With sleek décor masterfully executed by the home owners and Lauren Berger herself, guests at Lauren Berger’s full service luxury rental apartments will feel as though they are staying in the chicest, most buzzed about hotel of the moment, but with all of the essential conveniences of home. High-speed internet, fully equipped modern kitchens, upscale yet comfortable furnishings, efficient housekeeping service, proximity to grocery stores, markets and public transportation, as well as reasonable pricing for short or long term stays, make LBC an absolute no-brainer when booking accommodations in NYC, London, Paris and beyond.

The apartments are exceptionally spacious; yet still manage to provide a comfortable sense of warmth and intimacy. This coupled with the warmth, caring and professionalism of LBC owner, Lauren, serves to create the ultimate experience of living in the lap of luxury. The apartments are also ideally and centrally located in each city.

Other services that can be expertly arranged to improve your stay include concierge services, restaurant bookings, transportation services, early/late arrivals and departures, and that is just the shortlist! No task is too big or too small for LBC. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, your stay will run as fluidly and effortless is a well-oiled machine, so that as a traveler you can fully enjoy the things that really matter… experiencing all that the city has to offer. The Lauren Berger Collection truly provides the duality of home and hotel, in which neither of the perks of either are sacrificed. A walk into your own full service apartment in New York City will give you all of the satisfaction of turning your key into your front door… and more!

http://laurenbergercollection.com/

Hotel St Paul in Paris is located in the center of St Germain. It a short two minute walk from the Metro station Odeon (line 4) and two minutes from the famous and beautiful Luxembourg gardens. I spent two lovely nights in this lovely hotel. I stayed in two different rooms, the first one was bigger, with a big bed and a nice table, the interiors of the hotel are old and classic, very beautiful. The toilette is very new and well furnished, really comfortable. The second room I had was smaller but very nice too, very comfortable bed. Breakfast is served between 7am and 11pm in a very beautiful room just in the floor below the reception. The food is great, they have an amazing pain au chocolat, which is perfect to start the day in a good way! The other rooms are nice too with paintings on the walls and all very well decorated. A perfect place to stay in Paris!

-Emanuele D’Angelo (www.livincool.com)

Hotel St. Paul
43 Rue Monsieur-le-Prince
75006 Paris, France
+33 1 43 26 98 64
www.hotelsaintpaulparis.com

Eurostar is a fabulous way to travel; it was everything expected and more. My colleague and I boarded the train at St. Pancras station in London with plans to go to Brussels, Belgium. St. Pancras was well organized making it easy to find our train. St. Pancras also offered no-charge “easy-cart’s” accessible, right at the station’s entrance.  When we arrived at the train we were ushered to our spacious seats and our bags were stowed away by the courteous staff. The food service started quickly after departure. The three course meal was delicious, including champagne and impeccable service. I was pleasantly surprised at how spacious the area was, leg space was very ample and for a tech savvy business traveler, there is plenty of room and plugs to set up a laptop and get right to work.

The Belgian and English country side that surrounded the high-speed train was soothing and the train was surprisingly quiet. In just two short hours the train was to arrive in Brussels, not before passing thru underneath the English Channel. The conscientious staff welcomed us to Brussels and helped us off the train, where our luggage was waiting for us. Returning to England was just as delightful as going. Everything went off without a hitch and they even changed our ticket times with no extra charge or hassle. If you are looking for economical, fast, comfortable transportation the best option for travel between London and Brussels is Eurostar.

www.eurostar.com

Paris by Heart began before the Internet age to help a French friend, and quickly mushroomed from one friend to another and one client to another simply by word of mouth. Starting with one classified ad, one apartment, and the first family PBH helped, it was strictly informal, with hand written letters and color photos sent by postal mail. From the beginning PBH was built upon trust, service, and a desire to help people by providing a bridge between two countries, two cultures, and two peoples. The first big technology PBH put to use was the introduction of color Xerox so they didn’t have to mail original photos to clients. Later, in 1996, the company formed France By Heart and established a web-site, www.FranceByHeart.com, for both countryside and Paris rentals. As events would unfold, rapid expansion proceeded until it became apparent that Paris needed and deserved its own focus and the company was split into two parts and hence established Paris By Heart with a separate web-site, www.ParisByHeart.com, to serve Paris owners and clients. Since then, the company has continued to expand and offers service with a special emphasis on the City of Lights.

