Review of Hotel Saint Thomas d'Aquin, by The TI Review Team

The entrance tells you everything about Hotel St Thomas d'Aquin: small and discreet but exquisitely tasteful, in a Flemish style, with simple oak floors and an alcove for check-in, manned by an exceptionally eager-to-please staff. Sensible good taste prevails: the building's flawless bones are played up with understated tones and simple period furnishings: shades of stone and mushroom prevail, with occasional flashes of oxblood and dark green, or buttery yellows, to add warmth.

The welcoming and capable staff gets highest marks here-equipped and ready to assist with booking restaurants and theatre, and to deploy their excellent list of neighbourhood favourites for dining and shopping. There's free WiFi throughout the hotel, a lovely (though tiny) breakfast room, and parking available around the block. Your cats and dogs are welcome, too.

For the three-star rating, rooms come in much higher, and more luxurious, than expected. Those facing the street bear a bit of noise, but have a lovely typical Saint-Germain-style view; those facing the back are quiet, but look onto a wall. Doubles are surprisingly spacious, with desks and armchairs, and nicely-refurbished bathrooms. Most reprise the same sombre, Flemish vibe of the public spaces-think burgundy paisleys and sage-green checks against lots of white and grey-with the occasional outburst of sunny yellow and blue to keep things interesting.