Hôtel d’Aubusson

Large brass letters contrast with the dramatic, heavy, deep-blue doors that enclose the entrance of the Hôtel d’Aubusson. The ambiance of the d’Aubusson is handsome rather than cozy or charming—almost spartan, the entry has just a few chairs placed against the cream stone walls. Through a glass partition in the hotel reception you can glimpse clusters of mahogany tables and chairs that accommodate guests in the bar, which is attractive and also uncluttered in its decor. Venture just round the corner from the bar, however, to the room that I was drawn to. Dramatic with its high-beamed ceilings and full-length windows draped in heavy tapestry fabric, the guest lounge is warm and inviting, with seating round a large open fire—one would almost wish for a cold day to justify an afternoon before the crackling logs. On warm days breakfast and drinks are offered in the pleasant courtyard. Authenticating the name of the hotel, a beautiful Aubusson covers the stone wall above the buffet in the breakfast room. Guestrooms circle the central corridor. The rooms in the back are in the original part of the hotel dating from the 17th century. They enjoy high-beamed ceilings and the quiet of the back corridor. Rooms at the front are in a newly constructed section that circles round to create the inner corridor. Although traditional in materials and decor, these rooms enjoy more modern amenities and ceiling heights more practical for this century.