If we gave awards, this gorgeous Paris hotel would be a very strong contender. Indeed, we find the Hotel de l'Abbaye hard to fault, with the single caveat that the standard bedrooms are fairly small (and feel even smaller compared to the spaciousness of the public rooms); you would do well to upgrade to a larger room if you can afford it. One room on the ground floor has its own terrace, as do the four duplex apartments. There are also three new suite salons, in a different, more masculine style and equipped with an arsenal of high-tech gadgets.

The moment one walks into this skilfully converted former abbey, one feels calmed and cosseted. The hotel has a reputation for attentive yet unobtrusive service which it justly deserves: the courteous staff seem genuinely eager to help. The public rooms are inviting yet chic, filled with fresh flowers, and have several sitting areas furnished with attractively upholstered sofas and armchairs and warmly lit by huge table lamps; in cool weather there's an open fire. The conservatory-style breakfast room/bar must be one of the most alluring in Paris, with walls covered in trellis and French doors which overlook a large courtyard garden complete with fountain. Here you can have breakfast or a drink in warm weather. Worth every penny.