The location of La Reserve Paris is best described as in the thick of it. The mansion in the style of Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann, the architect celebrated for reimagining modern Paris, is in the stylish 8th arrondissement, on tree-lined Avenue Gabriel overlooking the Grand Palais, Eiffel Tower and Place de la Concorde’s towering obelisk and steps from the boutiques of Avenue Montaigne. Despite the heavily-trafficked area, it manages to feel removed from the fray.

Over cocktails in the jewel-toned salon, reading in the interior courtyard, lounging in your sleek yet sumptuously appointed room, it’s not difficult to conjure the image of the Duke de Morny (Napoléon III’s half brother who owned the mansion from 1854 to 1888) leaning over the wrought iron balconies, gazing at the sunset.

Reimagined as La Reserve in 2015 with interiors by noted designer Jacques Garcia, the 40 large rooms (26 are suites) have kitted out marble bathrooms (heated floors, Toto Japanese toilet) and luxurious accents like Quagliotti linens, separate robes for bathing (fluffy) and lounging (brushed cotton) and a walk-in mini bar area brimming with made-in-Paris chocolates, wines and juices. The hotel also has a pool and small spa.

Rates start at 1,100 euros, or about $1250