Le Derby Alma

Le Derby Alma is part of the Inwood Hotels group, which owns several boutique properties in Paris. This one is situated in a pleasant cream-colored corner building with top dormer windows and wrought-iron Juliet balconies. The property was renovated in late 2012, and the ambience is modern, with a small lobby that extends into a lounge and bar. The bar is small, with only three upholstered brown bar stools, but a sitting area with a couch and upholstered armchairs offers extra space. Behind the bar, open shelving lined with books and memorabilia adds a homey touch. Aside from the lounge, the bar, the breakfast room and a few tables outdoors, the hotel has few common areas. Le Derby Alma draws mainly tourists, especially couples.

Le Derby Alma is situated in a surprisingly quiet main avenue in Paris' 7th Arrondissement, a short walk to both the Eiffel Tower and the banks of the Seine. While the immediate neighborhood is sedate and residential, the street has several restaurants, and there's a host of shops, and sights within easy walking distance of the hotel. The hotel also recommends the Bateaux Mouche cruise of the Seine -- the docking point is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Pont de l'Alma RER (Line C) and Alma-Marceau metro stops are a six- to eight-minute walk from the hotel. An airport shuttle is available on request for an extra fee.

• Four-minute walk to the Seine
• Seven-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower
• Eight-minute walk to Alma - Marceau Metro Stop (line 9)
• 17-minute walk to Champs Elysées
• 22-minute walk to Rodin Museum
• 28-minute walk to Arc de Triomphe (28 minutes via metro)
• 17 minutes to Musée d'Orsay via public transportation
• 22 minutes to Louvre via public transportation
• 25 minutes to Notre Dame Cathedra via public transportation
• 30-minute drive to Orly airport, depending on traffic
• 40-minute drive to Charles de Gaulle Airport, depending on traffic

The 33 rooms are pretty spacious for a central Parisian hotel. Classic Rooms measure a little more than 170 square feet. Bathrooms are modern and chic with neutral tiling, slot-drain sinks, and shower/tub combos.

Rooms are air-conditioned and most include double beds in addition to small desks and chairs and wardrobes with safes and storage space. Minibars are stocked with snacks, water, and soft drinks, including a few freebies, and rooms include coffee- and tea-making facilities. Rooms have wall-mounted flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms include hairdryers, robes, and individual toiletries. Upgraded rooms may include pod-style espresso machines. 

Junior Suites can accommodate up to three guests, while the hotel's 300-square-foot Family Suite comes with a king-size bed and convertible sofa bed for two. Some rooms offer a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower. 

Le Derby Alma is a petite intimate property, and as such, it doesn't check every box when it comes to hotel features. There's no full restaurant and no fitness or meeting rooms. But the property does have a stylish lobby bar and a nice sitting area in addition to a few tables out front where guests can drink alfresco. There's also a small backyard patio with a few plants but no seating. A pleasant breakfast room serves a daily buffet with fresh squeezed juice, breads and jams, meats, cheese, cereal, and eggs, though it's not included in the room rate. Room service is also available in the evening until late.

The hotel has a 24-hour front desk and offers concierge services. Babysitting, laundry/dry cleaning, airport transfer service, limousine service, and massages can be arranged for an extra fee. A computer and printer are available for guests' use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. The hotel welcomes pets, with no extra fee.