Terrass Hôtel

"Imagine we're in a novel, and you're setting the scene for us. What do we need to know about the Terrass Hôtel The Terrass sits at the heart of Montmartre, steps from the best that contemporary Paris has to offer, from the Moulin Rouge and the Sacré-Coeur, to the of-the-moment lounges in nearby Pigalle. Cool. So does it have a good story? The hotel has been owned by the same family for five generations, giving it an extraordinary sense of continuity and history. Everyone from Renoir to Edith Piaf used to hang out here, back when Montmartre was a bohemian enclave. What are the rooms like these days? Thankfully for the modern guest, there have been numerous renovations since the property opened in 1911. Today the rooms boast contemporary finishes like subway tiling, director's chairs, graphic linens and Edison light bulbs. They're a bit small, but most offer inspiring views of the surrounding neighborhood and the historic Montmartre Cemetery across the street. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? The Wi-Fi is free. That's important. How about the food—any good options for wining and dining on site? The hotel takes its name from its spectacular rooftop terrace, which is one of the city's most beloved, where you can linger all day, from breakfast until late-night drinks. We recommend timing your dinner to sunset so you can watch twilight creep over the beautiful rooftops of Montmartre. What's the crowd like? Well-off artistic types; this is a see-and-be-seen crowd with plenty of cash to burn. And how does the Terrass" fit into the surrounding area? The hotel has been a seamless part of Montmartre's artistic community for more than 100 years, having hosted the likes of Auguste Renoir and Salvador Dali. Is there anything you'd change? Nope. Any other hotel features worth noting? An excellent spa uses decadent Nuxe products. There's also a small, well-equipped gym that offers classes in yoga, Pilates and barre. It sounds great. So why would you recommend it, and who for? If a connection to Montmartre's colorful, artistic history is what you're after, then this is the place." - Michelle Jana Chan