Les3chambres

Stepping through the doors of Les 3 Chambres is like jumping into a gorgeous spread of a design magazine. Decor is exquisitely executed down to every last curated detail -- from high-octane jewel tones to tiny objects placed just so on surfaces. It's design that's built to wow with a lavish neoclassical aesthetic.

The bed-and-breakfast's building dates to 1830, with an attractive front entrance hall featuring wood- and glass-paneled archways and an elegant, mosaic tile floor. Its parlor -- where guests are treated to drinks and hors d'oeuvres upon arrival -- has Tiffany-blue walls, ornate crown molding, and a leopard-print carpet. A plush, magenta slipcovered sofa with hot pink throw pillows provides cheery seating. Spanning the opposite side of the room is a bookcase packed with hardcover tomes, paperbacks, framed photos, and colorful nicknacks, such as a pint-sized, vintage puppet theater. A couple of distressed, leather club chairs flanking a handsome, antique writing desk create a cozy library nook to read and relax with a cup of tea. 

The dining area, anchored by an oval table set with fine porcelain china and the host's family silver, is where an early breakfast is served every morning. A long, narrow hallway lined with more than a dozen color sketches of vintage opera attire leads to one of the apartment's three bedrooms; the other two can be accessed by following the bright red runner up the circular staircase or using the glass elevator. 

Thanks to its whimsical, madly chic decor, Les 3 Chambres draws couples seeking romantic retreats, solo travelers, friends in small groups, and families with older children -- but travelers with young kids or those in town for business will find it lacking in family and corporate-oriented features.

Les 3 Chambres is located in a section of the 9th Arrondissement that's off the beaten tourist track, with blocks of laundromats, mini grocers, tobacco shops, and salons. It lacks the cachet of nearby neighborhoods like Canal Saint-Martin and SoPi (South of Pigalle), but their trendy shops and buzzy bistros are within walking distance. Even better: The Line 7 Metro, just two minutes on foot from the bed-and-breakfast's front door, is extremely handy because it reaches top sights and areas of interest -- the Louvre and the Palais Royale are within a 15-minute ride, for example -- and connects to the city's major transfer hubs at Opéra and Châtelet.

• Two-minute walk to Cadet Metro Station (Line 7)
• 13-minute walk to Gare du Nord via metro (Eurostar and RER B to CDG airport)
• 10 minutes to Palais Garnier via metro
• 14 minutes to Louvre museum via metro
• 22 minutes to Sacré-Cœur via metro and Funiculaire de Montmartre
• 23 minutes to Arc de Triomphe via metro
• 24 minutes to Notre-Dame via metro
• 26 minutes to Musée d'Orsay via metro
• 34 minutes to Eiffel Tower via metro
• 34 minutes to Luxembourg Gardens via metro
• 35-minute drive to Charles de Gaulle
• 40-minute drive to Orly airports (more with traffic)

From the public spaces, the eye candy continues into the guest rooms, which offer another heavy helping of high design. Furnishings from all-star designers like Philippe Stark and Artemide, cheeky wallpaper from Cole & Son, and exclusive, high-end French accessories are all part of the package. An eclectic collection of curios -- green Imperial lions figurines, a snow globe, and sea glass in a corked bottle -- add oodles of charisma. And thoughtful details abound, such as Eiffel Tower keychains that coordinate with rooms' accent colors. 

Each room has its own distinguishing color palette and standout elements; but all have sable-hued carpets in a black lattice pattern, beds with fine linens and silky coverlets, and velvet floor-to-ceiling drapes. Balconets in each display window boxes and Parisian street views. Amenities include small flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, electric kettles, Nespresso machines, safes, desks, free Wi-Fi, bottled water, and Kusmi tea. Bathrooms are covered in sleek, gray slate tile and have heated towel racks and Aesop products; the narrow stall showers, however, are a drawback. 

The smallest room, La 3 Chambre, is ideal for one person or a couple planning a short stay. It has a southern exposure and remains bright throughout the day illuminating the dazzling, black-and-white hexagonal wallpaper. La 1 Chambre is a bit larger and decked out in orange hues from pale coral to paprika with a dose of olive-green thrown into the mix. It's adorned with a stunning, red marble fireplace and walls hung with faded architectural prints. The most spacious and elaborate room is La 2 Chambre, done up in a bouquet of colors from lilac to marigold to peony pink. An eclectic mix of rich damask fabrics, 60s mod globe lamps, and bold purple wallpaper in a monkey print gives a fresh take on French chic.

This bed-and-breakfast delivers on its signature feature, serving guests a stellar breakfast every morning. The host whips up tarts and makes jams with berries from his family's garden and orchard. A neighborhood artisanal bakery provides fresh breads, croissants, and other assorted "viennoiseries." There's also muesli, yogurt, fruit from Ile de France and Anjou, and tea from Mariage Frères. But breakfast service ends in the early morning -- even on weekends

Upon arrival, a free welcome drink and housemade gourmet hors d'oeuvres are offered in the living room. Behind the adjoining dining area, a wall-to-wall bookcase has plenty of reading material to borrow and an antique desk provides space to write or work on a laptop. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and there's an elevator in the building (a rarity for a property this size). 

Guests report that the host is helpful with travel planning and provides maps and itineraries for sightseeing, recommendations for restaurants, and shares insider tips on local must-dos. But some guests don't appreciate the strict "no food in rooms" policy, and some also note that coming in at late hours is discouraged. Also, there isn't any on-site parking and finding a spot on the street can be very difficult.