Hôtel Duo

Paris is filled with lavish hotels - former palaces that have been converted into dens of discreet luxury. These are places that recall an earlier empire, or, depending on your cultural preferences, the last episode of Sex and the City. These are not places we can afford.

For those who still want old-world glamour, there are plenty of frumpy and over-decorated rooms for around 200€ a night. But rather than pay for over-priced knock-offs, smart visitors are eschewing tradition and going instead for something modern. A number of sleek and enlightened hotels have cropped up recently that are much better suited to our 21st century needs. Here, a small handfull of Paris-bloggers Meg Zimbeck and Louise Sandager's hyper-modern favourites.