Hotel Sezz Paris

With its elegant stone curves, delicate wrought-iron balconies, and ornate gables, the boutique Hotel Sezz is set in a superb example of Parisian Belle-époque architecture. Inside, the hotel oozes contemporary cool, mixing slate walls with polished marble floors and low-profile funky furnishings put together by acclaimed French designer Christophe Pillet. The conventional reception has been scrapped in favor of a personal assistant and concierge who greets guests in the lobby, where a free drink is also provided. Adjacent to the elevator, a black, white, and gray stairway with whimsical swirl leads up to various floors. The vibe is intimate, sophisticated, and very Bijou, appealing to couples who are looking for an amorous escape with real sex appeal in one of the world's most romantic cities. Families with kids should definitely look elsewhere, though pets are surprisingly welcome.

Hotel Sezz is located in a quiet and stylish residential area in the 16th arrondissement in western Paris. The iconic Trocadéro Gardens are a 10-minute walk north while the Eiffel Tower is on just the other side of the River Seine. Most other attractions are a metro ride away, the nearest stop being Passy, a couple blocks up the road. Alternatively, it's about a 10-minute cab journey east to the Louvre Museum, and just a tad more time to Notre Dame's famous cathedral. Charles de Gaulle Airport is a 35-minute drive northeast.

Each of the 26 rooms and suites at Hotel Sezz are particularly spacious and decorated in a sultry palette of moody tones with splashes of color. Beds are often positioned in the center of the rooms on top of a deep pile rug and backing onto a desk. In-room amenities are excellent, extending to iPod docks, minibars, and Nespresso machines, and even include a “seduction menu” with condoms and double-ended lollipops. Bathrooms all have tubs and are finished in the hotel's signature gray slate, while other bath-related bits include robes, flip-flops (or slippers in winter), Acqua di Parma toiletries, and rubber duckies.

A breakfast buffet is served until late in the morning in the La Grande Dame bar -- including Veuve Clicquot Champagne. In the evening, the bar also offers a range of cocktail and aperitifs until midnight. There's no on-site restaurant, but room service is 24-hours and includes a menu of Japanese food. There is a spa in the hotel's basement, offering massage treatments and free access to the steam room, but the overall space is small. Wi-Fi is free throughout.