La Bretonnerie is a distinctive 17thC Paris townhouse, converted with sympathy. Though conveniently placed in the middle of the picturesque and fashionable Marais district, is, as a recent inspector points out 'in a rather scruffy street', a little too close to the rowdy atmosphere of the Pompidou Centre. Fortunately, she continues, 'once in the hotel, all is calm and peaceful.

The exposed beams in the public areas and the upper bedrooms are echoed throughout the house by the sturdy hardwood furniture. The small basement breakfast and sitting rooms attempt a Medieval flavour, with stone-vaulted ceilings, iron light fittings, richly coloured fabrics and polished tiled floors. Considering the apparent size of the hotel, the bedrooms are surprisingly roomy, also comfortable and pretty, and every one is different; some are arranged with the beds on a mezzanine gallery with the downstairs used as a small sitting area. All have a glossy modern bathroom and guests will find no lack of comfort. Good-humoured staff extend a warm welcome, and cope admirably with such crises as the sudden arrival of all their guests at the same time.