This definitive Parisian hotel wasn't actually awarded the title of 'Palace' by the French government recently –but we think it should have made the cut. Since it re-opened in 1999 under the guidance of legendary hotel manager DidierLe Calvezthe George V has been a magnet for international visitors to Paris. Walk into the lobby and one of the first things you notice is the extravagance of the flowers - displays here scream 'luxury' with a capital 'L', no wilting carnations here. These lavish displays of flowers everywhere are the work of floral designer Jeff Leatham. It is this attention to style that makes the George V stand out in a city where great hotels abound. Then there are the gloriously palatial rooms, extravagantly ornate chandeliers, the ballroom, the balconies and the brocade that make this hotel a truly sumptuous place to stay. Add to this the fact that you are a Christian Louboutin designer-shoe step away from the Champs-Elysees and you are in Parisian heaven. The Luxury Travel Bible likes the seventh floor Empire Suite an elegant silk and velvet homage to Napoleon and Josephine.

We also give a worthy mention to Hotel de Crillon.