A decade of marriage can only mean one thing. A trip to the city of love. Not put off by the removal of the ?love locks? from the Pont des Arts, we headed over the water to Paris to celebrate our wedding anniversary sans padlock. Viv Blair, trusted friend of, and regular contributor to, The Luxury Editor, shares with us her experience of  Le Général Hotel.
Location
Hours of research later and I?d honed my search down to Le Marais, one of the French capital?s in vogue locales, in the vibrant 11th arrondissement. A hugely popular residential area with the city?s artists, fashionistas and trendy folk, it is full of smart bars, restaurants and boutiques, seamlessly blended with historic architecture and great links to the more touristy sites of central Paris. Nestled on a quiet street but just a short walk from the République and Oberkampf metro stations.
Vibe
Le Général Hotel is quirky. If you love nothing more than a recognisable hotel chain, Le Général isn?t for you. The hotel is designed by JP Nuel who is responsible for some of France?s coolest spaces. He has created a unique, independent, boutique hotel that you won?t find replicated anywhere else. The decor features a range of totally random objects, including wall-mounted bikes and industrial sculptures in an eclectic mishmash, to create a retro-industrial feel. Vive la difference.

Welcome
Welcomed by a team of enthusiastic staff, we checked in on an iPad whilst sitting in the relaxed lounge area. We tried ...