An abundance of gilding, marble, chandeliers and antiques make this one of the most opulent hotels in the city, opposite the Tuileries gardens and close to the Louvre. Yannick Alléno's inventive cooking at the Restaurant le Meurice has won it three Michelin stars.

His gastronomic delicacies are served in this classic 18th-century palace, its lavish dining rooms and extensive collection of exquisite antiques and art, embodies the distinct style and elegance of historic Paris, while the Philippe Starck redesign has given the place a modern spin.

With seven uniquely themed floors containing 160 rooms and suites decorated in a Louis XVI style, all the charms of Paris old and new are at your fingertips.

Its location is one of the best in Paris: between place de la Concorde and the Louvre, opposite the Tuileries Gardens.

There are 160 rooms and suites including the Belle Etoile Suite which takes up the entire seventh floor and has 360-degree views over the city.

The service is suitably old-school and formal, but extremely accommodating. Past visitors include Alphonse XIII of Spain, Queen Victoria and Salvador Dalí.

Rate: From EUR 390.00pn + tax