achingly romantic views of the Tuileries Gardens or the Eiffel Tower, and their ample size makes them ideal for families. Despite the elegant exterior, you'll find no haughty bellhops here - the staff are all friendly, knowledgeable and speak excellent English.

The facilities

This classic hotel has been hauled into the modern age, with a business center and complimentary wireless internet throughout. For jet-setting clients, there's dry cleaning and laundry available, a Limo or Town Car service and an airport shuttle for an extra charge. There's also a charming tea room and breakfast hall and a helpful concierge offering tour and ticket assistance.

The rooms

Each of the hotel's 61 guestrooms is individually furnished with oak furniture and bright, flowery décor. Rooms are huge by Parisian standards and come complete with a mini bar, complimentary newspapers, free WiFi and big bathrooms with large bath tubs and hairdryers. Deluxe rooms have panoramic views of the Louvre Gardens.