Swide Magazine by Dolce&Gabbana

Paris is of course home to some of our favourite places to stay. Recently however we can't help but feel that in several well known establishments the hotel bar is becomingly increasingly more important than its rooms. In search of a new intimacy yet without losing the allure of the right address in Paris is not easy, but we've happened to find a new hideaway that will definitely be the setting for our next weekend of amour.

The Montmartre Townhouse (L’hotel Particulier de Montmartre) is a hotel unlike any other. Firstly is only has five suites so you can rest assured you are definitely staying somewhere exclusive and not just because of the rates. Nestled in a secret passage off the well-known Avenue Junot, in the heart of historical Montmartre, is the perfect Parisian address and much less obvious than the usual Rue Saint-Honore hangouts. Think discreet style rather than screaming it.

The directoire style townhouse is surrounded by a closed garden designed by Louis Bénech (landscape designer of the revamped Jardin des Tuileries) that conjures up images of the novel, The Secret Garden. From its luxury and Imposing façade, and rather like the novel, its exterior actually hides a surprising interior that ensures its occupants leave blossoming rather than complaining about the noise.

Inside, the hotel has a contemporary feel that is both eclectic and stylish (definitely no minimal 80's nonsense). Each one of its five suites has an individual and comfortable space that have been designed by renowned artists that include the painter Philippe Mayaux, textile curator Olivier Saillard, creative director and illustrator Pierre Fichefeux and photo artist Natacha Lesueur who have all created unique wallpaper for communal spaces within the hotel.

The townhouse is carefully decorated with pieces that have a history and, refreshingly, an owner. The living room has an array of exceptional and rare furniture that includes a first edition of Arne Jacobsen's Egg chair as well as covetable pieces from Miles Van der Rohe and Alvar Aalto.

The library is inspired by aristocratic reading rooms of ages gone by and stocked with works from artists and friends that cover art, fashion, design, history and photography that may distract you from the shops or at least until they open.

The dining room (also available for private hire) has a Baroque feel that overlooks the greenery of its terrace to the soundtrack of a tinkling water fountain that is a quaint, yet refreshing change to the usual ubiquitous hotel soundtracks.

Kerry Olsen

Source & Photo Credit: The Montmarte Townhouse

TAGS: montmarte miles van der rohe arne jacobsen egg chair hotel paris romantic luxury discreet style townhouse the monmarte townhouse parisian suites louis benech garden the secret garden