Maison Souquet

10 Rue de Bruxelles,

Paris, France 75009

Phone:+33 1 48 78 55 55

http://www.maisonsouquet.com/

My Rating: 93%

Price Rating: $$$$$

Summary of Stay: Maison Souquet is a converted 'pleasure house' from the days when the Moulin Rouge was at it's highest glory. Set in Montmartre and a minutes walk to the cabarets, Maison Souquet can easily be classified as the sexiest hotel in Paris. But this is more than just a hotel swathed in silks and velvet—the hotel is a cut above the rest based on personal service and attention to detail.

The hotel is small luxury boutique with only 20 suites. Every guest is greeted by name and the staff make a huge effort to get know each one personally. They make it very clear upon check in that whatever you wish, they can get for you, be it a Belgian microbrew or tickets to a sold out show. They pride themselves on being able to deliver.

The rooms are ornate and decorated liked the inside of a jewel box in the Belle Epoque style. This style transport you back to the set of the Moulin Rouge movie where you can imagine Nicole Kidman entertained her gentlemen callers. Because of the nature of the building, the deluxe rooms are on the small side as seen in my video. I strongly recommend booking the junior suites as they really are worth every penny.

The hotel has an incredible bar on the first floor where I was treated to a complimentary signature cocktail. Again, your wish is their command. They will make whatever cocktail you desire, and considering their collection of rare spirits, it won't be difficult for them. Beyond the bar, is a beautiful sun room bathed in natural light that is used as a breakfast room. But honestly, this is the kind of hotel that I would not expect the crowd to be up early enough for breakfast. This hotel draws an international crowd that enjoys decadence and late nights.

Highlight of the Hotel: Nikolas the butler. It seemed like he worked 24/7 and was always there when anything was requested. Nikolas is exceptional at his job and just makes great things amazing. From assistance with packing, to giving me a tour of the hotel, to ensuring my dinner reservations were looked after, and making sure I booked my spa appointments, Nikolas looked after everything. When I was in the spa, he brought down a signature cocktail adorned with rose petals. When I moved rooms, he and the room attendant packed up everything and moved me into the new suite. When Nikolas saw that I had come back to the hotel with a few bottles of champagne, moments later he was at my door with an ice bucket and champagne flutes. This is the service that often lacks in other 5 star properties. Although it wasn't the case, I felt like Nikolas was my own private butler by the incredible service he provided.

Highlight of the Stay: It's rare to find a 5 star hotel in Paris with a pool. It's extraordinary to find one where you have the entire pool and spa to yourself. As a guest of the hotel, you are entitled to 1 private hour at the spa. It is a treat after a day walking around the city. They have a treatment room as part of the facility where you can book an array of massages and facials. The eucalyptus steam room with star-like lighting was great to renew myself. And then to have to a private pool to plunge into afterwards...well it brought me back to life after a great night out. This really was a priceless experience.

Drawbacks: Montmartre isn't for everyone. There are some great restaurants and cabarets nearby and the Sacre Coeur is a 15 minute walk, but there is very little shopping nearby. The metro is a 3 minute walk which can get you anywhere you want to be. But the small distance away from the main centre is a small price to pay to be at Paris's coolest address.