Where Coco meets Campari: a stylish Paris stay with Italian flair

In 2005, Italian hospitality powerhouse Starhotels acquired three historic buildings on the prestigious Rue Cambon in the 1st arrondissement and opened its first hotel in France. Castille Paris has 108 stylish guestrooms and suites, combining timeless French design and the warmth of traditional Italian hospitality. Nightly rates from 408 euros ($677) represent good value for a five-star stay in central Paris.

The 1st arrondissement district puts on the ritz, with fabulous shopping, fine dining and landmark Paris attractions, including the Louvre and Palais Royal. Directly next door to Castille Paris is Chanel's flagship store; across the street is a rear entrance to the legendary Ritz Paris hotel.

Coco Chanel meets Gina Lollobrigida. Understated antique paintings and prints are a foil for furniture in bold, bright primary colours. Are we in Rome or Paris? Hard to tell, especially when the Italian clientele greet each other warmly and loudly in the lobby: "Riccardo! Francesca! Ciao!"

The hotel has two wings, each with a signature style: the Opera wing is more contemporary and offers beautiful views, including that of the Eiffel Tower from some rooms. Black-and-white photographs of old Paris on the walls evoke an immediate sense of place. The Rivoli wing was inspired by Coco Chanel and classic 1940s French style. Within the collection of 108 guestrooms and suites are myriad choices: the two-bedroom Dolce Vita apartment, duplex loft suites, family rooms and deluxe rooms with balconies. I'm in a Duplex Suite, split over two levels. Upstairs is the queen bedroom and bathroom. The deep bathtub is deeply appreciated. Downstairs, a large writing desk, chaise lounge, TV and second bathroom. With a view into the courtyard, there's no outside noise to contend with.

Breakfast is a lavish buffet affair featuring a chocolate fountain and Rossini cocktail station stocked with Champagne Henriot and fresh strawberries. Alongside the eggs and cereals, there are enough Italian pastries to sink a waistline. For lunch and dinner, Restaurant L'Assaggio offers a memorable fine-dining experience with a charming Italian accent. Michelin-starred chef Ugo Alciati, a star of the Piedmont region and an official international truffle ambassador for Italy, has devised a menu that includes a signature agnolotti pasta triumph you won't want to miss. If the weather is nice, ask to be seated in the private, elegant courtyard. More casual bites are available at L'Assaggio Bar, just off the lobby. Stop in for truffle pizza, croque monsieur, cheeseburger or an aperitivo plate of Parma ham and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Italian wines and signature cocktails complement the food nicely.

Step outside the hotel, turn right and you're in the middle of French retail paradise. As well as Chanel's HQ next door, flagship boutiques of many well-known brands (Dior, Chloe and Longchamp, to name a few) are mere steps away. Within easy walking distance are some of the city's must-see attractions, including the Tuileries gardens, Champs-Elysees, Grand Palais, Place de la Concorde and Orangerie Museum.

Dining at L'Assaggio Restaurant. We love French food in Paris, but it's exciting to shake things up and enjoy a truly Italian feast in the City of Light.

The writer was a guest of the hotel