Review of Apostrophe Hotel, by Chloe Govan

According to a 2009 survey, 88% of the French public see themselves as "pudique" - prudish or bashful. Not so Paris's Apostrophe Hotel, which has installed showers and living space in one open plan room. Perfect for the avant garde couple and less so for the shy and retiring - but either way there's no shortage of romance and adventure in this boutique hotel.

Tellingly, locals often use Apostrophe's public area for special occasions - testimony to its wide-reaching appeal. Soothing classical music alongside intimate gatherings creates a homely ambience like no other. It is a prime example of the "real" Paris's laid-back cafe culture. Meanwhile illusory broken glass effect tables are among the unusual design feats on display.

Parisian history is celebrated in the form of local heroes Picasso and Hemingway whilst iPod stations, satellite and free use of internet ready laptops kick Apostrophe back into modernity.

There is an emphasis on informal personal service rather than extravagance and so there is no restaurant although several reside nearby. Meanwhile Aprostrophe's fruit smoothies shot to fame when an acclaimed French author raved about them on her blog. Purveyors of both pleasure and business visit Apostrophe for its distinctive flavour, with the latter appreciating just how much it differs from a generic 5-star.

Quirky, cosy and unconventional, the 16 rooms display an artistic extravaganza even the most earnest design buffs would find hard to fault. Ideal for those who value style over size, music notes, calligraphy letters and an old fashioned printing press feature in the design. Meanwhile those with a tendency to get lost will benefit from Metro map adorned curtains - ceilings include giant piano keys and open-page books. Even bare stone is etched into bold, unusual designs.

Celebrating the notion that there are just a few letters between Paris and Paradise, the master bedroom on the top floor is a favourite for its understated views of the Eiffel Tower, and artwork of the city.