Hotel Saintonge by Jamie Dunford Wood

This friendly three-star is in a quiet residential location in the Marais. There's not much in the way of atmosphere here - the reception is tiny and barely manned - but a tiny courtyard lightwell is attractive for breakfast in summer. Rooms are cleanly but simply decorated, many with original wooden beams, and modern lighting and elegant iron bedheads and frames. The owners have resisted the tempation to go for DIY interior design, and so walls are in calming cream and fabrics are mostly simple and elegant.

For those seeking reasonable comfort in quiet surroundings, the Saintonge provides budget rates. Rooms can be small.