Hotel Ekta

From its entrance, it’s clear that Hotel Ekta is unique among Champs Elysees properties. Wedged between two Hausmannian style buildings, Ekta stands out with its mid-century facade and bold signage. Inside, a mirrored stairway leads to the first floor lobby, a cozy space replete with the hotel’s signature black, white, and yellow color scheme. The funky decor is courtesy of Jean-Philippe Nuel and Natasha Stojovic, local designers who also orchestrated the retro-inspired photoshoot that provided signature artwork for the entire hotel. Across the property -- in the lobby, hallways, and rooms -- guests will notice clusters of framed photographs with a groovy Parisian theme. The photos pay homage to the hotel’s name -- Ekta is inspired by Kodak Ektachrome, the revolutionary film developed in the 1940s and used throughout the 20th century. Hotel Ekta is a popular pick with all types of guests, including North American, European, Middle Eastern, and Asian tourists. The hotel’s convenient location attracts travelers who want to stay near the Champs Elysees without paying exorbitant Champs Elysees prices. The majority of guests are couples and families, along with a smattering of solo business travelers.  

Hotel Ekta has an excellent location on a quiet side street in the ritzy 8th Arrondissement, a two-minute walk from the Champs Elysees and the George V metro station. George V is served by Paris’s metro line one, a convenient line for tourists and business travelers. Heading east from George V, line one stops at popular tourist sites like the Grand Palais, the Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries gardens, and the Louvre, all 15 to 20 minutes away. In the opposite direction, line one terminates at La Defense, one of Europe’s largest financial hubs, a 26-minute ride. But there's plenty to see in the 8th itself, which is lined with tony shops, cafes, and fine-dining establishments, along with other hotels. Guests can use public transportation to get to Charles de Gaulle Airport in 52 minutes, or they can grab a cab to drive there in 30.

Rooms at Hotel Ekta have wow factor to spare with funky, eye-catching decor and thoughtful amenities. The hotel’s signature black-and-white color scheme is continued in its rooms, where white walls and black ceilings are complimented by patterned carpeting and a mix of dark and light furniture. All-white beds are topped with yellow bolsters and zigzag patterned pillows, while mod yellow arm chairs add subtle '60s flair. Guests will find more of the uber-cool Parisian photos on the walls, and strikingly superimposed on mirrored closet doors -- giving the spaces another graphic punch. Bathrooms feature contrasting dark and light tile work and have round vessel sinks with chrome fixtures. The hotel provides hairdryers and luxe Fragonard toiletries, but shower stalls are a little tight on space. In-room amenities include flat screen TVs, Nespresso machines, electric kettles, fully stocked minibars, and ironing equipment. Rooms also have North American and British electrical outlets, a thoughtful touch for many foreign travelers. Most rooms don’t have any outdoor space, but a few have impressive balconies with lovely street views. 

As a small-scale property, Hotel Ekta doesn’t have many amenities -- there’s no fitness room, business center, or on-site restaurant here. But, it has free Wi-Fi, a private underground parking garage, and serves continental breakfast each morning. The hotel’s Wi-Fi works well across the property and is free for all guests. Private parking incurs extra fees, but can be a lifesaver in a part of town where street parking is notoriously expensive and difficult to find. Ekta’s daily continental breakfast is served in the hotel’s cozy lounge, which has comfortable banquette seating and a fireplace. Breakfast consists of a small cold buffet, which includes bread, yogurt, and cereal. Cooked-to-order eggs are available upon request. Breakfast isn’t free, but it’s fairly affordable, especially when considering the sky-high prices at any establishment on the Champs Elysees.