Individually decorated, stylish rooms; some have clawfoot tubs
Cozy, inviting lobby bar with a piano and fireplace
Quiet and peaceful location on a residential street near the Metro
Several tasty restaurants are within walking distance of hotel
Quality continental breakfast is served (for a fee)
Spa services and car hire available upon request
Tiny business center in lobby
Free Wi-Fi
Rooms are on the small side
Relatively far from the city center and tourist attractions
Quiet area empties out at night with few open shops
Slightly quirky bathroom setup may be bothersome to some
The 38-room Hotel de Banville is a boutique in a quiet neighborhood at the northwest end of Paris in a residential quarter. All rooms are individually decorated, with a lovely mix of historical accents and contemporary furnishings -- they reflect the taste of the owner, a jazz singer who performs a monthly set in the cozy lobby bar. There is a quality continental breakfast on offer (for a fee) and the location is near many restaurants, but some guests report that rooms are smaller than anticipated (though small rooms are common in Paris) and that the distance from the city center can be annoying.
Scene
Historic boutique with contemporary design touches
In the Hotel de Banville, 17th-century style paintings hang in gilt frames in the lobby alongside feng-shui details like clusters of candles and striking flower arrangements. The intimate, floating island lobby bar -- fashioned in blonde wood and flanked by a couple of aluminum bar stools -- has room for only a few people, though there are a few more wing-back chairs in an adjacent area. A fireplace and piano dominate the front lobby area. The atmosphere is quiet and intimate, making it a nice option for couples seeking a peaceful and stylish retreat.
Location
Near the Arc de Triomphe in the northwest corner of Paris
The hotel is situated in a residential area towards the end of the 3 line on the Métro. Most central tourist attractions are approximately a 35-minute train ride, usually with a transfer; the nearest metro stop is Porte de Champerret. Guests have commented that there are plenty of restaurants in the area, but that the neighborhood is not active at night, nor are there many late-night shops here.The Arc de Triomphe is a 20-minute walk away.
Rooms
Rooms are a cozy mix of contemporary fixtures, custom furnishings, and historic style
Rooms reflect the taste of the hotel owner; each is different both in décor and in interior architecture. Generally they are bright and airy; some have atrium-style windows. Toile wallpaper, brushed steel lighting fixtures, LED reading lights, and design-oriented details like large convex mirrors and gingham curtains complement the sometimes-quirky room shapes (and small size) characteristic of an old building. Air-conditioning, safes, minibars, small wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, bathrobes, and slippers are present in all rooms. Larger suites have coffeemakers, and some have balconies with spectacular views of the city. In some cases, bathrooms, which have a tub only and no shower, may be separated from the rooms only by a curtain.
Features
A cozy lobby bar, a computer terminal, continental breakfast, and an array of available services
Once a month the owner of the hotel, who is also a singer, performs jazz in the lobby. Apart from this and the relaxed bar near the entrance, the property also offers in-room massages, airport transfers, and room service, and can arrange a car for hire with advance notice. Past guests praise the simple, quality continental breakfast.