Hotel Acropole

Renovated in late 2014 and early 2015, the Hotel Acropole exudes a sophisticated vibe usually associated with higher-priced hotels. Mottled stone floors blend well with the white, black, and gray interiors, accented throughout by of low-wattage lighting. Recessed ceilings, shelves, and wall signs come alive with a welcoming glow, and tiny spotlights cast star patterns on the hallway walls. 

Located in the 14th arrondissement at Porte d'Orleans, the Hotel Acropole is outside the city center but is within a block of a major boulevard intersection where the Porte d'Orleans metro station sits, putting several sights within a 20-minute ride -- Montparnasse is within a 15-minute ride, and Saint-Germain des Pres comes three stops after that on Line 4, which cuts north-south across the city. The hotel is also within walking distance of several restaurants, bars, cafes, and is next door to the industrially designed Auto Passion Cafe, with a theme of old cars, clothing shops, and the lovely Montsouris Park. It's about a 40-minute drive to Charles de Gaulle Airport and about a 20-minute drive to Orly Airport. 

Hotel Acropole's well-designed 43 rooms offer modern comfort with few frills. Most of the built-in furniture integrates well with the room design. The nightstands, open wardrobes, and work benches protrude from the walls, their wood grain-like patterns give them an organic aesthetic, as if they'd grown there. Each room has a single color (blue, orange, or purple) strategically splashed that breaks up the gray palate, but rooms remain dark overall. Larger Superior Rooms have sitting areas, and Privilege Rooms have wood floors and the mood lighting seen in other parts of the Acropole. All rooms have flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have heated towel racks and shower/tub combos, or walk-in mosaic-tiled rainfall showers. 

A small atmospheric lounge adjacent to the lobby has a glassed-in fireplace with free newspapers and a vending machine within reach. The business corner has a Mac computer and a printer. Down the hallway, there's a tiny outdoor patio with a pair of chairs under a glass awning. The breakfast room looks out on the busy boulevard. The continental buffet (not included in the room rate) includes croissants and baguettes, yogurt, cereal, ham, cheese, and boiled eggs, and fruit juice, tea, and coffee. Chocolate drinks are available from self-serve machines. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.