PBH clients are people just like you… many families traveling with children and also many lovers. Some are going to Paris for the first time and some are going to Paris for the first time in thirty years. They are a 97 year old lady going to Paris for her last time bringing her 97 year old friend for a first time. They are grandparents bringing a 13 year old granddaughter to widen her experience of life. They are young couples with a baby and they are seniors, sometimes with a hip replacement, and sometimes with a wheelchair. They are real people with real needs that depend upon Paris By Heart for reliable accommodations in Paris.

http://www.parisbyheart.com

The enchanting ‘boudoir’ styled hotel is the epitome of Parisian chic and features petite but most attractive rooms decorated with elegant wallpaper and stylish furniture.  Located on Rue de Buci the hotel is aptly named and in one of the best areas of Paris -the St. Germain district. The area is high in tourist numbers but it does not have a cheesy touristy vibe. As you walk the streets you don’t necessarily feel like you’re surrounded by tourist. The hotel and its area has a real authentic Parisian vibe. Where the location of the hotel on Rue de Buci meets Rue de Seine you will find stylish cafes with outdoor seating, chocolate, cheese and other specialty shops, a LUSH store if you need to get your sexy smelling soap fix; there are some great “quick” food places such as COSI which offers some of the most delicious sandwiches. The beautiful views of the Seine river and the Louvre museum as well as Musee D’Orsay are a short stroll away while all the high end luxury shops of St. Germain are right at your doorstep. If you want to go to the Marais district it’s a short ten to fifteen minute walk. You cannot beat Hotel Buci’s location. Keep in mind the hotel is so petite that it only houses 25 rooms -so it’s advisable to book well in advance to guarantee a room. The rooms are small but cozy and beyond cute, most of the rooms also overlook the charming Rue de Buci. There is a breakfast room in the basement and a lounge area with an Honesty Bar. You can have tea, coffee, wine or just about any other drink you want. Service is great with personalized service from the moment you step through the door.

22 rue de Buci
75006 Paris – France
Tél. : +33 1 55 42 74 74
http://www.buci-hotel.com/

Hotel Bel Ami, French for “Good Friend”, is just that: a comfortable, stylish hotel that feels like walking into the arms of a good friend.  Situated right in the center of the St. Germain district, this fashionable destination houses guestrooms adorned with customizable light, large flat screen tv’s, and luxurious, large bathrooms. The hotel also features a restaurant, and a comfy bar, lounge with MAC computers for guests to use and a full service spa by Payot. The building has retained its 19th century exterior, but modernized the interior with stainless steel, frosted windows, cobalt blue lighting lining the corridors, and swirls of colors projected onto the bar walls. There is a twenty four hour concierge on site and service here is priority number one.

7-11 rue Saint Benoît
75006 Paris, France
01 42 61 53 53
www.hotel-bel-ami.com

If you’re in the mood to escape the big city escapades of Paris and want to find your peaceful center amidst lush green trees, in a luxurious country house hotel, then Les Etangs de Corot is the place to visit. A sister property of Les Sources de Caudalie in Bordeaux, the hotel is a study in peace and tranquility. Set amidst gardens, tree filled hills and lakes you can enjoy activities including a bicycle ride to Versailles (only thirty minutes by bike) or a gentle stroll around the lake located in the back of the hotel. If you’re in the mood to really unwind you can book a treatment at the Spa de Caudalie which offers Vinothérapie facials courtesy of the products of the same name, hammam, wraps, massages, hand and foot treatments, and whatever else you need to detach and relax. The staff at the hotel are attentive and always on point. You can truly feel that service here is a priority.

Les Etangs de Corot was named after the French impressionist artist, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot who was born and raised in a country house located right within the hotel grounds. Better known for his landscape paintings, you can see his influence first hand throughout the hotel including paintings that he created for the very same lake located behind Corot.

The rooms and suites offer low key luxury in design set against sweeping views of the surrounding trees and lakes. Enjoy a morning tea in the elegant backyard garden or at Cafe Des Artistes which has its very own classic garden dining area that is reminiscent of another time and place in history. It is all of these deliberate little touches that make this hotel so special. For dinner you can enjoy classical French fare at the Cafe Des Artistes (which has been likened to a French mother’s style cooking) or you can dine in their Michelin rated Le Corot restaurant. During warmer weather months, you can dine alfresco with views of the lake.

