Les Bains

Moody, atmospheric interiors in this luxurious design-oriented hotel evoke a secretive, glamorous world, and the dimly lit spaces are awash in dark hues and arty details. This is a hip and historic spot that originally served as a renowned bathhouse and spa (Proust regularly luxuriated in its steam baths), while its '80s and '90s incarnation as a popular nightclub brought out a star-studded crowd of rockstars, supermodels, actors, and other VIPs -- from Warhol and Basquiat to Bowie and Jagger to Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld. After closing in 2010 and undergoing extensive refurbishment, the property reopened as a luxury hotel in 2015. 

The vibe is luxe and glam, though with a dark and perhaps even slightly sinister edge -- the frescoes in the lobby have a bit of a mischievous look and disquieting nature -- creating an atmosphere that's in keeping with the property's nightclub past. The La Salle A Manger restaurant is sleek and glossy, its lustrous chocolate-cherry-hued ceiling undulating and oozing right down to the black-and-white checkered floor, an original Philippe Starck feature from the property's dancing days. An old water tank from the building's bathhouse era is now home to a private dining room. Original features like the beautiful floor tiles in the lobby have been meticulously restored, while in contrasting fashion, many furnishings are artfully distressed and weathered. The atmospheric lounge features beautiful chinoiserie stained glass windows that illuminate the space with streams of dusky light, while tufted leather chairs and velvet tub seats provide a place to enjoy a drink from the honesty bar. The scene is all wrapped up in dark shades, from the floor to the ceiling to the bamboo-style walls.  

Overall, Les Bains has a youthful energy, attracting creatives -- those that can afford it -- and a coterie of well-heeled and fashionable folk. The dimly lit interiors might not suit all tastes, and those traveling with kids might want to look elsewhere, but party-loving visitors and design-oriented travelers willing to splurge should be happy here.

Situated on a quiet street on the western edges of the Marais district in the Sainte-Avoye Quarter, the hotel is close to restaurants, bars, shops, and several art galleries. It's also within walking distance of some top attractions, like the Pompidou Center (seven minutes away), the Palais Royal (16 minutes away), the Louvre (17 minutes away), and the Notre Dame (20 minutes away). It's within a five-minute walk of four different metro stations, giving easy access around the city. Top attractions like the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysees, the Luxembourg Gardens, and the Latin Quarter can be reached in about 15 minutes via public transportation, while the Eiffel Tower can be reached in around 35 minutes. Charles de Gaulle Airport is about a 35-minute drive or 45 minutes via public transportation, while Orly Airport is approximately a 25-minute drive or 50 minutes via public transportation.

Guest rooms take a turn from the hotel's affinity for moody, dimly lit interiors; the spaces are light-filled and cloaked in soft, neutral hues. Bright white walls match the damask satin sheets topping beds, while distressed gray accent walls add some texture and pair well with dark carpets that exhibit a similar artfully weathered look. Pops of artsy color include teal rotary phones on the nightstands and mahogany-hued velvet tub sofas, while white marble headboards and tables add luxury and elegance. Large modern art pieces hang on the walls here and there, adding a cultured touch.

Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, electronic safes, well-stocked minibars and pantry shelves, Marshall MP3 docks, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are awash in mahogany and white marble, and luxuriously outfitted in walk-in rainfall showers, heated floors, Le Labo toiletries, and plush bathrobes and slippers. The Junior Suite has a tub and a separate wet-room style rainfall shower, while the Les Bains Suite has a living room, kitchen, and a terrace, plus a separate tub and shower in the bathroom as well as a hammam.

Facilities are a bit limited for a luxury hotel, with no fitness center or spa, but the property does offer a handful of solid features. The chic on-site restaurant, La Salle-à-Manger, serves international fare with a French influence for breakfast, lunch, tea time, and dinner, as well as weekend brunch. There's an emphasis on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, including honey from the hotel's own rooftop beehives. Private dining is available in a unique location, a towering water tank that seats 12 people. The ground-floor bar is a popular spot that serves artisan cocktails, as well as wellness drinks like fresh juices for those seeking a more health-conscious option. There's also an honesty bar in the stylish and atmospheric lounge, where guests can pour themselves a drink and relax in front of the fireplace. Note that many guests remark that food and drink are expensive.

Staying true to its origins, the property is home to a club that hosts an eclectic mix of DJs and other musicians and performers. Much like the popular nightspot of previous decades, the space still retains a swimming pool, which can be used throughout the day. It's fairly small, however, and there are no other facilities like hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms -- a surprising shortcoming considering the hotel's name and bathhouse heritage.