Best New Hotels 2008:Hôtel Keppler, Paris

Understatement is not normally what the glitzy Champs-Elysées does best, but designer Pierre-Yves Rochon has pulled it off at the Hôtel Keppler. Once an ordinary two-star, this 34-room hotel is now the area’s most stylish boutique hotel. Rochon, the designer behind the lavish palace Le George V, has brought a more personal style to the Keppler by mixing furniture styles and patterns to surprisingly harmonious effect. On each floor, a single hue brings contrast to the black-and-white colour scheme. For a taste of the high life, aim for one of the suites with a 30sqm teak terrace looking onto the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Paris surrounds.

We love The dimmer switches for all lights, so guests can create their own vibe.

Rooms from about $480, www.keppler-paris-hotel.com.
ROSA JACKSON