One of my favourite and most thumbed books on France is the gorgeous French Country Hideaways by Casey O’Brien Blondes… Whenever I am looking for a weekend getaway, hers is the first book I go to for beautiful locations and idyllic accommodations. She has very recently published Parisian Hideaways: Exquisite Rooms in Enchanting Hotels… I am looking forward to ‘staying’ my way through these Parisian gems… xv
“From the author of French Country Hideaways comes an enticing new insider’s entree to Paris. Eschewing the larger hotels and chains, Casey O’Brien Blondes has put together an impeccable list of four-star escapes carefully selected for their interior design, authenticity, panache, and personalized service. Grouped by theme—including literary, historic, and boudoir—the hotels present an enticing range of décor, from the timeless splendour of the Raphael, with its incomparable view of the Arch de Triomphe from its lush rooftop garden restaurant, to the minimalist verve of Hotel le A, off the Faubourg Saint-Honoré, where graphic black-and-white décor harmonize with Gallic élan. Each is unique, yet all share in common family or manager ownership, fewer than 100 rooms, generous room size, and very distinctive French style. With lush colour photography and in-depth descriptions of each hotel, including a list of neighbourhood restaurants, boutiques, gourmet treats, curiosities, or walking tours, Parisian Hideaways is a must for anyone longing to escape to or be inspired by the City of Lights.”
