The Sinner Hotel, Paris

Sometimes, names don’t lie. At the Sinner, a sexy boutique hotel on Rue du Temple in the ever-fashionable Marais district, naughty boys and girls are welcomed with open arms. If you’re looking for an elegant Parisian hotel that embraces decadence, you’ve hit the jackpot.

Bad Behavior Encouraged

I checked-in in the wee hours of the morning straight off the plane from New York. The first thing I noticed: the lobby’s confessional booth, giving guests the green light to break the rules and readily atone for their decadent deeds.

The staff wore simple black robes with clerical-style collars that looked lifted from the wardrobe of a monastery. A candlelit crypt, assorted religious artifacts, church pews, stained-glass windows and semi-secret nooks illuminated by lanterns add to the high-concept, reverent-meets-irreverent theatrics.

Party Time

The music, darkness, and overall vibe felt like last night’s party had not yet ended. Indeed, the Sinner is a nightlife hotspot, with popular DJs spinning vinyl nightly and a supper-club atmosphere in the lower-level restaurant. A chic crowd from the world of fashion and entertainment flock here to dance the night away. Innovative craft cocktails and a luscious menu of Mediterranean-style bites fuel the fête until dawn and add to the A-list feel.

Naughty and Nice Guest Rooms

After check-in, I was escorted down a corridor lit with candelabra. The 43 rooms and suites are luxurious and don’t lack personality. The décor is modern with a mostly neutral color palette accented with appropriate pops of deep scarlet reminiscent of a cardinal’s cassock. The contemporary sofa, in eye-candy shades of grass green, lemon and lime, hit the sweet spot, blending visual panache with comfort.

The bed’s crisp sheets, feathery pillow, and firm mattress lulled me to sleep despite my jet lag.

An oversized bathtub with room for two and a separate rain shower transported me to bathroom heaven. Along with assorted body lotions and shampoos was lubricant, staying on theme.

The cheeky concept continued when I opened the closet and found a risqué riding crop next to a utilitarian yoga mat, tangible reminders of the hotel’s provocative lean.

A turntable with an eclectic collection of vinyl added a nice touch. And the in-room library with coffee table books and erotic fiction in two languages maintained the naughty theme. A minibar stocked with potent potables provided numerous ways to quench my thirst.

Caffeine addicts like myself will quickly note that there’s no in-room coffee service. A call to reception fixed that in a jiffy.  An attentive staff member brought me a coffeemaker, pods, and creamer, allowing me to scratch my itch without needing to call room service.

Recover at the Spa

After playing hard, the intimate spa with a Roman bath and steam room provides an excellent spot to repose. Let the concierge know when you’d like to use it and it will be reserved exclusively for your party. A treatment room offers side-by-side massages, taking the pampering to the next level.

Tempting Treats Worth Waking Up For

After a night of debauchery, it may not be easy to wake up. But missing the morning repast would practically be a sin. Patisserie Yann Brys has a big reputation in Parisian culinary circles and he is responsible for the hotel’s pastries. Leave your diet at passport control and give in to temptation. His rich pain au chocolat and flaky croissants don’t disappoint. Morning light floods in via the glassed-in garden of the restaurant, bathing your breakfast in a lovely golden hue. If you can’t be bothered to get dressed, order room service. An elegant tray will arrive in under 10 minutes.

The Marais: A Perfect Parisian Perch

This fashionable Right Bank district filled with hip boutiques, bars, and dining spots, makes an excellent base in the City of Lights. The Sinner is a short walk from the Pompidou Centre and the Musée Picasso. It’s also the historic Jewish quarter of Paris. Explore the synagogues, kosher restaurants, and the Museum of Art and History of Judaism, with its jewel-box collection that includes paintings by Marc Chagall, Chaim Soutine, and Amedeo Modigliani.