Hotel Duo

The building that Duo occupies dates back to the 16th century; however, save for some exposed ceiling beams, you’ll see little evidence of the past upon first entering its lobby. Instead, the space is a sleek contemporary one decorated by architect-turned-designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. Trendy but not intimidating, it features modernist furnishings and a calming palette of woodsy colors (picture bark browns and slate blue brightened by hits of chartreuse). The look is aimed at style-conscious business or leisure travelers, and the lobby’s multiple seating options -- including breakfast-area banquettes, funky armchairs, and deep bar-side couches -- provide lots of places for them to linger; ditto for the little interior courtyard, which doubles as a très chic smoking spot.

Situated on the Right Bank, the Marais holds several premier sights -- Musée Carnavalet and the recently redone Musée Picasso Paris being perhaps the most noteworthy among them -- and it also contains both the historic Jewish Quarter and the modern-day epicenter of gay life, so hotels here have broad appeal. This one is no exception. Set on a busy corner, it sits next to old-school brasseries, evocative bars, and shopping venues that run from trendy boutiques to the famous BHV department store (the latter is directly across the street). Many other must-sees are within a 10-minute walk, including Notre Dame Cathedral. Proximity to the metro system puts the rest of the city within easy reach as well. The Hotel de Ville station is two minutes away on foot; Châtelet, which offers service to both airports, is five.

• Two-minute walk to the Hôtel de Ville metro station
• Five-minute walk to the Châtelet train and metro station
• Six-minute walk to the Pompidou Center
• Nine-minute walk to Notre Dame Cathedral
• 11-minute walk to Musée Carnavalet
• 12-minute walk to Musée Picasso Paris
• 10 minutes to the Louvre Museum via public transport
• 16 minutes to the Arc de Triomphe via public transport
• 17 minutes to Gare Du Nord (Eurostar) via public transport
• 32-minute drive to Orly Airport (more with traffic)
• 41-minute drive to Charles de Gaulle International Airport (more with traffic)

Guest rooms here -- ranging from 118-square-foot Standard Singles to a 431-square foot Suite -- come in many different sizes and configurations. Moreover, some are thoroughly contemporary, while others incorporate vintage features like exposed beams or Juliet balconies. The views vary, too, depending on whether your choice overlooks the bustling street or internal courtyard (the latter being a better bet for light sleepers). What remains constant is the classic boutique-y look that’s created by melding earth tones and textured natural materials with quality furnishings and fixtures. Note that all include air-conditioning, digital safes, flat-screen satellite TVs, USB ports, free Wi-Fi, and minibars but not tea/coffeemakers. The matching tiled bathrooms -- though occasionally cramped -- have either rainfall showers or deep tubs with handheld showers, plus welcome extras like hairdryers, towel warmers and paraben-free Fragonard toiletries. Junior Suites add a separate living area with a sofa bed that can accommodate a third guest. The property's suite has those and a charming private terrace, too. 

Fitness facilities can be hard to find in small mid-range Parisian hotels, so the fact that this one has a petite work-out room may be a deciding factor for some. The space isn't large and the low ceiling may not appeal to claustrophobes; nevertheless it does feature the requisite body-building and cardio machines plus an adjacent sauna. Upstairs, all guests will appreciate Duo’s stylish library-like lounge area, where an add-on continental or express-style breakfast is served each morning; later in the day, the reasonably stocked lobby bar serves up craft cocktails (a free shooter is offered on arrival). Facing it is a tiny furnished courtyard with a vertical garden and, at its center, a sculptural tree adorned with twinkling lights; this space can double as an alfresco smokers' lounge. Other on-site perks include a 24-hour front desk with multilingual staff; concierge, dry-cleaning/laundry and basic business services; free newspapers in the lobby; and free Wi-Fi throughout.