Everyone loves Paris in the springtime - and if you're thinking of treating yourself to a romantic break in the French capital over the next couple of months, be sure to pay a visit to one of the city's finest hotels, Le Meurice.

The stunning five-star hotel takes pride of place on rue de Rivoli, surrounded by atmospheric cafes, designer boutiques and the oh-so-pretty Jardin des Tuileries. It's long been a favourite haunt of high-profile visitors to the city: past guests include Salvador Dali, Rudyard Kipling and Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

But if you're not persuaded by its prime location or the chance to follow in famous footsteps, there is another good reason to visit Le Meurice: the hotel's public spaces have just had a magnificent makeover courtesy of celebrated designer Philippe Starck and his team, including uber-talented daughter Ara. Gone are the somewhat stuffy fixtures and fittings of the restaurants, lobby and bar - and in their place are funky armchairs in horsehair and velvet, modern mood lighting and a stunning ceiling canvas designed by Ara.

Needless to say, rooms come with a hefty price tag: a superior double costs 730 euro (around £550) per night - although more affordable special offers are nearly always available, so it's worth checking out the website (see below). Still, even if you do choose to stay elsewhere, you can always pop into Le Meurice for afternoon tea or cocktails at the bar.

And while you're in the area, it would be a tragedy not to indulge your chocoholic tendencies at Angelina's, a few doors down on the rue de Rivoli. This legendary tearoom is famed for serving the best hot chocolate in Paris - if not the world! Even supermodels can't keep away from its melt-in-your-mouth temptations during Fashion Week. Go on - indulge yourself.

For more details on Le Meurice, go to www.meuricehotel.com.