Paris: the most unusual hotels

Sleep at Proust's literary hotel Le Swann, Paris 8

To celebrate the centenary of the death of the famous author of La Recherche, head for the hotel Le Swann, dedicated to the literary world of Marcel Proust. In the heart of the Proustian district of Plaine Monceau and Saint-Augustin, Le Swann is the first address in the Hôtels Littéraires' collection (along with Marcel Aymé and Arthur Rimbaud in Paris), each dedicated to a major literary figure. Each of the hotel's six floors is dedicated to a place described in Proust's novel (Combray, Balbec, Verdurin, Faubourg Saint-Germain, etc.), and all the 80 rooms of this 4-star hotel are named after a character from À la recherche du temps perdu or an artist who inspired Proust: Oriane de Guermantes, Palamède de Charlus, Albertine... Surrounded by a library of 500 books, paintings, photos, collections of rare editions and manuscripts, architect Aude Bruguière has succeeded in interpreting the writer's work and retranscribing the Parisian atmosphere of the novels, notably in the Salle Jacques Guérin, with its Art Deco touch and beautiful glass roof. It's hard here to put into practice the novel's incipit: "For a long time, I went to bed early...".

Hôtel Littéraire Le Swann
80 keys from €130 per night
15 Rue de Constantinople, 75008 Paris

Sinner Paris, Paris 3

In the upper Marais district, the Sinner is without doubt the most unusual hotel in Paris's 3rd arrondissement. Right from the front door, this 5-star hotel - a member of the Evok group - plunges guests into a monastic universe brimming with references to the sultry mores of the 1970s. A subdued mezzanine bar with waiters dressed in culottes, a cathedral restaurant, a confidential lounge with velvet sofas where odorless smoke conceals bodies... Interior designer Tristan Auer has taken great pleasure in blurring the lines between ecclesiastical and erotic references. In the dark, incense-scented corridors, the red doors of the 38 rooms equipped with knockers invite all "sinners" to spend a decadent night. In the Justine suite, the circular bed overlooking the shower is reminiscent of the luxurious garçonnières of Paris canaille.

What makes the difference? Its transgressive confessional style, which makes it the capital's most "porn chic" hotel.

Sinner Paris
42 rooms and 1 suite, from 430€ per night.
116 Rue du Temple, 75003 Paris

Hôtel Particulier Montmartre, Paris 18

Located in the maquis of Montmartre, the Hôtel Particulier Montmartre with just 5 suites is accessible via a hidden entrance. Behind its green gate, the house with its Directoire architecture - formerly owned by the Hermès family - is now run by Oscar Comtet, the owners' son, who is careful to preserve the history of the premises. Surrounded by 900 m² of parkland, this epicurean mansion is home to the Le Très Particulier bar, whose attractive checkerboard floor is revealed beneath a winter garden furnished with red velvet armchairs and attractive wood panelling. Past Le Grand Salon, with its boudoir ambience, the five suites renovated by Pierre Lacroix entice the eye with rattan furniture, trellis hangings, velvet and marble in the bathrooms. Outside, the garden designed by landscape architect Louis Benech features boxwood, ivy and alabaster. One of the most enchanting private gardens in Paris.

Good to know? With its wonderfully executed, sensual decor, this 19th-century residence is one of the Capital's most beautiful hidden hotels.

Hôtel Particulier Montmartre
5 keys, from 850€ per night.
23, avenue Junot, Pavillon D, 75018 Paris

OFF Paris Seine, Paris 13

The pitch? The only chic hotel and bar floating on the Seine. It couldn't be more unusual in Paris. Moored at the foot of the Gare d'Austerlitz, the OFF is off the beaten track, offering a unique view of the capital. An indoor wooden swimming pool, a marina, 58 keys including 4 suites, a cocktail and tapas bar make up this open showcase adorned with wood and bay windows. With a colorful cocktail in hand, stroll along the Seine-side terrace of Paris's only hotel located between the Left and Right Banks.

Good to know? Brunch every Sunday, 12:30 - 4:30 pm. Its 350 m² temporary summer terrace is open from June to the end of October.

OFF Paris Seine
58 keys, from €200 per night.
86 Quai d'Austerlitz, 75013 Paris

6. Hotel Odyssey by Elegancia, Paris 1

A 15-minute walk from the Tuileries Gardens, this 3-star capsule hotel designed by Ora Ito in 2012 features a bar, lounge and garden. Its 29 rooms distributed over 5 floors reveal the designer's minimalist style: the ultra-contemporary decor, with its clean lines and bright colors, gives the whole place a spaceship atmosphere worthy of a futurism straight out of the 1990s and Japanese capsule hotels. All of the Hotel Odyssey's keys are fully soundproofed, offering an incomparable relaxation experience. The Green Room, which doubles as a breakfast room and bar, is a contemporary cocoon away from the hustle and bustle of Paris.

What makes the difference? It stands out is its location in the Halles district, ideal for discovering the historic "belly of Paris".

Hôtel Odyssey by Elegancia
29 keys, from 145 euros per night.
19, rue Hérold, 75001 Paris