Hotel Review: Chouchou Hotel, Paris

The hotel is just off main thoroughfare Boulevard Haussman, lined with fancy department stores, grand brasseries and designer boutiques. It's well within walking distance of major landmarks such as the Opera, the Louvre, and the Bourse. Take an al fresco seat at Les Capucines for people-watching or head to the famous Bouillon Chartier; dating from 1896, it serves up simple - and outrageously cheap - French fare in grand, fin-de-siècle, mirror-clad surroundings, but be prepared to queue. The nearby Jardins des Tuileries are perfect for all-season strolls.

By plane: Flights from London or Manchester to Paris-CDG take 1 hour 15 minutes and the hotel is 50 minutes' drive away. Book flights to Paris.

By train: Eurostar from London to Paris Gare du Nord takes 2 hours 20 minutes and the hotel is 20 minutes' drive away. Book trains to Paris Gare du Nord.

Designed by the hotel group's resident visionary, Michael Malapert, the overall feel is sophisticated yet laid-back. The main hub is the Guinguette, with its sizeable skylight and playful neon signs, while the darker-toned rooms and corridors provide a seductive contrast. Malapert has gone to town with the jacuzzi bathrooms downstairs, which evoke French icons such as the Moulin Rouge with red feature walls, 70s rattan chairs and leopard print.

There is no gym or proper spa, but the aforementioned baths are available to book by guests and non-guests alike.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Jacuzzi
• Free Wi-Fi

Walls are painted in rich teal, and there are contrasting gold details throughout, from the circular squiggle artwork over the bed to the handles on the doors and cupboards. A black and white print of a carousel is echoed by the small, ten-sided table in wedges of black and white. The bathroom features subway-style tiles in white and green, with bespoke, fig-scented toiletries by Paris-based brand P.Lab Beauty.

Room types: Classic Room, Superior Room, Deluxe Room, Junior Suite, Suite

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, hairdryer, mini fridge, TV, free Wi-Fi

The bar at the Guinguette offers a creative cocktail list, featuring drinks such as the Initiale Bébé, which blends vodka, lime juice, violet essence and crémant. At the Marché, seafood platters or plates of cheese and charcuterie are the order of the day.

Food Market: traditional market-style restuarant. French cuisine, local produce. Open Mon-Fri, 12-2pm and 7-10pm; Sat, 7-10pm.

Bar Guinguette: contemporary dance hall setting. Buffet breakfast, open daily.