The decor is stunning, and the longer you look around, the more details you notice. Upon entering, it starts with floral wallpaper that cheerfully extends all the way to the ceiling. Downstairs, too, there isn't a single corner that has escaped the interior designer's attention; there is something to see everywhere. In the rooms, everything is coordinated: from the wallpaper on the cabinets to the trim along the curtains and the lamps that perfectly match the colors of the room. The 63 rooms and 10 suites were designed by interior guru Martin Brudnizki and overlook the garden or the streets of Paris.

And five stars here aren't just about the looks. The beds are wonderfully soft, the golden shower head is not only handsome but also feels pleasantly heavy, the shower gel smells delicious, and the flip-flops and thick, soft towels also whisper luxury. Housekeeping comes by several times a day to tidy things up, and in the evening, your sleep mask is already waiting on your pillow. And then there is a truly insanely effective steamer for your clothes. We want that at home now, too.

La Fantaisie has the privilege of being able to claim not one, not two, but three outdoor spaces in a city like Paris. In front of the hotel, you sit on the café terrace; at the back, you can dine in the restaurant's green courtyard, and on the roof you sit Bar on the RoofAll three are compact, but all together it is spacious, especially by Parisian standards.

It is also nice that La Fantaisie has by now clearly been integrated into the local streetscape. Yes, tourists stay there – naturally – but Parisians also know how to find the hotel. There is plenty of meeting going on on the street side, while enjoying a coffee. Booking a room is clearly not a requirement to feel at home here.

The interior design extravaganza isn't over yet in the restaurant either. The light blue chairs are upholstered in a fabric that – are we seeing this correctly? – looks suspiciously like the wallpaper in the hallway. Flowers and fruit adorn the walls, there are mirrors with a patina, and the open kitchen is at the back. Everything demands attention, yet at the same time, everything flows together seamlessly. A fine piece of interior design, if you ask us.

It is also pleasant to settle down here in the morning. The breakfast is extensive and, above all, very, very good. Various types of eggs, madeleines, (almond) croissants, fruit and what not. Chances are you'll order another round. Joining us later in the day? Go for it. And order the fries. Those are exceptionally good. Period.

And then there is the spa. Another stunning sight. An unprecedented number of small tiles form a mosaic of flowers and leaves on the walls. Beautiful. The advantage of a spa like this in the middle of Paris? Everyone is busy with Paris. So there is a good chance you will have the spa all to yourself. And that is despite the fact that there is plenty of reason to disappear underground for a few hours. You will find four different types of baths, plus a hammam, sauna, and infrared sauna. The gym is also in pristine condition, everything ready for a good workout. Prefer to lie horizontally? Book a massage. Even the massage table is so soft that relaxation actually begins before the massage even starts.

And then there is the service. For you can fill a stylish hotel with everything a person needs – and a whole lot more – but good service is much harder to purchase. Fortunately, that is also well taken care of at La Fantaisie. The staff is incredibly friendly, helpful, and above all, wonderfully relaxed. In fact, the service fits the decor perfectly: cheerful, cozy, and perfect down to the last detail.

Hotel La Fantaisie