The Raphael is a luxurious hotel situated in one of Paris's swankiest neighborhoods on a tree-lined avenue a block from the Arc de Triomphe. Classical Louis XV/XVI interiors are astounding, especially in the 82 extraordinarily spacious rooms and suites, which recall the era of train and boat travel with their enormous mahogany wardrobes and antique furnishings. The hotel offers unparalleled views over Paris from its rooftop garden terrace (which opens an outdoor restaurant and bar in the spring and summer). The hotel's year-round restaurant serves upscale French fare for lunch and dinner, and a number of banquet halls host everything from weddings to private Christmas dinners. Luxury travelers in want of more 21st-century rooms could consider The Peninsula Paris, though rates there soar above Raphael's.

Hotel Galileo is a 27-room boutique property where modern chic meets the past -- a 17th century fireplace mixes with Art Deco in the lobby. Located on a quiet street two blocks off the famed Champs-Elysees, the hotel is within walking distance of the Arc de Triomphe and Avenue Montaigne, a haute couture mecca of luxury fashion boutiques. Rooms can be small (although suites are available and some rooms can be combined) but all are stylish, clean, and attentively decorated. The hotel itself is also small, but a charming little bar and breakfast room provide great spaces to relax or meet with friends.

Hotel du Theatre is a three-pearl boutique hotel in the largely residential 17th arrondissement, about a 10-minute walk from the lovely Parc Monceau. Named for the Hebertot Theatre across the street, the 20-room Hotel du Theatre is housed in a 19th-century cream-colored Haussmann building, and has a cozy lobby with vintage Chesterfield couches and plenty of theatrical props. Breakfast, with pastry made by an in-house baker, is free for guests who book directly with the hotel. Rooms, which are not air-conditioned, are small, and with their striped wallpaper and swirled-floral carpeting, look a bit old-fashioned, even though they were renovated in 2015. Bathrooms, though, are sleek and modern. For a hotel with a charming garden in the same neighborhood, guests might want to compare rates at the Logis Jardin De Villiers.

The 50-room Balmoral Hotel is an upscale boutique with romantic style and a central Paris location near the Arc de Triomphe. This reasonably priced property has 24-hour front desk service, a chic breakfast room, a 24-hour lobby bar and fireplace lounge, concierge service, and an Apple business corner. Elegant rooms, suites, and apartments offer flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, contemporary bathrooms, and Paris street views. Some guests complain about hearing noises from other rooms, but sounds are reportedly minimal and don’t spoil the overall atmosphere.