Paris Fashion Week: designer hotels for stays that are the ultimate in luxury and style
Paris is the global epicentre of fashion and as such Paris is widely considered to host the fashion week of all fashion weeks.
Whether or not you have managed to nab the highly-prized tickets for the shows, the week promises to be full of glamour with fashionistas parading the boulevards and lounging in style at bars and hosting fabulous fashion week parties.
And if you don't want to miss out on the action, there's two unique luxury hotels you'll want to stay in...
THE LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL: HOTEL DANIEL, PARIS
Why: Hidden on an unknown narrow street behind the Champs-Elysées, the boutique Hôtel Daniel is the epitome of understated-luxe. Even taxis used to get lost trying to find the building for the first five years after it opened. This sense of exclusivity is continued throughout its 26 rooms, each beautifully crafted from de Gournay wallpaper, Toile de Jouy fabics and soft oriental carpets.
Hidden design gem: From the fabrics lining the bedroom walls, to the gilt glass panels portraying exquisite Chinese gardens in the restaurant, which is also home to a silver-backed display case full of multi-colored glasses brought back by the owners from their travels - the hotel is a treasure trove of design gems.
Insider tip: Don't worry about what time you roll in, you can order le petit dej all day, every day.
Fashion-week insider tip: Even if you're not staying here, the YSL offices are just behind the hotel, so pop in for a drink about 6pm for exclusive behind-the-scenes action.
Rooms from £220 per night; hoteldanielparis.com
THE MODERN-LUXE HOTEL: SOFITEL PARIS, LE FAUBOURG
Where: Located in one of the most exclusive shopping districts of Paris, Chanel and Hermès are the shortest of strolls away. Plus, the official residence of the French President, the Élysée Palace, is just down the road. The 147 rooms and 36 suites of this hotel more than live up to their surroundings.
Hidden design gem: The light walls and large spaces provide the perfect backdrop for evocative fashion portraits from the likes of Horst P.Horst, Chaloner Wood and Irving Penn. Look out for the large iconic photo from Cecil Beaton, one of the most celebrated British portrait photographers of the twentieth century of Parisian ladies getting ready for a ball.
However, a collection of stunning Jean Paul Gaultier runway photos, taken by renowned photographer Cathleen Naundorf, is reserved for the Suite Apartment.
Insider tip: Save room for dessert. After dinner at the hotel's restaurant Stay, you'll be unable to resist constructing your perfect dessert alongside the chef at the ice-cream, chocolate and pastry bar.
Fashion week tip: prop yourself up at the hotel bar and start your evening with a “Christian” - a champagne cocktail with floral notes ‘as delicate as an organza corolla skirt by Dior’.
Rooms from £315 per night; sofitel.com
