Behind this discreet doorway is the Hotel Boug Tibourg. Situated on the street of the same name, it is right in the middle of the Marais quartier. The Hotel Bourg Tibourg is a petite boutique style abode that has been reinvigorated by the legendary Costes brothers and decorated by the internationally renowned Jacques Garcia.
The decor is neo-Gothic, almost Byzantine, where the romantic and the oriental cross paths in a crazy colourful palette. The signature Costes scent and music permeates every nook and cranny and the soft furnishings are a luxurious mixture of velvets, tapestries and silks.
Garcia's attention to detail is evident in every facet of this hotel's re-design. The choice of fabrics and trims on the sofas and chairs, the striped carpets, the window treatments, the light fittings and the furniture selections.
The salon that faces onto rue du Bourg Tibourg is one of those rooms that make me want to kick my shoes off, curl up on the ornate sofa and flick through some of the magazines loitering around the hotel. There is a relaxed feel here - the candles are burning, bowls of crunchy-red apples and vases of fresh flowers are about and the staff don't seem to mind how long Carla and I linger.
On the other side of the room, a Gothic panelled door leads to an outdoor courtyard (teeny, tiny) but the illusion of green space and the sound of running water adds plenty to the ambience.
Downstairs is the breakfast room - most important - because that is where Carla and I were headed. The spiral stone staircase was a decorative dream, another Garcia touch, with the heavily fringed damask curtain to break what would otherwise be a bleak little space.
This stone vaulted basement has been treated with as much, if not more attention, than the salon upstairs - reinforcing the idea that any space can be made beautiful if one has the imagination (and of course the budget).
I thought it so clever the way the stone walls were curtained half way - the texture and sheen of the silk gave such a warmth and atmosphere to this room.
And comfort, for the guests, always in mind - a small reading table stacked with the latest.
Wonderful details - the leopard print 'Rubelli' fabric and the fringing detail on the lamp shades and the chair arms.
More importantly, the breakfast was absolutely delicious - fresh raspberries and strawberries, a small platter of figs, creamy natural yogurt and fresh baguettes and pastries - still warm, with the most delicious peach preserves.
Upstairs,
The bedrooms are very small, but again, rich and luxurious fabrics seem to make up for size. The use of space is so effective - the Gothic niches take the place of bedside tables and the elaborate lampshades float overhead.
The bedding is simple - crisp white linen and nothing else. Again, the curtain treatment breaks the plain walls and draws the eye upwards.
One thing I notice about all Costes establishments in Paris, is that they are very dark. The subdued lighting is about creating a chilled ambience not about practicality.
The Hotel Bourg Tibourg is not inexpensive, nothing in Paris is, nor is it as expensive as some, but what a little jewel box to visit.
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