For my second trip to Paris, partly as a birthday celebration, partly because you can never go wrong with flying to Europe, I decided to use my Starwood Preferred Guest points to stay at the Westin Vencome. At 20,000 SPG points a night for rooms that start at $550, it was a no-brainer.

Westin is a brand normally associated with conferences and uninspiring decor, but, like much else in this city, Paris seems to bring out the best in things. This Westin, was grand, luxurious, and beautiful, evoking a sense of timelessness as you stroll through the grand marble hallway on your way to the lobby.