Hotel du Prince Eugene

With its wooden
window shutters, wrought-iron detailing, and attractive period architecture,
the Hotel du Prince Eugene looks every inch the charming and typically Parisian
property. Totally renovated in 2010, inside the reception area is awash with
brooding reds and gold in "modern baroque" styling with plush velvet
furnishings, intricately patterned wallpaper, and an elaborately sculpted wire
chandelier; however, overall it has a simple, but nice, look. The ambiance very much reflects the intimacy and mood of a boutique
hotel, with friendly and particularly helpful staff and the attractive
17th-meets-21st century interior design continues throughout. A small elevator
services the hotel's six floors, while clientele comprises mainly of
vacationing couples looking to stay in "real Paris" away from the
main tourist hubs. 

The hotel is
located on the busy Boulevard Voltaire, a lively and attractive tree-lined avenue
in East Paris's 11th arrondissement. While there are plenty of shops,
restaurants, and bars in the surrounding area, it's away from the main tourist hubbub
and comprises largely of local Parisians going about their business. Transport
links, however, do mean easy access to the more touristy parts of the capital
with the Nation Metro and RER station just five minutes walk away. From here
it's about a 10-minute subway to the center of Paris -- and Notre Dame -- or 15 minutes to the Arc de Triomphe and start of the glamorous
Champs-Elysees.

Decor in the
hotel's 36 rooms continues the contemporary-take-on-baroque theme with
color schemes ranging from crimsons to earthy tones, while walls are decorated
with photos of Paris and pictures of the eponymous Prince Eugene. Typical for {aros, rooms are small, especially the
Single which can feel very cramped. In-room amenities are good, however, and
include free Wi-Fi, minibars with free mineral water, and 26-inch flat-screen
TVs with decent satellite channels; Deluxe Rooms also carry Nespresso coffee
machines and bathrobes. Bathrooms are clean and modern -- though also tiny in
some cases -- with organic Sundari toiletries. Rooms on the fifth floor also
have balconies with views over the bustling street; good soundproofing
means little traffic noise. 

Being of the
boutique hotel variety means there's very little in the way of on-site facilities.
Just off the lobby, the breakfast room does provide a simple buffet service
each morning consisting of assorted French pastries, breads, cheeses, and
fruits -- though it's not included in the price of the room. Although there's
no restaurant on-site, the hotel does encourage tourists to buy supplies at the
next door bakery and supermarket and to use the in-room minibars as personal
fridges. As well as free Wi-Fi, staff are also on hand to help book excursions
and restaurants around the clock.