Hotel La Bourdonnais

This lovely boutique hotel has contemporary public spaces with traditional touches. The long lobby includes several lounge areas that have modern furniture such as marble-top tables and leather and suede chairs and sofas in contemporary designs. It’s an unusual space that features several design elements including a distinctive reception desk with a large, back-lit orb above it that resembles a glowing sun. Nice wood flooring alternates with carpeting across the floors. The library/lounge area feels more traditional, with bookcases filled with curios, an antique-style chest, and artwork and decorative items with French naval and oceanic themes. The intimate tea room has a formal air; it's decorated with objects like old telephones and phonographs, and clusters of slipper chairs and bench sofas overlook the busy street. This is a quiet hotel that attracts mostly couples and some families, but business travelers also stay here to take advantage of its central location and meeting space.

The Hotel La Bourdonnais sits in the shadows of the iconic Eiffel Tower in central Paris’ 7th Arrondissement. Several cafes, hotels, and a grocery are near the hotel, but it’s a mostly upscale residential area on a busy avenue de la Bourdonnais. Connections throughout the city are easy, given its proximity to a Metro station. 

• Two-minute walk to Ecole Militare Metro station
• Seven-minute walk to Champ-de-Mars
• 11-minute walk to Eiffel Tower
• 15 minutes to Musee d’Orsay by public transportation
• 16 minutes to L’Arc de Triomphe by public transportation
• 20 minutes to Louvre Museum by public transportation
• 25 minutes to Notre Dame Cathedral by public transportation
• 26 minutes to Gare Du Nord (Eurostar train station) by public transportation
• 26 minutes to Luxembourg Gardens by public transportation
• 33 minutes to Montmarte by public transportation
• 39 minutes to Orly Airport by public transportation (30-minute drive)
• 65 minutes to Charles de Gaulle International Airport by public transportation (52-minute drive)

The rooms in this boutique hotel were renovated in 2014, and they remain clean, fresh, and well-maintained. While newly decorated, the red-and-tan color palette feels a touch 1970s, modish slipper chairs and drum lampshades suspended by the bed keep things contemporary. The beige-orangey carpet is echoed in the striped drapes and bed throws. Medium-brown wood furniture includes nightstands, desks, and armoires. Wall-spanning leather headboards and accent walls with suede-effect wallpaper add lush textural touches. Throw pillows, vases, and cubbies in tangerine add to the warmth. Standard amenities include flat screen TVs, iPod docks, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, and room service. Minibars also are standard stocked with free sofa drinks. Deluxe, Executive, and Junior Suites add robes, slippers, and espresso machines. 

The spacious and upscale bathrooms have distinctive, roomy wood vanities with raised vessel sinks. The walk-in shower niches (some rooms have shower/tub combos) are framed by beige tile and have rainfall showerheads. Hairdryers and Hermes toiletries are provided.

Classic (standard) Rooms are comfortable but on the small side at 161 to 183 square feet. They typically include king or queen beds. Executive (194 to 247 square feet) and Deluxe (258 to 301 square feet) Rooms also usually include kings or queens, and Junior Suites (301 to 355 square feet) add sleeper sofas large enough for two people. Some rooms have balconies with views of the Eiffel Tower, while others simply offer street views. Rooms are generally quiet, but those facing the busy street can hear a bit of traffic noise at times.

The upscale boutique hotel’s amenities are befitting of its category, with a nice breakfast buffet that includes eggs and French pastries (for a fee). On Sunday, a larger brunch is offered. The lobby lounge/tea room also serves afternoon tea in a quiet and intimate setting. Meeting space for up to 40 people is available in one room, and the lobby has a few computer workstations with Internet access. Free Wi-Fi is also accessible throughout the property. Concierge services that are available include valet dry cleaning and laundry, tickets to attractions, and arranging babysitting, airport transportation, and in-room massage treatments. Pets are allowed with restrictions. Parking is available in public facilities in the immediate area, but it’s limited and expensive.