For some of us, Paris will never be anything but Louis XIV inspired interior designs, gilded statues standing sentinel on Napoleon I bridges, and Haussmann’s telltale 19th century architecture. But if your vision of Paris is a budget-friendly modernity with a view of Notre Dame, the time to book your reservation at The Five Hotel is now.

Whoever dreamed up the boutique hotel concept must have had The Five Hotel in mind. You’ll discover just a handful of impeccably designed rooms bursting with color and cushy comfort in this southeast corner of the city. In true 21st century urban fashion, rooms are compact, but who cares? You won’t notice as you fall into your deluxe bed after clamoring over cobblestones in the famous Latin quarter, roaming the groomed Luxembourg Gardens, and poking around the history heavy Pantheon, all just a hop, skip, and a jump from the hotel lobby’s front door.

What you will notice at The Five Hotel is the friendly staff, and careful attention to tiny details that will make the time spent in your home away from home relaxing and enjoyable. Beds are uniformly cozy, and the flat-screen plasma TVs make late-night cinematic adventure a distinct possibility. In the bathroom, luxury L’Occitane products invite you to soap up and revel in their bright, therapeutic aroma, and the Internet access lets you get work done at a distance—even if you are, technically, on vacation.

Lucky enough to have booked the Five’s suite? Nothing reverses jet lag better than a luxurious soak, so slide those blackout curtains closed, and slip into the outdoor Jacuzzi. When you’ve had enough relaxation in the bubbly suds beneath a “sky” of twinkling lights, slip into something suitable for the real world and head for the local brasserie for a traditional meal of steak frites. Don’t forget to stop at the corner chocolatier to procure your late-night dessert.

The Five’s staff is dedicated to customer service, so let them know your needs and expect a friendly English-speaking response. Forgot your laptop? The Five will happily lend you a high-tech notebook for use during your stay. The staff will also direct you to noteworthy neighborhood destinations, call you a taxi, and magically produce that bottle opener when you need it most.

Mornings at The Five are delicious in any language. Descend into the red and black subterranean breakfast room and indulge in a buffet of sweet viennoiserie (croissant, brioche), savory smoked salmon, breads, and jams to bolster your sightseeing reserves. The endless coffee, tea, and juice will keep you hydrated until your afternoon wine-fueled picnic at the Luxembourg Gardens.

A night—or two, or three, or four—at the Five is an affordable indulgence worth splurging on. For the price of a pair of theater tickets or dinner at your favorite downtown restaurant, you can expect comfort, quality, and modern amenities wrapped in a thoroughly modern package and delivered in high Parisian style.