Hôtel Le Pradey

In an area flooded with boutique hotels, the initially unassuming Le Pradey occupies a narrow, white, six-floor building with a Japanese maple out front. The lobby is tasteful and artistic, featuring gold-lined lamps and antique bird cages hanging from the high ceiling. Most of the space is covered in polished, off-white marble -- from the floors, to the front desk, to the stairs leading above -- and an open loft with lounge seating and shelves lined with coffee-table style books is overhead. The library lounge also features an honor bar where guests can help themselves to wine, beer, and beverages until late, making this a nice place to relax after a day of sightseeing, and the whole space is filled with natural light from the street-facing windows. A small elevator and open wooden staircase lead to all guest room floors, while the full breakfast buffet is served in the cozy cellar with stone ceilings and small tables covered in white tablecloth. The majority of guests are couples exploring Paris, though a few business travelers and families pass through as well.

For travelers interested in art and culture, there is no better location in central Paris. Le Pradey is situated in Paris’ 1st Arrondissement, adjacent the lovely Tuileries Gardens and within a six-minute walk of the Louvre. There are also several bakeries, cafes, bars, and shops in the immediate vicinity as well. The Musee d'Orsay is just across the Seine River, a 13-minute walk from the hotel, and the Paris Opera is 10 minutes to the north on foot. The Palais Royal is a seven-minute walk and there are several metro options in the area, though Tuileries is closest, just at the end of the block. By metro, the Arc de Triomphe is 16 minutes away, and the Eiffel Tower is 30 minutes away, though ambitious guests can reach both in 40 minutes. The Gare du Nord train station is about 20 minutes away via public transit. Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airports are both a 40-minute drive from the hotel, though traffic can be a major factor. Public transport will take about an hour to reach either airport.

Each of the 28 rooms is a little different, but warm tones dominate across the board. Urban chic elements like vibrant wall hangings, minimalist wooden furniture, or bespoke bed runners or blankets (check the woven wool horse blanket in the Suite Les Collectioneurs look stylish next to subtly retro furniture. Yes, some rooms are compact in a typically Parisian way, but this boutique property also offers Suites that are more spacious than many rooms throughout the city. Authentic Rooms are the smallest and have vintage white chairs and tables with storage, though no proper desks. All rooms are carpeted and have some sort of accent wall, like the stone tiles in Authentic Rooms, or vibrant wallpaper. Comfortable beds have duvets and stylish headboards, and accents like hooded hanging lamps or art nouveau-inspired floor lamps. All rooms also include minibars, safes, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. Suites are feature more generous living areas and some have sofa beds and coffee tables. Bathrooms are clean and beautiful, featuring mosaic-tiled glass showers, marble tiled floors and walls, and high-end toiletries. A few rooms have separate bathtubs, but on the whole bathrooms are tight and narrow in spite of their elegance. Some rooms have views of the Louvre, the Tuileries Gardens, or the charming streets below.

Le Pradey offers free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel plus a lofted lounge and library with an honor bar that's open until late. There are two breakfast options, including a "Quick Breakfast" that has standard continental options, and an ample hot breakfast buffet featuring local meats, cheeses, pastries and eggs available upon request. Breakfast is not included with room rates. The hotel’s front desk operates 24 hours a day and staff is helpful with tour and restaurant bookings. Room service is available as are laundry and dry cleaning services. Though not many families pass through, the hotel does offer babysitting services for a fee and cribs are free. Airport transportation can be arranged for a fee as well. There is no on-site parking, bar, or restaurant here.