Trip Planning: Paris in 2015

Things always move pretty fast around the Denham household. It seems like yesterday that Tim and I met, that we married, and that our adult daughters were babies. And here we are starting to plan a trip to Europe to celebrate 25 years of wedded bliss. We are planning a trip for Spring of 2015....a "second honeymoon" of sorts (although that expression strikes an odd note for me...is it a little old fashioned ?). Tim is an Air Force brat and has traveled all over the world. He has been to Russia, Guam, Japan, Australia, Iran, Lebanon, Hong Kong, the Philippines, India, Wales, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Mexico, Canada.....I might be missing a couple. Me....my travel past is a bit lackluster in comparison. Tim has not been to the Netherlands, Belgium, France or Italy. So.....We are trying our best to limit the countries to these plus London.

I have been spending way too much time researching inappropriately priced places to stay, and really need to concentrate on reality. But I do come across the most wonderful places! And this one seems like it might be in the ballpark. It is a little hideaway in the Montmarte area of Paris, 18th arrondissement. Maybe a bit too far from much of what we want to do, maybe a little more than we want to pay, but maybe not. The Hotel Particulier Montmarte seems to have everything we are looking for, charm and style with little edge, but with a definite nod to history, a place to sit outside....OK, let's just state the obvious.....it is gorgeous......

The Hotel Particuleur Montmarte is housed in a Directoire style home formerly owned by the Hermes family which was re-made into a five-suite boutique hotel. It has all of that historical charm, but with the bit of modern edge I was talking about. It has a little "Alice Through the Looking Glass" quality to it with the over sized art and murals in the suites, and the beautiful garden designed by architect, Louis Benech, (who redesigned the Tuileries Gardens). (You should take a moment to check out his website....delightfully "Alice" as well!) Each suite is so different from the next, I would feel quite "special" if I stayed here. The suites were designed by Morgane Rousseau, who is also a co-owner along with Frederic Comtet. They commissioned 5 renowned contemporary artists to take part in the design of each room. Tell me what you think. First the Suites......

And now the Lounges and Restaurant....

How much great design is one hotel aloud to have in Paris? Apparently there is no limit....

We may just have to fit this place in our budget. But if it it not meant to be....

Sorry about that. I couldn't resist. ( And apparently I just discovered there is some controversy about the phrase being either French, Italian or Spanish. There are those that say any is correct ...or not entirely incorrect....and your vote?)

If anyone has any recommendations on wonderful places to stay, please bring it on! I have also been checking airbnb and vrbo and I am finding great things there as well.

I am off to explore Mr. and Mrs. Smith next!