24 Hours In … Paris

Les Bains hotel is a glam Parisian legend, Eoin Higgins checked out this slick little number…

Once a legendary nightclub, counting the likes of Grace Jones and David Bowie amongst its regulars, former bathhouse Les Bains Paris was recently reincarnated as a very slick hotel. While still imbued with edgy glamour, it now comprises, in addition to its revitalised nightclub, 39 bedrooms in which to dwell or drape oneself before heading out on the tiles. But it’s not all avant-garde nightclubbing here … Les Bain’s lacquer-red dining room has also been gaining renewed fame, as was recently witnessed when it hosted Dior and Louis Vuitton Fashion Week after-parties, where food from star chef Michael Riss wowed the bold and beautiful guests. Back in the bedrooms, where distressed, charcoal-grey carpets, white marble?and bespoke furnishings adorn rooms and suites that beg to be lounged in, the glamour continues. Hotelier Jean- Pierre Marois has, with apparent great passion, reinvigorated a Parisian legend – vive la difference!

Spot With a View …

Les Bains is located right in the heart of Paris and within a five-minute walk to six different M?tro lines, making it a cinch to get around.

If you wish to take in a superb view of Paris but haven’t the time, or the inclination, to wait in line at the Eiffel Tower (and would like the advantage of having the tower in your vista too) the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette offers an unparalleled view of the city from up on high. You can always add in a spot of high-end shopping too, should the notion take you …

Restaurants to Try …

MG Road / Derri’re / Pirouette

MG Road A lively take on the classic Indian repertoire, dishing out bold, brash flavours without relying on old executions. A concise menu shows confidence rather than a lack of versatility, changing monthly. The room can be noisy, but worth enduring for a memorable Rogan Josh. (205 Rue Saint-Martin, +33 142 760 432; mgroadrestaurant.com)

Derri’re This different take on providing a ?home away from home? is worth trying for the novelty factor alone. Located in a large apartment, diners can opt to dine in the lounge, dining room, bedroom, or boudoir. The menu, and furnishings, are unusual to put it mildly. Bottoms up! (69 Rue des Gravilliers, +33 144 619 195; derriere-resto.com)

Pirouette Locals pack in to this bright, handsome room, day and night – not surprising considering the online acclaim thrown its way: ?affordable elegance?, ?incredible wines?, ?accommodating staff?, ?it’s tha bomb? … we tend to agree. A particularly good value lunch, too. (5 Rue Mond?tour, +33 140 264 781; oenolis.com/pirouette)