inspired by the post impressionistic era of the belle epoque, the newly opened maison souquet may just be the most provocative hotel in paris considered by many to be the most romantic city in the world, the city of lights' latest overnight offering takes a page from the maisons closes, the turn of the century pleasures houses that were frequented by socialites and aesthetes situated just steps from the famed moulin rouge, this pigalle haunt is the perfect blend of opulent and edginess the newly opened parisian hotel, maison souquet, may just be the more provocative hotel in the entire city of lights  the property may be difficult to find, tucked away behind an unmarked facade, and signalled only by two red lanterns and a matching awning, but it's worth the hunt whether grabbing a drink in the lounge or hidden champagne bar or checking in to the one of the property's extravagant suites, the plush velvet and gold accented interiors, designed by jacques garcia, are not to be missed there are three categories of rooms in the hotel: deluxe, junior suites and two stunning apartments but no matter which room you choose, all guests will see hermes bath products, plenty of silk draping and have the option to rent out the spa and swimming pool for a private dip under the starry ceiling located steps from the famed moulin rouge theatre, the hotel is situated in the once tawdy, but now trendy pigalle district  all of the dark, mysterious interiors were designed by jacques garcia and feature plenty of plush velvet and opulent gold accents  it may be difficult to first spot the property, as the outside facade is understated and marked only by two red lanterns and a canopy  the five star hotel is described as the point where culture and 'haute couture' meet and is meant to represent the luxe parisian lifestyle  the celestial spa boasts a swimming pool beneath a shimmering ceiling of 'stars' and can be booked out for private use  the 20 room hotel describes itself as a 'temple to hedonism,' and the property's butlers are on hand to assist guests with everything and anything they desire if the library inspired bar, simply called the bar, isn't doing it for you, the hotel is happy to make a reservation at any of pigalle's most exclusive restaurants and clubs   most just a stone's throw from the hotel however, should you care to stay in, the bar's signature cocktail, secrets of the unicorn, is a mulled wine based beverage served in a smoked wood glass and peppered with chai spices it's also home to an afternoon tea service with options harvested specially from a chinese garden of the hotel's 20 rooms, 14 are deluxe offerings and 6   including two especially lavish apartments   are suites  at maison souquet, arbaian style meets napoleon iii in an eclectic collection of furniture and artwork that is both magical and enchanting  all of the rooms are meant to pay homage to the beauty of the courtesans for whom they are named  the 20 room hotel describes itself as a 'temple to hedonism,' having taken inspiration from the pleasure houses of yesteryear  outside, the quiet conservatory is easily recognised by its glass canopy and wall covered with ivy and jasmine but it's the property's celestial spa that may just be its most impressive available to any guest who requests the key, the spa's ceiling is decorated with golden stars that shimmer against a cobalt blue 'sky' the outdoor conservatory is recognised by its glass canopy, stone statues and calming wall covered with ivy and jasmine  all of the rooms are unique 'love nests,' and two thousand metres of 120 different silks were selected when crafting the cocoons  the bar, which looks as though it's really a 19th century library, is home to a luxe afternoon tea service and signature mulled wine cocktail  all of the luxurious bathrooms offer hermes bath products and perfume and all suites have both a bathtub and walk in shower  no matter which level of room you choose, all offer 24 hour in room dining and access to the hotel's butlers to help you plan your stay  deluxe rooms start at €338 (£244) per night and there are plenty of special offers currently available the parisien romance offer is perfect for a couple looking to escape it all for an evening and includes personal use of the spa, complimentary cocktails and a late check out while the heavenly wellbeing package also includes private access to the spa's swimming pool and hammam, the emphasis here is on tranquility and relaxation   great for a couple's retreat or a girls' weekend away
arabian yesteryear pigalle belle epoque jacques garcia napoleon iii
inspired by the aesthetic of the belle epoque era, the jacques garcia designed hotel is both opulent and edgy  a mix of arabian and napoleon iii decor, the pigalle haunt harkens back to the city's pleasure houses of yesteryear  also available for guest use: a charming conservatory, library bar and celestial spa available for private rental 