"Hidden behind the arcades of the Place des Vosges, this vine-covered hôtel particulier (nobleman’s mansion) is the go-to address for those seeking privacy and authenticity in the popular Marais district. Almost imperceptible from the 17th-century brick square, the tucked-away retreat exudes history in its exposed timber beams and stone floors. The mood is set right when you walk in: The salon is decorated like a connoisseur’s living room, with fresh flowers, framed oil paintings, and a roaring fire in the winter in front of which you can imbibe a cocktail mixed from the honesty bar. Even the Michelin-starred Anne restaurant—named for Anne of Austria who stayed here when she married King Louis XIII—has a chic familial vibe. A devoted local clientele appreciate the good-value lunch menu (49 euros, or about US$50). Each of the 56 guest rooms is individually decorated with gilded mirrors, sumptuous trompe l’oeil wallpaper, and period antiques. A number of interconnecting rooms and a designated family suite are perfect for traveling families. To get the most out of the Marais experience, this family-owned maison offers bikes for exploration on two wheels and can arrange guided tours." - Julia Cosgrove, Lindsey Tramuta, Mary Winston Nicklin
