The Hotel Jules is a Paris Gem

Enter through the double doors and step into the Hotel Jule's lobby decked out in black and white diamond tiles. To the right is a cozy bar with three stainless steel stools. At each end of the bar, two groupings of glass decanters containing colorful liqueur is not only bright, but eye-catching, too. The retro theme throughout the boutique-size hotel is fun, trendy and a unique diversion.

In one of the junior suites, a heavenly king-sized bed piled high with plush pillows and a snow white duvet looks like a cumulous cloud. In the sitting room, a faux zebra rug is the focal point and an old-fashioned retro steamer trunk stands vertically ; it's creatively used to house the stocked mini refrigerator and espresso machine.

Tiled from floor to ceiling, the bathroom’s two pedestal sinks with high- end chrome fittings flank the entrance. Above the sinks -- in place of mirrors -- two recessed openings covered with smoke-tinted glass and retro pinup illustrations are placed strategically on the wall. The bathroom includes a tub as well as a separate shower stall.

Breakfast is included and served on the lower level. Start the day off with an American cup of coffee, fresh croissants, and a hot buffet.

The 9th arrondisement is home to the famous Les Folies Bergere.You haven't visited Paris until you spend an evening at a Folie Bergere show. You'll experience a long lost part of Paris made famous by the likes of Joesephine Baker and Charlie Chaplin. When the caberet opened in 1869, it raised a few brows with risque, bold and bawdry acts; compared to today's standards, the show is quite tame.

During the months of January and June, tourists and locals arrive in droves to the flagship Galleries Lafayette and Au Printemps, Paris’ two large department stores. Both stores are located on Boulevard Haussman. Discounts are offered in upwards of 80% on designer clothes and luxury items. If you're planning a trip to Paris exclusively for the shopping, the Hotel Jule's convenient accessibility is ideal. Both stores are a hop, skip and a jump away. The Opera Garnier is also in this district and a must-see on your list of things to do. There is more to shopping in this area, though. If you're seeking nightlife, you will more than likely gravitate toward Rue Faubourg Montmartre.

Hotel Jules is a boutique hotel with 95 rooms. (Choose from standard, superior, deluxe or junior suites.) Rooms either overlook the street or courtyard. The friendly staff is multi-lingual and there is a 24-hr concierge. A fitness room and room service is available. For current specials, visit their website.

Hotel Jules

49 Rue La Fayette

75009 Paris, France

01 42 85 05 44

hoteljules.com