1st and 2nd Arrondissements (Louvre and Palais Royal), Paris, France | +33142975983
Elegant decor blends modern and 18th century inspirations
Chic rooms with iPod docks and flat-screen TVs with free movies
Within walking distance of major sights, such as the Louvre
Small indoor pool decorated with mirrors and iridescent tiles
Sauna and small underground fitness center
Common areas are gorgeous, sophisticated and intimate
Free Wi-Fi
Classic Rooms are small
Fee for breakfast buffet
This upscale, 30-room boutique hotel is one of the best choices in Paris, and offers surprisingly competitive rates for the level of luxury. It is named for the founder of the Opera Comique across the street, and the decor blends influences of the 18th century theater with modern trends. Rooms are chic and sport colorful accents, as well as thoughtful amenities such as iPod docks, bathrobes, towel warmers, and flat-screen TVs with free movies. Several metro lines are nearby, and popular sights such as the Louvre are within walking distance. Just note that the (excellent) breakfast buffet is an extra fee, and that the Classic Rooms are quite small.
Scene
An intimate, luxurious boutique hotel inspired by the 18th century theater
La Maison Favart is named for Charles-Simone Favart, founder of the Opera Comique, and his actress wife Justine. The decor throughout is inspired not just by the 18th century, but the 18th century theater, so it's a bit bolder than some may expect from a historic style: Guests can expect trendy jewel-bright fabric accents and dramatic details (such as the photos of bright old-fashioned costumes adorning the elevator).The intimate lobby has plush furniture, wood floors, wainscoting, bright flowers, and large gold-framed portraits of Charles-Simone and Justine. The breakfast room is also appealing, and the contrast of bright pink seating and intricate wall paneling embodies the hotel's mix of historic elegance and modern sophistication. Hallways have black and white carpets meant to mimic checkered tile -- with the lively addition of a pink striped border.The hotel has a decidedly adult vibe and is most popular with couples.
Location
In the 2nd arrondissement, opposite the Opera Comique and within walking distance of the Louvre
The Maison Favart is situated just opposite the esplanade of the Opera Comique, on a quiet side street near the wide, cafe-lined Boulevard des Italiens. The hotel has a convenient location for sightseeing, and there are several enjoyable routes visitors can take when headed toward popular sights in the 1st arrondissement. It takes less than 20 minutes to go through the little streets of the Bourse (stock exchange) quarter, the Japanese quarter that is around the Rue Sainte Anne, and then through the garden of the Palais Royale before ending up at the Louvre. For other tourist sites and monuments, metro lines 9, 8, 1, 7 and 3 are all less than a 10 minute-walk away from the hotel.
Rooms
Chic rooms with colorful accents and thoughtful extras -- but Classic Rooms are small
As is often the case in Parisian hotels, the basic rooms (dubbed the Classic Rooms here) are quite small. But the decor in every room type is chic and influenced by the 18th century; bright pops of color such as pink bed runners or purple chairs point to the hotel's theatrical inspiration. The rooms are full of thoughtful extras, such as free movies on the flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, towel warmers in the marble-tiled bathrooms, slippers and robes, carefully stocked minibars, and Nespresso machines (with three free capsules).
Features
A sauna and a small underground pool
It is a rare privilege for guests of Parisian boutique hotels to have the use of an indoor swimming pool. The small underground pool here is decorated with mirrors and colorful lighting that shines on the iridescent tiles that cover the barrel vaulted ceilings. There is also a simple but functional fitness center and a sauna. Wi-Fi is free, while the excellent breakfast is on the pricey side.