Hidden Hotel

On a quiet street in the tony 17th Arrondissement, Hidden Hotel’s front entrance stands apart from its neighbors. Its traditional Haussmannian facade is restyled with natural wood panels and ivy covered window boxes. Automatic wood-paneled doors open to reveal a cozy lobby, finished with more wood paneling, gray fabrics, and slate floors. The aesthetic feels effortlessly chic, but also inviting and inspired by natural materials. One side of the room houses the front desk, while the other side holds the bar and breakfast nook. In the back there’s a lovely seating area with a poured concrete fireplace and log-hewn stools. There’s even a tiny outdoor patio, though it’s mostly used by smokers. Hidden Hotel truly embraces its intimate, “hidden” atmosphere. The property evokes a quiet calm that’s meant to offset the hectic ways of city life. As such, the property tends to attract adults -- whether romantics or business travelers. Children are welcome, and we did encounter a few during our visit, but the atmosphere might be too subdued for little ones (plus rooms aren’t very family-friendly). 

Hidden Hotel is located in the 17th Arrondissement, an upscale, mostly residential area, though there are shops, eateries, and banks within the surrounding blocks. The hotel’s immediate neighborhood, Ternes, borders the 8th Arrondissement and the Arc de Triomphe. The hotel is a six-minute walk from the famous arch and the Champs Elysees. From Hidden Hotel, the Eiffel Tower is a 21-minute metro ride, the Louvre is 22 minutes, and Notre Dame is 23 minutes. The nearest metro stations are Ternes (line 2) and Charles de Gaulle Etoile (lines 1, 2, 6, and RER A), both are within a five-minute walk. Charles de Gaulle International Airport is about a 35-minute drive, while Orly is reachable in 30 minutes -- though times vary heavily if there’s traffic.  

Rooms at the Hidden Hotel reflect the lobby’s chic, effortless style. Walls are painted in soothing shades of mauve, gray, and navy and are highlighted by blond-wood floors and knotty paneling. Beds -- composed of organic Coco-Mat mattresses and white cotton linens -- are surrounded by gauzy canopies that can be completely closed to create cozy nooks. Tiny desk spaces are topped with Paris themed books and city guides, along with room service menus attached to clipboards and glass bottles filled with mint infused water. In-room amenities include flat screen TVs, electronic safes, and open closets. Suites have the added benefit of Nespresso machines, free fully stocked minibars, and personal tablets. Bathrooms are completely open to the bedroom space. In some rooms, there is absolutely no privacy between the shower and the bedroom, but in others, showers are hidden behind a wall. All toilets are in their own private vestibules. Slate tiles give the bathroom a sleek, modern look that pairs nicely with the natural materials used in the bedroom decor. Most rooms do not have outdoor space, but a few have tiny terraces that overlook the interior courtyard or the street. Hidden Hotel’s rooms have names like Intuition, Emotion, and Sensation. Suites are called Exception. Intuition rooms are the smallest, and they’re really tight on space -- about 130 square feet. Emotion rooms are slightly larger at 150 square feet, and some have outdoor terraces. But guests who really want more space should consider upgrading to street-facing Sensation Rooms, which offer about 250 square feet. Courtyard-facing Sensation Rooms are much smaller at 190 square feet. The grand Exception suite measures 365 square feet, and has a small living space in addition to the bedroom area. None of the hotel’s rooms can accommodate more than two people, but adjoining rooms are available for families. That said, the lack of privacy in bathrooms is yet another reason Hidden Hotel may not be the best for families.  

Hidden Hotel doesn’t have a ton of on-site amenities -- there’s no spa, fitness center, or full-service restaurant -- but there are a few features that guests can take advantage of during their stay. The property serves two daily breakfast buffets -- one hot, and one cold -- in two separate areas. The hot breakfast spread is displayed in the hotel’s newer, bigger breakfast room that’s housed in a separate building next door (a few guest rooms are also located in this building). The hot buffet consists of eggs, bacon, quiches, freshly baked bread, and pastries. The cold buffet, served in the lobby bar area, consists of cereal, toast, yogurt, and fruit. Sometimes, during slow tourist seasons, there’s only one buffet, which features hot and cold items. Breakfast is included in some room rates, but not all. Every evening the lobby bar hosts a lovely happy hour with hot appetizers and daily drink specials. Appetizers are free, but guests must purchase drinks a la carte. This happy hour usually draws a decent crowd, which evokes a warm, communal atmosphere around the lobby. Hotel freebies include Wi-Fi and bike rentals, which guests can ride around the city.