We'll Always Have Paris: 3 Not-to-Miss Hotels

Ah, Paris. This city of light and love has always overflowed with artists and lovers, and, well... all things French. Today, like many of the world's metropolitan centers, Paris is reinventing itself for travelers looking for classic charm and first-class amenities.

Three of the city's great hotels have renovated and restored their properties (the French would never call it a nip or a tuck) - instilling majestic luxury and that certain panache that can only be found in the City of Light.

The Elegant
Opening this December, the 40-room La R�serve Paris is the latest oeuvre of hotelier and vintner Michel Reybier. The hotel is designed by architect Jacques Garcia, known for his work on the Aman Resorts world-wide, and is the third collaboration between Reybier and Garcia - La R�serve Gen�ve in Geneva and the chateau at Cos d'Estournel in Bordeaux being the sublime others.

In true Garcia style, the lighting is dark and broody, the fabrics overly plush and the colors pared back to calmly imbue some poise. The designer's idea of fun, or as a stately design choice, is to pay homage to the Belle �poque era in a Haussmannian mansion just off the Champs-Elys�es. Think Moulin Rouge and a hearty dose of "joie de vivre" decorated in unostentatious clarity - and bam you're right here.

Take advantage of the personal butler, old-school smoking parlor or cozy library. And after a swim in the 52-foot indoor pool, swan around with a cocktail - make it a French martini - and revel in one of Paris' most distinct properties.

La R�serve Paris
42 Avenue Gabriel, 75008

The Art Deco

The veritable glamor of the 1930s wafts throughout Hotel du Collectionneur, a grand art deco hotel that was recently revamped and refreshed to full elegance. Designed as a transatlantic cruise liner, ready for all to hop on board, the hotel invites guests to dance in a Gatsby kind of era where the Golden Age and champagne are all that really matter. Politicians seek out the lobby and poodles await their dames on the marble floors as you arrive at this inner city palatial glory.

A wide spiral staircase in seductive marble invites you down to the gigantic ballroom where hedonism is arranged. Or if private dining is what you're after, the hotel specializes in all the delicacies that Paris offers - from wines, to pastries and back again. The rooms, in dark purples, have lacquered woods complete with ivory inlays and those forever views across the cityscape.

But it is the Purple Bar downstairs, accented with gold leaf flutes and crystal chandeliers, which attracts those in the know for craft cocktails inspired by an era of carefree decadence.

Hotel du Collectionneur
51-57 Rue de Courcelles, 75008

The Grande Dame

After six years of the workmanship, the restoration of the Peninsula Paris is now complete. Having just reopened its giant, and overly hospitable doors to the public again, the hotel has fully entered the 21st century in its Haussmannian attire, complete with fine marble, chandeliers, wood paneling, gold leaf finishes and French craftsmanship.

Considered the "la grand hotel du Paris" this 200-room hotel has some of the best of everything a hotel could possibly offer - think world-class food, ESPA spa all just a stroll away from the famous Arc de Triomphe. And then there is the art collection at the hotel by Sabrina Fung Fine Arts, including sculptures by Ben Jakober, Xavier Corbero, Nathalie Decoster, paintings by Jos� Pedro Croft, Michel Alexis and crystal artworks by Ran Hwang.

Days here, at the "modern day palace" are spent at the L'Oiseau Blanc on the sixth floor overlooking all of the city's famous monuments. Nights are best spent down below in the Kl�ber bar admiring the gilded moldings, oak paneling and oversized mirrors with a glass of bubbly in hand.

The Peninsula Paris
19 Avenue Kl�ber, 75116