53, Rue de Versailles
92410 Ville D’Avray, France

http://www.etangs-corot.com/

What had been the ballroom of the Hôtel de Crillon has been turned into the luxury dining destination Les Ambassadeurs – Paris. Now it is the guests’ tastebuds that dance, as the restaurant’s team brings brings visitors fine French cuisine, connecting decades of experience and tradition with innovative ingredients and preparations.

The first thing visitors will notice is the space itself. The 18th century ballroom has been carefully restored by the Paris Ecole des Beaux-Arts and architect Jacques-Ange Gabriel, creating a sense of grandeur and history. But the designers have also incorporated new materials and elements, such as light-colored tables and chairs, and champagne draperies, to evoke a sense of lightness. Expansive mirrored panels and magnificent crystal chandeliers further expand and lighten the restaurant.

The restaurant’s menu is overseen by Head Chef Christopher Hache, who has worked under celebrated chefs such as Eric Frechon and Alain Senderens. Additionally, Les Ambassadors has Pastry Chef Jerome Chaucesse, who has been with the Hôtel de Crillon since 2004, to create masterpieces for dessert.

For a full experience of the restaurant’s offerings, guests should consider the six-course tasting menu available for lunch and dinner. It begins with Normandy scallops carpaccio, followed by green asparagus from Sénas with smoked duck breast flan and crispy onion, creating a phenomenal texture. Next is a pot-roasted foie gras served with wild mushrooms and then roasted squab with tiny glazed squab’s leg in a filo pastry. For dessert, guests enjoy a fresh Gariguette strawberry pie, frosted with lemon cream, and finish the mea with a satisfying trio of a soft hazelnut biscuit, chocolate mousse and passion fruit sorbet.

A three-course menu is also available for lunch. Beginning with a chef’s pate or tempura amberjack with baby vegetables, guests then have a choice between red mullet, with provençal tartlet or veal rump with white asparagus. It is then finished off with a choice of one of Les Ambassadeurs’ wonderful desserts.

Les Ambassadeurs
Hotel de Crillon
+33 (0) 1 44 71 16 16

Travelers to Paris seeking to relax amidst the city’s bustle would be wise to make an appointment at the Six Senses rue de Castiglione. The spa, designed by French architect Pierre David, creates an urban sanctuary in the center of the city, near Place Vendrome and Jardin des Tuileries.

Entering Six Senses, one is immediately struck by the two-story garden, which serves as the focal point for the whole reception area, evoking a sense of natural beauty and calm. But as this is an “urban sanctuary,” it is also designed with an emphasis on the culture and beauty of the city of Paris, with the city’s skyline projected across the entire length of the spa.

Taking to one of Six Senses’ two double or four single rooms, guests feel as if they’ve stepped into an expandable Japanese lantern, with their light oak wood and comforting back lighting.

Guests can enjoy a variety of treatments, such as the “Detox” facials and body treatments or “Deep Sleep,” “Breath Easy,” “Clear Mind” and “Jet Lag Recovery” options. All of the treatments are developed around the spa’s SLOW LIFE philosophy, which emphasizes sustainable practices, such as the use of chemical-free products and reducing the carbon footprint (SLOW LIFE also makes a catchy acronym for Sustainable-Local-Organic Wholesome Learning Inspiring Fun Experiences).

Visiting experts in such disciplines as Chi Kung, Reiki, shiatsu and Kinesietheraphy offer opportunities to experience the wealth of well-being treatments available throughout the world. Six Senses has a full calendar of events throughout the year.

For those who would like to enjoy the benefits of the spa at home, Six Senses offers two lines of products for purchase. Essential Oils, Essential Wisdom offers aromatherapy products derived from natural ingredients such as Damask rose water instead of plain water and vitamin-rich plant oils such as jojoba, evening primrose and arctic strawberry seed oil. Organic Beauty from the Sea draws on hand-harvested seaweed to create purifying and invigorating products.

Whether seeking to briefly recharge after an active few days in Paris, or to enjoy a luxurious afternoon of deep relaxation, Six Senses rue de Castiglione provides the ideal escape.

Six Senses rue de Castiglione
3 Rue de Castiglione
75001, Paris
www.sixsenses.com/six-senses-spas/Rue-De-Castiglione
+33 (0) 1 43 16 10 10

An interesting union of the classic elegance of Chanel combined with the contemporary popular culture tour de force known as Colette and voila! The fashion house is given a new, youthful look through its collaboration with Colette and the creation of this pop-up shop mash up was born (March 1st-10th 2011).

