An American Hotel in Paris, the Park Hyatt Vendome has overcome French sceptics with its hip interiors, world-class restaurants and arguably the best service in the city. Interiors were headed by Ed Tuttle, who updated the 19th-century French architecture with a blend of edgy New York style: think floor-to-ceiling limestone and modern artwork with a touch eastern exoticism. The Vendome is located on the prestigious Rue de Paix, within walking distance of the Louvre and the luxury shopping boutiques on the Rue de Faubourg.

The facilities

Five-star facilities: three gourmet restaurants, an attentive 24-hour concierge and exclusive access to Le Spa Paris. Le Bar is a luxe drinking den with black glass tables, mahogany wall panels and six paintings by Ed Paschke; it serves more than 70 different whiskies and some seriously creative cocktails. Enjoy afternoon tea in La Cheminee lounge or feast on meals prepared on a Tuscan Grill in the Michelin-starred Pur'grill. Work it all off in the teak-and-tile fitness center, complete with sauna, steam and workout rooms.

The rooms

The Park Hyatt Vendome's rooms have a zen-like cool, decorated with wood, Thai silks and bronze. The soaking tubs, heated stone floors, rain showers and toiletries by a specialist parfumeur add to the spa-like ambience. The amenities are fit for a Parisian princess, with a walk-in closet, Bang and Olufsen TVs, individual climate control and a large desk with high-speed internet.