Biker Chic

We were almost getting whiplash watching the Paris locals whiz by on these gunmetal-gray, super futuristic bikes donning the "Velib" logo. So we thought: Hmm, could a cheaper, more fun way to get around than the Metro truly exist? Oui! Last July, the Mayor of Paris' master plan for making the city more ecologically friendly, and, not to mention, almost traffic-free. Although the bikes are actually worth $2000 each (yes, 'tis true) you can rent them for 1 euro per half hour....at over 750 locations throughout the city. C'est GENIAL! 

Paris: New and Noteworthy....The Hotel Lumen (Paris Lourve)

Paris hotels can often be all about patterned drapery that matches the wallpaper, which may make us feel "oh so french" but not so hip and trendy when in the City of Light. So when we stumbled upon the Hotel Lumen, located just steps from the Lourve, our eyes were tickled by the chic, modernist decor of the glittery, mirror covered lobby (pictured left) where handmade crystal chandeliers dangle above your luggage.  The Lumen opened just last September (2007), and it's getting great word of mouth.  The hotel features only 32 rooms and suites (so you'll never have that corporate "business hotel" feel, this place is strictly boutique!).  The hotel is rigged with Wi-Fi, a Multilingual staff, and a private car available upon your request (all three amenities are a very rare occurrence in France, respectively). Upon arrival, you'll immediately wonder where all of the cool furniture came from: it's all designed by Colucci, one of the most innovative design agencies in Paris (also responsible for MyBerry, the uber yummy Parisian response to our PinkBerry).  We love the flatscreen TV's (which make watching Euro MTV all the more fun), marble bathrooms, fluffy bathrobes, and Chopard beauty products. Book immediately! 

Here are the details:

Hotel Lumen

15 rue des Pyramides

75001 Paris- FRANCE 

Tel: +33 (0)1 44 50 77 00

Fax: +33 (1)1 44 50 77 10

www.hotel-lumenparis.com

Email: resa@hotel-lumenparis.com

Metro: Pyramides (Line 7 / 14) or Tuileries (Line 1) 

Bus: 21 / 27 / 68 / 81/ 95 

Welcome to Suite Dreams!

If there's one thing we do best, it's travel. From sandy beaches and glitzy hotels to cool cafes to vintage shops, browse through our ultra-insider file for traveling in style to the world's most sought after destinations. We'll tell you where to eat, party and hit the beach, because if you don't know where to go you just might end up staying in The Bates Motel. We've made a pact to search high and low for the ultimate places to see and be seen. You'll love 'em as much as we do!