Le Cinq Codet

Set in a former France Telecom switching center from the 1930s, Le Cinq Codet immediately stands out in its prestigious residential location in the 7th arrondissement. The Art Deco building's ocean-liner-esque architecture -- with a curving facade, double-height wraparound windows, and glass-brick walls -- contrasts nicely with the surrounding Haussmann luxury apartment buildings. Architect Jean-Philippe Nuel (he who did the Hotel Molitor and Sofitel La Defense) handled the interiors, installing natural blond woods, calm neutrals, and streamlined and modern custom furnishings by designers like Elisabeth Garouste and Tom Dixon. Around 400 pieces of original contemporary art and photography are scattered throughout the hotel (even the hallways), including works by Cyril Destrade and Jean-Pierre Porcher. The overall effect is quite sober and sophisticated, with hushed service and polite clientele to match. Guests are mostly American, followed by French and British, and are generally well-heeled couples and business travelers on expense accounts. 

Le Cinq Codet is located in a quiet residential part of the 7th arrondisement. Its two-block street leads straight to Les Invalides, which guests can walk to in about four minutes (the Rodin Museum is an additional eight minutes past). The Eiffel Tower can be reached in under 20 minutes on foot. The pedestrian-friendly market street Rue Cler, lined with food shops, cafes, and cocktail bars, is a two-minute walk from the hotel. Ecole Militaire, the nearest metro stop (line 8), is a three-minute walk. Expect a 45-minute car ride to/from Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Le Cinq Codet's signature room is the two-level Duplex, which has creamy leather built-in couches wrapped around glass-topped tables and half baths or separate rainfall showers on the first floor, and king beds (with bedside lights and outlets) and extra-long freestanding soaking tubs on the second. The style in all rooms -- whether one or two floors -- is minimalist, modern, and vaguely maritime-inspired. Expect smooth blond wood floors and walls, matte slate walls decorated with original art and photography, and huge windows (double-height in the Duplexes) kitted out with automated curtains. The gold dome of Invalides -- especially beautiful at sunset -- is visible from some rooms. In all rooms are full minibars, Nespresso machines, and safes. Flat-screen TVs (one or two in some rooms) are operated through Mac Minis, which some guests may find confusing. 

Upper-level suites -- Rodin, Louis Codet, Le Dome, and Eiffel -- all have large terraces with views of Invalides. From the terrace of the Eiffel Suite, both the dome and tower are visible. Le Dome and Louis Codet suites have hot tubs on their terraces.

Entry-level Superior rooms don't have tubs, but all others have enormous porcelain soaking tubs, often set in the bedroom. Rainfall showers have Italian showerheads and porthole windows. Bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers, and custom Le Cinq Codet bath products are provided. In Duplexes, there are complete sets of toiletries in both bathrooms and by the in-room tubs. Rooms have one or two separate water closets. Wi-Fi is free in the rooms. Three wheelchair-accessible units are available.

Le Cinq Codet's breakfast service is only available to hotel guests. For a fee, guests can help themselves to the buffet, which includes fluffy scrambled eggs (or made-to-order omelets), smoked salmon, ham, prosciutto, and Brie and other cheeses. A pastry table is full of brioche, baguettes, and croissants, and guests can order lattes, fresh juice, and smoothies. Lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch are open to the public. Patio seating is available, as is 24-hour room service.

The hotel's fitness center features a treadmill, an elliptical, a bike, and a multi-function station. A snack area with banana chips, macadamia nuts, Dammann teas, and small bottles of Evian is set up, and there is a changing area with lockers, a hammam, and a shower. Towels and slippers are provided. A double massage cabin can be booked for couples' treatments. A hot tub is stationed in an enclosed patio by the gym; note that it must be reserved in advance. There is no dedicated meeting space, but large suites on the top floor can be used for seminars and gatherings. Though there isn't a business center either, the concierge will print necessary items, as well as make restaurant reservations, arrange tours, and buy flowers for the rooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout Le Cinq Codet.