Paris Marriott Opera Ambassador Hotel

The Ambassador Hotel was originally opened in 1927, instantly attracting Parisian high-society and numerous personnages célèbres -- Charles Lindbergh even had his welcome reception here after the first solo flight across the Atlantic. Constructed in a refined and stately Haussman style, the building rebranded under the Marriott chain in 2013 and reopened with stylishly modernized interiors. Stepping into the lobby, guests are met with a tasteful blend of light, contemporary tones, and original neoclassical elements illuminated by Art Deco-style chandeliers and a striking flock of shimmering silver birds. The mood is sophisticated yet inviting, drawing a mixture of well-heeled tourists and business guests who rub shoulders with locals in the hotel bar (which is still named in honor of Lindbergh).

The hotel is located in the 9th arrondissement on the Right Bank in the center of Paris. Set on the Boulevard Haussmann --  a busy and renowned street full of restaurants, bars, and shops -- the hotel is just a five-minute walk from the Palais Garnier opera house and the luxury boutiques of Galeries Lafayette. A little farther afield but still walkable (around 15 minutes) is the Jardin des Tuileries and the world-renowned Louvre museum. There are also several metro stations within minutes of the hotel, while the Gare du Nord Eurostar terminal is just a mile away.

The hotel has 289 rooms, all of which were renovated in 2013 and are decorated in modern but cozy styling in muted and plum tones with contemporary furnishings and Arc Deco touches. Rooms are generally spacious (especially for Paris) and amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, and TVs with satellite channels and remote keyboards. Beds feature extra comfy Simmons mattresses and bathrooms provide robes and Acca Kappa products. Although rooms are air-conditioned, it's not individually controlled and windows can only be opened a couple inches.

A variety of breakfasts, from full American to Grab 'n' Go, are available each morning -- though they're usually not included in the rate and can be expensive. All-day dining is available in the smart and contemporary, though formal surrounds of the hotel's 16 Haussmann restaurant. The Lindbergh Bar serves drinks to a mixture of both guests and locals, while the exclusive rooftop lounge is only for those with an executive room or suite. A spacious fitness room has a good selection of exercise machines, while the hotel's business center provides iMacs and free Internet -- Wi-Fi is also available throughout free of charge (though super-fast connectivity is extra).