I had the great pleasure of staying at Hotel du Haut Marais on a brief break in Paris.

The unassuming exterior belies the wonderful welcome and beautifully styled rooms that await within.

My third floor double room was spacious enough, with a gorgeous modern bathroom. I was there alone, but it would be marvellous for a couple - romantic, intimate and something really special and different from bland chain hotels.

The breakfast was simple but of the highest quality, and the hotel is situated moments walk from a plethora of cafes, bars and shops.

Should I have cause to return to Paris again, I'll be sure to look up this place and keep my fingers crossed that they have vacancies.

I had two free nights at the five star Park Hyatt Vendome (Hyatt credit card offer). I was sad when I left there because it's like staying at a palace. Then I moved for five nights (May 2012) to the Hotel du Haut Marais. It was like visiting a good friend, with a nice guest room with a lot of privacy. I felt so at home. It could have been depressing to move from a five-star hotel to a little inn, but I was very comfortable. It's a great neighborhood.

It's simple. The place is immaculate. The bathroom is brand new. The hosts really do make it an oasis of hospitality.

I don't drink coffee, and I love that they serve first-quality orange juice in the morning. There are no eggs, but the breakfast is simple and first quality (cheese, meats, bread, yogurt, croissants, etc.). A large dining table is set and you get to meet everyone else at the hotel. It's in a comfortable stone cave with crystal chandeliers.

Again, it's really nice having a brand-new bath that is not like a closet. It was spacious enough. Not like a tiny closet bathroom.

Some people have made comments in other reviews that it's on a quiet street with no cars, and they were not sure about safety late at night. Honestly, there is a small pub, around the corner (which is not noisy). There were always people out even at 1:30 in the morning. I never felt unsafe. It is a great neighborhood that seems to be getting a lot of new restaurants with very good ratings (and not too expensive). There were always enough people out that I felt comfortable if I stayed out late.

Didier and Marc's restaurant recommendations were excellent. They are very nice. One night, had a bottle of champagne with them then went out to dinner.

Book early. It fills up. There are only six rooms for them to maintain, so they go out of their way to make it great little inn.

Also. Keep in mind that the Louvre was open until 10:00 PM on the Wednesday I visited. I arrived at noon and finally left at 9:00 PM.

This is the most charming hotel I have ever stayed in! Didier is very accommodating and made our stay incredibly memorable! The location is very central. Walking distance from the Seine and Notre Dame. My only complaint about the location would be the noise from the school across the street from the hotel, but this was only during the day.

Our room was small but very charming! The furniture looked antique and I really liked the exposed beams on the ceiling. The bathrooms are very spacious with a rain shower! My husband and I agree that the best part of out stay was the amazing breakfast buffet! The bread, coffee and selection of croissants and chesse was amazing! I also could not get over how impeccable the decor was!

This charming little hotel is ideal for couples.

We will be staying here again!

I can't give an "excellent" review because it would go to Didier's head ;-) What a great find. So glad I was able to trust Trip Advisor's comments. Didier was a blast and a gracious host. The room we had, no 11, was roomy enough for Paris standards, and the bathroom was fresh and clean. A small TV and a fresh bottle of water each day was a nice touch. We appreciated a small TV in the room; to bad the only english channel was BBC News. The free wi-fi was a welcome amenity as was the ample breakfast each morning. Its the location that'll keep you coming back; close to two metro stations and myriad of quirky little shops, restaurants & cafes. It's an artsy area with so much activity late into the night but the hotel is set in from any busy streets so its rather quiet. You may hear a few rambunctious people walking by late into the evening but its usually not a big issue. Don't hesitate to try this place.