The Place
In a bustling street, this quirky, casual hotel has an excellent location from which to explore Montmartre. Downstairs, a sitting area with white-painted wrought-iron tables and chairs becomes the breakfast room every morning. Murals on the walls and a mass of artificial flowers and trailing vines create an out-of-doors feel. The atmosphere is airy and cheerful, and the fake flowers are charmingly kitsch rather than tacky. Fin de siecle details are intact both downstairs, particularly in the stained glass, and in the bedrooms, some of which have wonderful high-corniced ceilings. The rooms have been completely renovated since the hotel was taken over by Mme Bourgeon two years ago, swapping their old-fashioned charm for a romantic new look, combining restful pastels in some and cheerful colours in others with boldly patterned curtains and bedspreads in co-ordinated fabrics. Fabric has also been used to swathe headboards and cover dainty chairs, and the antique plumbing has been replaced by up-to-date bathrooms. Double glazing has made the noisier street-side rooms a much more attractive proposition. Staff are pleasant, if a little breezy. Breakfasts are the minimal norm.