Chanel collector dolls (featuring Colette’s iconic blue shade) and key fobs with Lagerfeld’s head were sold alongside selected pieces from Chanel’s prêt-à-porter line. Let’s not forget Colette’s ability to pair artwork and other paraphernalia (cupcake bar included) which adds a ‘rock-and-roll’ vibe to the former garage space. egendary Chanel bags and this season’s designs, including a Mademoiselle bag in the famous cobalt blue Colette color, were customized by various artists including Kevin Lyons, André , Fafi and SO-ME. Meanwhile, LEMARIÉ unveiled the camellia’s secrets, offering a selection of blue, black and white camellias. ÉRES was included in the mix, with pieces from its collection in a palette of black and iridescent hues, next to the Maison Michel’s spotted veils. Also waiting to be discovered, or rediscovered, is a selection of books published by Éditions 7L and back issues of Visionaire magazine. Even more playful and unusual surprises await in the form of a collector’s doll by Karl Lagerfeld, CHANEL bags customised by CHROME HEARTS , YAZBUKEY bag charms, RUBY helmets, and cameras by LEICA.

Chanel and Colette meet in rue Saint-Honoré
336-340 rue Saint-Honoré 75001 Paris
www.colette.fr

Maison de la Truffle does indeed live up to its name. Offering a range of products with the precious fruiting fungus, the Maison is sure to satisfy the most discerning truffle lover.  The organization was created in 1932 by brokers in the French town of Carpentras, famed for its truffle market, most of which was exported elsewhere. The brokers decided it was time for a top-quality truffle seller that directly serviced Parisians. Using their close understanding of the product, they instantly helped establish the Paris shop on Place de la Madeleine as a must-see stop for gourmets.

When chef Guy Monier took over the house in 1978, he decided to broaden its offerings by creating a tasting area and turning the Maison de la Truffle into a luxury food shop. Now the place has become a must-see stop for gourmands looking for a truffle fix.  The original tasting space, completely renovated in 2008, is located at the base of the columns of the Madeleine Church in Paris. The sophisticated and inviting tasting room offers visitors to sample and savor the flavor of the truffle cut, chiseled or arranged to order.

A second tasting room was opened in 2009 on Rue Marbeuf. Conceived by Spanish decorator Thomas Urquijo, its art-deco style creates an elegant and stylish place for visitors to enjoy the truffle dishes.  The Maison offers five varieties of truffle: Black Truffle, White Truffle from Alba, Summer Truffle, Winter Truffle and Brugundy Truffle. Each offers a unique flavor and is harvested at a particular time of the year to ensure its texture and taste are at their peak.

Among the range of products offered by the shop are truffle preserves of whole truffles, truffle pieces, peelings, crushed truffles, juices and purees to be used in all types of dishes, from simple to complex. Oils, vinegars and condiments flavored with black or white truffle are available, and for those who prefer their truffle dishes immediately, prepared dishes are also on offer. Creamy veloute soups, such as foie gras and truffle or chestnut and truffle, come prepared in glass bottles to be enjoyed on a cold evening.

In all of its offerings, the Maison de la Truffle strives to maintain its philosophy of tradition blended with creativity.

Maison de la Truffle
19 place de la Madeleine
75008 Paris
+33 (1) 42 65 53 22
http://www.maison-de-la-truffe.com/

The Hotel Le Meurice is the quintessential Paris “grand palace” hotel with modern design twists sprinkled in.  The hotel, throughout three centuries has maintained a sublime reputation as a permanent Parisian embellishment. The clientele has mainly been the elite aristocracy among upper crust British travelers. Franklin, Roosevelt and innumerable dukes and duchesses from all over the world have all stayed at one of the most famous luxury hotels: Le Meurice. The high-class hotel has hosted events like Coco Chanel’s debut Chanel fashion shows in the 1930′s and also celebrations like Picasso and his wife’s wedding.  Salvador Dali spent at least one month every year at the hotel amongst many other famous artists and celebrities who are still regulars at Le Meurice. The hotel has kept its reputation and is today a five star hotel in the heart of Paris overlooking the Jardin de Tuileries (convenient for Paris Fashion Week) with the Eiffel Tower in the distance.

The hotel has been renovated and enlarged 4 times whereas the last renovation was in 2007 with the acknowledged French product designer Philippe Starck. Each of the renovations has contributed to progress the modernization and the embellishment within the original Le Meurice spirit.

