Best New Hotels 2007: The Five, Paris, France

A quiet neighbourhood on the edge of the Latin Quarter is home to the city’s most exciting new boutique hotel. Vincent Bastie, the design whiz behind other groundbreaking hotels such as the Murano and Hôtel du Petit Moulin, has used fibre-optic lighting to create a glittering atmosphere in many of the 24 rooms. There are nine colour schemes, ranging from tranquil black to cheerful plum-and-pink, and five ‘olfactory ambiances’ which are diffused by the lamps. Another original touch comes from 27 lacquered panels by acclaimed artist Isabelle Emmerique.

Doubles from about $300, www.thefivehotel.com.