Hotel de l’Empereur

The Hotel de l'Empereur is a boutique property situated in a six-story corner building with a classic French facade that blends in with the other buildings on the block. This classic exterior is matched by a traditional interior. The wood-floored reception area leads directly into a small lobby with sconce lighting and red velvety seating finished with tasseled trim. Like many small, centrally located Parisian hotels, there aren't many common areas to speak of: The small lobby leads directly into a breakfast room and out into a tiny courtyard. A petite elevator and good location make this a solid choice for tourists who want a clean, comfortable place to stay while exploring the city. With rooms accommodating up to four guests, families and small friend groups can stay here, too.

Hotel de l’Empereur is located on a quiet corner of a small street overlooking the Hotel des Invalides, an imposing building from the 1670s and home to Napoleon’s tomb. Its magnificent golden dome is one of the most recognizable sites in Paris after the Eiffel Tower, which is also within walking distance of the hotel. The 7th Arrondissement is a mainly residential neighborhood, with beautiful architecture and impressive homes, though some guests find the area a little quiet. But major attractions such as the Musee d’Orsay, Quai Branly, Saint-Germain-des-Pres Boulevard, and even the Champs Elysees are all about a 20-minute walk from the hotel. The metro is a block away, and most major tourists sights are reachable in about 30 minutes. 

• Two-minute walk to La Tour-Maubourg metro stop
• 19-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower
• 21 minutes via public transit to Luxembourg Gardens 
• 25 minutes via public transit to Notre Dame Cathedral 
• 26 minutes via public transit to the Louvre Museum 
• 28 minutes via public transit to the Arc de Triomphe 
• 42 minutes via public transit to Sacre-Coeur 
• 50 minutes via public transit to Orly Airport 
• 68 minutes via public transit to Charles de Gaulle International Airport 

The hotel's individually decorated rooms, which were fully renovated in 2010, offer classic style and elegant touches that feel a step above standard mid-range fare. Patterned wallpaper is paired with sconce lighting and dramatic fabrics, like silky headboards, velvet blankets, and dramatic damask drapes. Bathrooms are modern with square sinks, heated towel racks, and rainfall showers. Double, Twin, Triple, and Quadruple Rooms are available, and while some rooms are objectively small, they're well-sized by Paris standards. Rooms are air-conditioned and include safes, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, while bathrooms are outfitted with toiletry dispensers and hairdryers. Unfortunately, there are no mini-fridges or in-room coffeemakers. Some upgraded rooms add balconies with views of the Hotel des Invalides. Double-glazed windows offer nice protection against exterior noise. 

Like most mid-range boutique hotels in Paris, this one offers few on-site extras. In addition to a small lobby there's a breakfast room which has a tiny courtyard with a couple of outdoor seats. The continental breakfast offers the typical spread (meat, eggs, cheese, cereal, etc), but costs an extra fee. Reception is open 24 hours; there is a computer and printer for guest use; and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.