The hotel has 160 rooms and suites, each room is unique and carefully deliberated. The hotel’s rooms look exactly like elegant 18th century homes, where the past meets the present with a sense of humor but most of all with an accomplished glamour that is not to be found in too many other hotels. Some rooftop suites have panoramic 360-dregress view over Paris, some rooms have hand painted ceilings depicting the sky and others look exactly like an elegant 18th century Parisian apartment with fabrics papering the walls. All with their individual charm and glamour. Also there are 2 presidential suites with Butlers if required.

Le Meurice has two top restaurants: The restaurant ‘Le Meurice’ and ‘Le Dalí’. The restaurant and the hotel itself contains the spirit of Dalí – it is where your most surreal dreams become true. The Hotel’s Head Chef has been awarded with the highest order of the Michelin Guide – 3 stars. The French cuisine when it is best. Last but not least the Hotel has a lavish bar; The Bar 228, where decadent cocktails are served in an authentic Parisian upper-class interior with Philippe Starck decorations in dark wood and under a hand painted ceiling depicting the evening sky.

Staying at one of the unique suites or rooms at the Hotel Le Meurice, dining at one of the two top hotel restaurants or drinking one of the more that 50 whiskies and malts served in crystal glasses in Bar 228 undoubtedly give you a very special experience where you feel home away from home in the most elegant soundings.

228 Rue de Rivoli 75001
Paris, France
01 44 58 10 10
www.lemeurice.com

The Mama Shelter is one of the hidden gems nestled in a less traveled area of paris. This get away is a new concept boutique hotel conceived as a project by STARK, and it covers all the bases from convenience to comfort. From the outside the Mama Shelter looks like a modern cubist’s dream, steel girders and tall glass windows which stretch from the brick lined streets to a sixth floor balcony view, which catches sights of the not too distant Eiffel tower. I arrived in the early part of the evening to a multilingual, incredibly helpful staff who promptly looked up my reservation, gave me a brief tour of the lobby and restaurant, and then escorted me to my room.

The space is a modern marvel which should be the benchmark of hotel room decoration and design. I found a very comfortable bed with more than enough pillows to satisfy even the most greedy of pillow hogs. Mounted on the wall, instead of the usual flat screen television, is a 24″ inch apple I-mac computer, which could be used as a connection to the internet as well as a portal to your favorite television show. The I-mac in your room also has the ability, at your discretion, to take photographs of your room which are then published to a live gallery of photos other patrons of the hotel have taken using the imac’s in their rooms. After unpacking my belongings and taking a shower, i meandered
downstairs to the world famous oven baked pizza parlor where I had the most delicious Quatre Fromage pizza, I highly recommend it.

Conveniently located across the street from the Mama Shelter is a bike rental dispensary which I used to rent a bike and take a ride around the cobble stoned streets of this small suburb of paris. I took a fifteen minute ride to the beautiful and historic public cemetery, the ‘Père LaChaise’, which is the final destination for such famous musicians, entertainers, and writers as Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison. The hotel is conveniently surrounded by many delicious restaurants from Sushi to indian cuisine. I awoke the next morning to a complimentary breakfast buffet that satisfied my every morning
desire. The Mama Shelter Hotel left me little to complain about, It’s the perfect place to stay in Paris if you want relaxation with the ever present option for excitement.

-Stryder Bartow

Mama Shelter
109 rue de Bagnolet
75020 Paris, France
01 43 48 48 48
www.mamashelter.com

If you are going to Paris, the best place to stay is not a hotel, but a “Special Apartment”. For the same price as an average hotel room,  at Special Apartments, you can choose among a beautiful and unique selection of Parisian rental apartments: studios, one, two and three bedroom apartments, with accommodation for up to six people. All of the short-term rental apartments are centrally located in the best areas of Paris.

I stayed for 2 nights at the apartment #002 located in Arts-et-Métiers a two minute walk from Metro station and five minutes away from Centre Pompidou. It was a perfect stay in a gorgeous, spacious, modern and quiet apartment. As soon as you step in you feel you want to move in for ever. It’s exactly what you need to make your stay in Paris as comfortable and easy as possible. My apartment had a big living room with huge, comfy sofas where I could lay for hours flicking through the art books displayed on the table. The bedroom is like a little alcove where you want to spend whole days because the bed is so cosy. Even though you are in an old building, every thing is very functional, WiFi, big shower, washing machine, kitchen with all facilities. And the exciting part is that all the apartments are completely unique and furnished differently. I can’t wait to go back to Paris and stay at a Special Apartment again.

-Yvan Rodic

www.specialapartments.com