Paris: Smart Splurges

Bateaux-Mouches Dinner Cruise Set sail on romantic, live-music-accompanied dining cruises from the 8th arrondissement, passing by the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre, and underneath the scenic arches of numerous bridges. 8th Arrondissement; Port de la Conference; 011-33-1-42-25-96-10; www.bateaux-mouches.fr
culture | tour | things to do | outdoors | view

Hotel du Petit Moulin This former boulangerie in the norhtern Marais district now serves up elaborate rooms by designer Christian Lacroix. The fantastic king-size beds are wrapped in fine linens, the attractively tiled bathrooms have large tubs, and air conditioning and Wi-Fi are both on tap. 3rd Arrondissement; 29/31 rue du Poitou; 011-33-1-42-74-10-10; www.paris-hotel-petitmoulin.com
hotel | moderate | trendy | boutique hotel

Le Cinq This long-time Parisian favorite in the Four Season George V Hotel serves up culinary treats worthy of its two Michelin stars in an equally worthy setting. 8th Arrondissement; Four Seasons George V, 31 Ave. George V; 011-33-1-49-52-70-00; www.fourseasons.com/paris
restaurant | expensive | french

Le Marais A fantastic pedestrian-friendly shopping district, le Marais is a medieval maze of streets harboring trend-setting boutiques on the ground floor of 17th-century mansions, plus fine shops and galleries along the perimeter of the Place des Vosges. 4th Arrondissement; www.parismarais.com
trendy | expensive | shopping | boutiques

Le Meurice Opulent rooms and a fashionable address define one of Europe’s most illustrious hotels, featuring stunning Tuileries Garden views and easy access to some of the city’s trendiest boutiques and nightspots. 1st Arrondissement; 228 Rue de Rivoli; 011-33-1-44-58-10-10; www.meuricehotel.com
luxury | hotel | expensive | view

Lido Forget the Moulin Rouge. Catch Paris' superlative cabaret show as it unfolds nightly (9:30pm and 11:30pm) on the Champs-Elysées; tickets to this feather-and-sequined spectacular include a half-bottle of champagne. 8th Arrondissement; 116 Bis Ave. des Champs-Elysées; 011-33-1-40-76-56-10; www.lido.fr
live entertainment | nightlife | open late | cabaret

Saint James Paris Surrounded by lush private gardens and a gated entrance, this late 19th-century neoclassical mansion offers 48 quiet and spacious rooms and suites, each decorated with different color schemes and with furnishings that range from antique to cutting-edge contemporary; ten rooms on the top floor also open up onto roomy interior patios. 16th Arrondissement; 43, Ave. Bugeaud; 011-33-144-058-181; www.saint-james-paris.com
luxury | hotel | expensive