Jean-Marc Eber remains as committed as ever to the little hotel he took over in the late 1980s after more than a decade practising his hotel-keeping in four-star Paris establishments.

The early 20thC house, easily missed in a quiet residential street not far from the Champs-Elysées and near the Parc Monceau, is comfortable, well cared for and prettily furnished and decorated, and M. Eber's combination of warmth and professionalism makes sure that the hotel stays well out of the rut. The public areas are tiny, but inviting: a small beamed sitting area off the reception that also serves as a bar, and a pretty little courtyard on to which some of the bedrooms lead. Breakfast may be taken in either of these places, or in your bedroom. These vary in size and ambience, and are priced accordingly our inspector's had a little sitting room and a shower room as well as a bathroom. Some have lofty ceilings, others are small-scale; all are attractive and smart-looking since their refurbishment in 2000. Best of all is the top-floor apartment with its own private terrace, much favoured, says Monsieur Eber, by fashion directors during Paris Fashion Week.