Best Western Allegro Nation

This modern hotel looks more like an independent boutique hotel than a standard chain property, and the public areas are outfitted in dark colors, bold patterns, and pops of purple and red. The small, purely functional lobby has nightclub vibes and feels a little cave-like, with a purple-lit floral-patterned tapestry behind the front desk, polished granite floors, and black accents throughout. In the evening, the lobby bar is a fine place to relax amid gray and black walls, black and neon pink velvet and vinyl retro-style seating, dark wood tables, and damask carpets. It all feels just slightly gaudy, an effect which continues in the small breakfast room, painted bright red and set with white and black furniture. The hotel draws mostly couples, as well as some families and business travelers, and we did see some peeling paint in the breakfast room ceiling, an issue some guests have echoed about guest rooms as well. 

This hotel is located in a quiet, residential neighborhood of eastern Paris' 12th Arrondissement, and though there are good restaurants within a 10-minute walk, the major sights of Paris will require a ride on the metro. Thankfully, the Picups station is a seven-minute walk from the hotel and connects with many other lines at Nation, one stop away (though Nation can be reached in 15 minutes on foot). From Picups, the Bastille Opera House is a 15-minute trip, Montparnasse is a 20-minute journey, and the Eiffel Tower takes 40 minutes to reach. The Louvre and Sacre Couer/Montmartre are better accessed from Nation, and trips take 25 and 40 minutes, respectively. Disneyland Paris is about 40 minutes away by car, while Charles de Gaulle Airport is a 30-minute drive and Orly Airport takes 20 minutes to reach by car or taxi. Orly can also be reached in less than an hour by metro and RER, while Charles de Gaulle will take an hour and 20 minutes to reach by using public transport. 

Rooms have a sleek, modern look with black-and-white bold floral patterns and purple or red accent walls contrasting light gray, striped wallpaper and dark, damask carpets. Though decor varies slightly from room to room, contemporary dark wood veneer furniture is used throughout and light padded headboards on the comfortable beds with throw pillows and bed runners add a warm touch. All rooms feature electric kettles for coffee/tea, free Wi-Fi, large wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and safes, but they are compact. Contemporary bathrooms have spacious walk-in showers or bathtub/shower combos with modern fixtures and chic gray tiling, as well as bulky Euro-hotel hair dryers, decent-size vanities, and toiletries. Views from some rooms open onto unattractive neighboring buildings, but noise from streets and neighboring guests is not an issue here. 

Like many mid-range properties throughout Paris, features here aren't deep, though the hotel offers a breakfast buffet with hot and cold options (like eggs, pastries, and cereals) that's included with some room packages. There is a cocktail lounge in the lobby and room service is also available. Wi-Fi is free in guest rooms and throughout the hotel, and there is an on-site parking garage subject to a daily fee. The 24-hour front desk that can arrange airport transfers for a fee while dry cleaning and business services are also available.