Hotel D'Aubusson by Gemma Pitcher

In a city comprising hundreds, if not thousands of hotels, the D'Aubusson still manages to stand head and shoulders above its left-bank rivals. A short distance south of Pont Neuf, the hotel was created from a 17th century building once the haunt of the literati. Inside, the period feel is still preserved, but the amenities are bang up to date - internet points in the high vaulted lounge, and electronic 'do not disturb' signs in the elegantly decorated bedrooms, some of which have massive wooden beams belonging to the original building. Bathrooms have stylish tiling and Art Deco touches.

Cafe Laurent, the hotel's bar, features a Steinway piano, and claims to be the first place in Paris in which coffee was drunk. There's an open fireplace in the Louis XV decorated lounge, perfect for a cup of tea and a rest after a weary day's sightseeing. One of the best things about the d'Aubusson is the space - bedrooms, restaurant, breakfast room (decorated with Aubusson tapestries) are surprisingly spacious, and there's even ample underground parking for guests. In warm weather, the sunshine can be enjoyed from cast-iron chairs on the flagstone terrace.