Review of Hotel Duo, by The TI Review Team

TI reviewer Amanda Mackenzie:

Sleek and smart on its corner behind the BHV department store, the boutique Hotel Duo is the new face of the Axial Beaubourg, which has been radically expanded and given the contemporary treatment at the hands of Jean-Philippe Nuel - the inspiration behind the popular Hotel Le Général.

Apart from the wrought iron staircase (reputed to have been used by Marie-Antoinette), there are few reminders of the hotel's long history. Instead, squashy hounds tooth seating and huge cut-away lampshades soften the boldly linear lounge-bar-breakfast space. Dark wood is accented against the boutique hotels zesty metallic lime green walls. Videos play in the 'virtual fireplace', and there's a small library of design volumes for guests to leaf through. To help you stay in shape, a small, well-equipped gym and sauna has also been added to the boutique hotel.

Dressed in sophisticated tones of turquoise and mocha, some newer bedrooms feature richly papered walls, a nice contrast with the plain linens and simple lines of the furniture. Not all the 58 rooms of Hotel Duo have been transformed, and older ones lack pizzazz. That's reflected in the tariff, though perhaps the prime location in the heart of the lively Marais may be all the consolation you need.