Hôtel Bourg Tibourg ★★★★

Is there any city in the world quite like Paris? Even if you have never been before, it is easy to feel as if you have known the city your whole life as you find yourself wandering star-struck between great architectural icons. Every leafy boulevard somehow seems so familiar, drawing you in and seducing you into coming back time and time again until you have developed an all-encompassing love for every single one of Paris’s countless charms – its grand monuments, its quaint patisseries, its chic boutiques its haute cuisine restaurants… So it was that I fell under the charms of La Ville Lumière long ago, and I could never tire of returning for a stroll along the picturesque banks of the Seine to soak in that unique Parisian atmosphere, which is exactly what you are invited to do at the Hotel Bourg Tibourg!

Located in the Marais district, the setting is about as good as it gets. No sooner have I been met with a friendly welcome at the Bourg Tibourg than I set down my suitcases and head for a stroll around the hotel’s neighbourhood, finding myself just moments away from the riverbank with the majestic Notre Dame sitting just across the water and the Louvre away to my right. A wander in the other direction from the hotel leads into the heart of the Marais, one of Paris’s most enchanting neighbourhoods thanks to its eclectic mix of medieval streets, elegant mansions, hip boutiques, art galleries and an abundance of cool hangouts where modern Parisian life is lived to the fullest.

The hotel itself reflects the traditional soul of the city rather than the voguish modern side of the Marais, helping you fall in love with a Paris from days gone by. That is not to say that the hotel is not perfectly luxurious and comfortable, just that every inch of the décor has been meticulously crafted to conjure up a mystical, soothing atmosphere and an old-world elegance associated to the Paris of centuries past. The man behind the stunning décor is renowned interior designer Jacques Garcia, who explains that “The Bourg Tibourg aims at letting guests travel not in space, but in time”. This effect is achieved through carefully placed decorative touches on every wall and in every corner, including plush rugs and throws, richly coloured curtains and fabrics and ornate furnishings. Soft lighting and exotic oriental details create a sultry, sensual and intimate atmosphere, while the outdoor courtyard, full of ivies, ferns and other leafy plants, provides a refreshing spot when I want to get some fresh air.

In such a prime central location, the Hotel Bourg Tibourg always tempts guests out into the vibrant streets of the Marais, inviting you to explore Paris on foot. And at the end of every day spent taking long walks by the river or traipsing around shops, museums and galleries, my room is a real haven to rest my weary feet. The same soothing and romantic atmosphere from the rest of the hotel permeates each room, combining with some luxurious amenities and plush bedding to provide the ultimate in relaxation. This is old-school Parisian glamour and four-star modern comfort, an intoxicating blend which is sure to help anyone fall head over heels for the ‘City of Love’, not that I ever need much help!