Hotel Duquesne Eiffel

Hotel Duquesne Eiffel is a traditional hotel in Paris' quiet, non-touristy 7th Arrondissement. From the outside, it looks like every bit a sweet neighborhood inn, with blue awnings, gold signage, and outdoor tables. The inside keeps up appearances; the lobby feels like a cozy living room with an original wood-beamed ceiling, rough stone walls, leather sofas and love seats, and a fireplace. A coat rack stands by the door and board games are set on side tables. In the back corner, a tiny two-seat bar waits for visitors in want of wine or whiskey. Next to it is a Mac desktop for guests who need a bigger screen than the Handy in their rooms or their personal device.The 18th-century building was originally used as a hostel for boys attending the military school across the street. For its entire history, the building has been a hostel or a hotel. It became Hotel Duquesne in the 1990s, and has since attracted a steady stream of mostly couples (many repeaters) and corporate clients, especially in the month of September when there are conferences throughout the city. Guests are primarily American (followed by English, Australian, and European), and stay for two or three nights on average.

The Duquesne Eiffel Hotel is located in the 7th Arrondissement -- a prime Left Bank neighborhood surrounded by top sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Musee d'Orsay, and Les Invalides. There may not be much in the way of nightlife here, but the area does have a few restaurants and grocers. To access other areas of the City of Lights, the hotel is close to taxi stands and metro stations. For airport transfers, the hotel can arrange shuttles or private drivers.Paris is one of Europe's most densely populated cities, and is currently one of the world's most important business and cultural metropolises. Known as "The City of Lights" for its growth during the Age of Enlightenment, Paris is home to some of the world's most luxurious fashion (Hermes, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent), iconic museums and structures, as well as major media and business outlets.

Hotel Duquesne's 40 traditionally decorated rooms are broken out into five categories, beginning with the 130-square-foot Standards. In some of the 172-square-foot Superiors -- the next category up -- it is possible to step onto the small standing-room balconies and see the Eiffel Tower. Two corner Superiors offer views of the tower from the inside, but trees may obstruct the view. The 172-square-foot Premiums have the best views of the Tower -- everyone wants room 55 in this category, but the hotel can only guarantee a specific category, not a specific room. Comfort rooms are as small as the Standards, but come with the addition of a bathtub. Finally, there are four Superior Triples, which, at 215 square feet, are the largest options at the hotel. The Triples feature a queen bed and a twin bed (one with an actual mattress, not just a sofa bed). There are no wheelchair-accessible or family rooms, but it is possible to book interconnecting units. Despite room type, all rooms come with the same amenities. Triple-glazed windows keep out street noise, and there are minibars and flat-screen TVs with about a 100 multi-language channels. Free bottled water is provided on the first day and free coffee and tea is offered throughout the stay. The safes are free to use, and guests can keep larger items, like laptops, with the front desk. One of the best amenities is the free loaner Handy phone in every room, which provide guests with free data and international calls while they're out exploring Paris. Rooms have either one double or two twins (or one queen and one twin in the Triples), all with bedside lamps built into the headboard. Note that the room key is needed to activate electricity.Standard rooms only have showers, but some other room types, like Premium and Triple, have tubs. The hotel can provide a little step of steps for toddlers, or small portable tubs for families staying in rooms with only showers. Some of the Superiors and Premiums have separate toilet rooms. A set of hotel-branded toiletries is provided. Wi-Fi is free in the rooms.

When booking, guests have the option of adding breakfast to their room rates. Served in the hotel's historic stone basement, breakfast consists of eggs, bacon, sausage, bread, cakes, and yogurt. A small bar in the rear of the lobby is open 24 hours a day and serves an impressive selection of Scotch single-malt whiskies, including 16-year-old Lagavulin and 12-year-old Glenkinchie. Wine, champagne, aperitifs, digestifs, and other spirits are on the menu, as well. There are only two seats at the bar, but plenty of comfy seating in the living-room-like lobby, plus wooden tables and chairs outside -- with views of the Eiffel Tower -- when the weather is pleasant. A Mac computer for guest use is stationed next to the bar, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. The hotel will arrange shuttle service or private cars to and from the airport.