Gimme Shelter: Philippe Starck's New Paris Outpost, Mama Shelter

For New Year's, I decided to hop over to Paris and check out Philippe Starck's newest design venture called Mama Shelter, a cozy boutique hotel nestled in the hip and up-and-coming 20th Arrondissement. As expected, every detail was meticulously thought out -- from the Kartell lamps and chairs in the bedrooms to the Kiehl's products in the bathrooms to the Taschen and Rizzoli books throughout the lounge to the iMacs in every room. Yes, it was pretty swank. But also, very affordable. Despite these amazing, luxe details, hotel rooms start at a mere 79 euros.

Mama Shelter's restaurant proved to be a cozy place to eat, mingle and socialize. During the day, the kitchen served up yummy fare from its simple (yet delicious menu) and in the evenings it was lit up with live music and a hip bar crowd.

It is a bit of a hike from the center of town but easily accessed by metro or bus. And the Cimetiere Pere-Lachaise is only walking distance away, so you can easily get a gander at Jim Morrison's grave on your way to the metro. It's located on the same street Cafe La Gambetta and Le Fleche d'or, both happening hotspots every night of the week, with neat folks spilling out on to the sidewalks by 10 p.m.