The Hotel Beauchamps is one of Paris’newest and loveliest design hotels, perfectly situated for a Parisian visit, in the heart of the 8th arrondissement, just behind the Champs Elysées.

The hotel remained dormant until hotel-renovator extraordinaire Grace Leo was given carte blanche for a complete renovation of the property. Known for her unconditional passion for Paris and her talent for creating a unique atmosphere in each hotel she represents, Ms Leo set out to bring Hotel Beauchamps to life.

Two townhouses became one six-floor 89-room hotel which opened in March 2010. The décor is by award-winning French interior designer Pascal Allaman and is classy and cosmopolitan with a literary twist. They have created a distinctive and playful theme with all objects in the hotel meant to have been collected on the travels of fictional adventurer Balthazar Beauchamps. The idea really comes to life in the lovely library room, full of esoteric objects and books, both modern and antique, which can be enjoyed from the deep 50’s style sofa in front of the cosy fireplace.

Rooms are decorated using warm, earthy palettes: cherry red, chocolate and gold; pale yellow and pearl grey; or sand, cedar and copper. Most rooms feature a large canvas reproduction of a Victor Hugo drawing above the bed. The high, wide, comfortable beds sit on a Greek patterned carpet in saffron and khaki tones. A russet-coloured Chinese-inspired lacquered armoire contains the minibar and safe. I also observed an impressive collection of international chocolates in the mini-bar, perhaps more spoils of Balthazar’s travels…?

The lovely rooms at the Beauchamps may leave you reluctant to step out, but you should go at least as far at the hotel’s own restaurant, the Velvet par Le Bistrot d’Antoine. This brand new eatery has a delicious Mediterranean menu curated by award-winning chefs from Nice.