One by the Five

One by the Five
3 rue Flatters, 5th
Tel 01 43 31 52 31
M° Gobelins or RER Port Royal
www.onebythefive.com

A unique and sexy cross between a hotel suite and a private apartment, perfect for anyone coming to Paris for a naughty tryst where money is no object. 

The Experience

As the name suggests, it's just "one" five-room apartment suite run by the Five Hotel across the street. It has no sign, just a discreet entrance from the street of which only the guest du jour possesses the key. No lobby, no hotel staff to deal with (and they're just across the street if you do), perfect for those who are looking for privacy.

But when you step inside, you'll see that it's unlike any hotel you've seen before. The rooms represent a journey of the five senses, of the game of seduction...first, the look. The living room walls are covered in close up photos of Louvre statues -- a hand, a leg, a face -- screened onto satin panels. Tiny mirrors reflect the light. Proceed to the first bathroom, where tiny fiber optic lights sparkle above the bath tub, and a TV screen hides behind the mirror.

The hall leads past the black lacquer kitchenette, where all of the ingredients for an erotic elixir (recipe etched onto the mirror) can be found -- Champagne, fresh raspberries, fine liquors and spices. There is a small fridge, Nespresso coffee machine, and sink, but no actual cooking facilities.

The next room is in the form of a circle, golden ceiling hung with a chandelier, a deep red rose screened onto the carpet echoed in the velour curtains. Pull them aside and you'll see the Pont Neuf and the Seine outside your tiny  private patio (a lifesize image is actually screened onto the wall).

Another room, a tiny boudoir in deep purple velour, holds the WC as well as a selection of perfumes for madame or monsieur to choose according to whim. Finally, enter the bedroom, where you and your lover will float amidst the clouds on a bed suspended from the wall, nothing below and nothing above except puffy white clouds and, when you press a button, sparkling stars as the lights go down. The opaque glass waterfall shower to the side allows for quick freshening up (L'Occitane toiletries).

Technology

The flat screen across from the bed has a closed-circuit camera pointed at the bed so that you and your lover can watch yourselves on TV. An iPod provides the music (over 3000 songs programmed) through the docking station, and all guests have access to free WiFi. Breakfast served in the room, or you can go to the buffet at the Five Hotel. 

Neighborhood

The hotel is on a tiny side street close to the Jardins du Luxembourg and the Rue Mouffetard market street. It's considered a pleasant residential district on the edge of the Latin Quarter, but without the hoards of tourists too close. The closest metro is about three blocks, but through a very safe neighborhood of cinemas, cafés, banks, and food shops. The RER station is slightly closer for convenient access to the airports. There are several good bus lines, such as the 83 which goes to the Champs-Elysées, just outside the hotel.  Don't miss the amazing Franco-Japanese pastry shop Sadaharu Aoki around the corner, or My-Tho, the delicious Vietnamese restaurant a few doors down.

Staff

The staff are very friendly and discreet, with a family-run feel (turnover is rare in this hotel), and the owner Philippe is on site regularly to make sure all of the guests are happy.

Rates

The standard rate is €990/night. Book early, it fills quickly...

More Photos

The Living Room

The Circular Dance Room & Pont Neuf Patio

The Hallway and entrance to Powder Room and Bedroom