Le Meurice Hotel

228 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France

This Parisian grande dame could easily be the hotel equivalent of the intimidating, snooty aunt you try your best to avoid at a wedding. With its A-list location along the Tuileries Garden and luxe Salvador Dali-inspired interiors by Philippe Starck, its no surprise that the literati have been fans since 1835. However overt its luxury though, it’s well versed in making guests feel right at home. Across seven floors, the suites are deliciously furnished in full Louis XVI style with grand Italian marble bathrooms. Francophiles are sure to swoon over the Marie Antoinette excess of classic art, giant mirrors and glitzy chandeliers in the stunning Restaurant Le Meurice where the food is a feast of French classics courtesy of Alain Ducasse. The Le Dali lounge is the perfect people-watching spot. More informal, yet no less exquisite, a 145 square metre canvas mural swoops above, accessorising the Vuitton-adorned clientele making their entrances in the lobby. BG. Doubles from £508, dorchestercollection.com