Hotel Lumen, Paris

Mr Jones knows my propensity for Design Boutique Hotels. So I was thrilled when he booked the Hotel Lumen. As the name suggest it takes its design inspiration from Light. Of all kinds. The reception is small but sleek, with a huge light fixture and splashes of bright colour (red/orange on the upholstery of some fantastic looking chairs and sofas).

The staff speak fluent English and the chap at the desk was super helpful. So far so not Paris. Goodness!

The rooms (ours was 105) are also decorated in silver, grey and black (with white sheets) with stunning light fixtures. These are the focal points. The bedside lights are like globes. Even the carpets are custom made and have a deco pattern of lights on it (blue colour). Ok - like the rest of Paris, the rooms are small. Ours being a corner room was not too bad - flat screen samsung TV, cupboard and mini-bar (space for a few jackets and trousers/dresses), a corner chair and a desk, all in a reasonable double bed room. The high ceilings and 3 windows letting in light all help. If you are American, you will be disappointed, as you will be tall and the room small by your usual standards. Still its quiet once the curtains are drawn, even though you are on Level 1.


The bathroom is super small but it has a bath with a huge rain fall shower and toilet. There is almost nowhere to store your toiletries (if you are a girl with make up and the works, you would struggle). The common areas seem tight but smell of perfumed candles.

However, It works though for short weekend stay. The room looks out onto the Saint Roch church and is wonderfully Parisian with its views along Le Rue des Pyramides. And being on the Rue des Pyramides, is centrally located - 5 minutes from the Louvre, the Musee Decoratif, a 20 minutes walk from the Grand Palais and the Champs Elysee. Perfect for culture vultures. All around you are surrounded by beautiful grand Hausmann boulevards with their grand houses. Paris at its grandest.

Breakfast (included) in the Passage (which also serves drinks, lunch and dinner). This is all Black and Red with very low chairs (almost sitting on the floor). There is a buffet service of fresh croissants, danishes, fruit, eggs, toast and wonderful coffee.. So where is the catch? The service when we were there, was appalling. One poor man running around serving and clearing after 10-15 people and another refusing to help with a wonderfully Parisian shrug. 10 minutes to get coffee will leave you grumpy. Still poor man, not his fault.

- Cost - 210 Euros for a Corner room (well worth it in our opinion)

- Service - on the whole, charming and helpful. More staff required at breakfast.

- Decor - Modern, sexy with a deco twist

- Where - 15 Rue des Pyramides

Overall verdict - Great location, Stylish and chic. Go.