Hotel Exquis by Elegancia

French interior designer Julie Sauvage led the design direction for the hotel as a whole, resulting in a carefully thought, quirky and cool vibe. The design is inspired by the Surrealist movement, with original art in each room by one of eight hand-picked artists, as well as found objects sourced from the Saint Ouan flea market. Glasgow design firm Timorous Beasties also contributed to the property with boldly patterned wallpaper throughout, and Sauvage herself designed a few pieces, including wall lights made from copper tubing. Spanish street artist Chanoir also left his mark on the elevator with some colorful tagging. There's little communal space here, outside of a charming breakfast room with red walls, copper stools, gallery walls, and the lobby with bold, patterned wallpaper that matches armchairs and a Victorian couch. Given the tight rooms, most guests who stay here are vacationing couples, although it's also a good pick for business travelers. 

Location is a huge draw at this hotel, as it's centrally located in the 11th arrondissement, a 10-minute walk to the Opera Bastille. Le Marais, Paris' famous LGBT district, is 20 minutes away by bus, as is Pere Lachaise cemetery, home to notables' graves, including Jim Morrison's. Overall, the neighborhood generally feels quite safe, even at night, and has more of a local feel to it than touristy areas in the city. A supermarket is across the street and a bakery sits next door to the hotel, plus ample eateries, bars, and shops can be reached within a 10-minute walk. 

Top attractions are also within reach, like Pompidou Center (27 minutes by bus), the Eiffel Tower (45 minutes by subway or 34 by taxi), and Sacre-Coeur (45 minutes by subway). The M8 subway stop is a six-minute walk from the hotel. Gare de Lyon is about an 18-minute journey away by transit, though walking takes the same amount of time. Charles de Gaulle airport is about an hour away by public transit or 40 minutes by car. 

The boutique property's 42 rooms are colorful, quirky, and fun, with furniture that leans midcentury and patterned wallpaper with surrealist themes -- think psychedelic grasses in a meadow or red rabbits. Some guests have noted that the rooms are tiny and can make spaces tight for couples with luggage, but that's common for Paris properties. Beds are large and comfortable, but no room for an extra one or crib, so guests with kids might have to opt for adjoining rooms. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, safes, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning, but no kettles or coffeemakers. 

Rooms are best for couples as showers open out onto the rooms, and they have the added pleasantness of a starry night effect thanks to tiny lights built into the tiles. Bathrooms have great rainfall showerheads, hairdryers, and excellent toiletries as well. 

Although the hotel is light on traditional features -- there are no full restaurant, gym, or spa facilities -- what they do offer is creative. Rooms come with a free smartphone, equipped with Wi-Fi and long-distance calling, that guests can take with them when they head out for the day. There's also an honesty bar that serves coffee, beer, and other drinks. 

Breakfast is served until late morning in a red-walled breakfast room, though it's on the pricey side, especially considering there are bakeries immediately outside. Wi-Fi is free and available throughout the property, though it can be a bit patchy. There's no parking at the hotel. The front desk is staffed 24/7.