Hotel Balzac, Paris

Paris in spring is often pitched as the epitome of romance. With the architecture, the tree-lined avenues and all the fabulous food and wine, it's easy to see why. So, for a small hotel to aim to build a reputation as "the luxury, romantic hotel of Paris" is a tall order.
Yet, the Hotel Balzac is setting out to do just that.

On the site of a classic, Parisian townhouse—just off the top of the Champs Elysées—Hotel Balzac is a small hotel (57 rooms and 13 suites) that is thinking big. The quality of the service surpasses that in many of the larger Parisian hotels and the views of the Eiffel Tower from many of the rooms are impressive.

This small, but perfectly formed, hotel was redesigned last year and the interior is suitably opulent without ever being showy. The Royal Suite offers an immaculate butler service and boasts a roof-top terrace with breathtaking views of the Paris skyline. With space at a premium, the bar doubles as a breakfast room, which somehow adds to the charm.

With return fares on Eurostar from £59 and the champagne bar at St Pancras to kick-start your trip, now's the time to get in touch with your romantic side.