ALASTAIR SAWDAY

Paris is beautiful, yet sometimes remote. Here are people and places who will bring the city closer to you, and make Paris ''''sing''''. Choose cosseted or cool, simple or decadent, ancient or modern; interior patios, private terraces, grand pianos and a touch of fun. This book contains all the information you need to find the best, least pretentious, good-value hotels with friendly staff, attractive buildings and bedrooms with authenticity and character. These hotels are often a superb value and are never dull. We relish their individuality and warmth. Each entry has color photographs, regional maps, precise directions and much more.

An irresistible collection of very special houses in Britain (and a few in France, Italy, and Ireland too), with gardens to match. Here are gardens of every description: modest, grandiose, old English, contemporary, French, Italianate, wild, tamed, watery, bosky, topiary-filled and rosy - all illustrated in full-color. The houses and hosts are as lovely as the gardens - selected because their owners enjoy people as much as plants.

Ireland (Special Places to Stay).The places in this book sparkle - the most entertaining and special places to stay anywhere in Ireland. Nearly 250 bed & breakfasts, hotels, and vacation homes across the island of Ireland are described in honest write-ups with color photographs. Eat sumptuously - or just well. Converse with interesting people, stroll in great gardens, row across the lake, or settle down to a log fire. We almost dare to guarantee visitors a wonderful time.