Royal Hotel Paris Champs Elysees

Built in 1906, the historic Royal Hotel Paris Champs Elysees’s is a beautiful example of post-Haussman era architecture, with a neoclassical stone structure and an ornate, continuous 5th-floor balcony. The entrance—still flanked by doormen today—leads to interiors that are less Old World than out of sync with the times. The beige marble-floored reception is a promising start, with its bronze statues and curving staircase, but the check-in desk is dingy, and the small seating area looks dowdy. This may owe in part to the fact that, as one of a very few common areas, the lobby can get busy (and feel slow on check in/out). The breakfast lounge consists of rows of wooden tables and chairs and a light oak sideboard where breakfast is served, while the lounge offers ample seating to plot the day's agenda over a drink. For the families, couples, and even business travelers who largely frequent this place, it's more about setting off than staying in.

A block away from the famous Champs-Elysees in the 8th Arrondissement, this hotel is well-located among shopping (Louis Vuitton is five minutes away on foot), restaurants (Taillevent is two minutes away on foot), and culture (the Arc de Triomphe is five minutes away on foot). There are also plenty of bars, company offices, and cafes in the neighborhood. It's also well-situated for reaching major attractions, the nearest metro station is a three-minute walk (Charles de Gaulle Etoille), where there's also an express RER (which gets to Paris' Disneyland in about an hour). It's easy to cross over to Left Bank attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and the Rodin Museum, both about a half hour away by metro. As well as venture into other Arrondissements -- Montmartre, Notre Dame cathedral, and the Latin Quarter are all about a half hour away using the metro. Both Orly and Charles De Gaulle Airports are about a half hour away, depending on traffic. 

Rooms here are well-kept but small (the 97-square-foot Single Classic rooms are a squeeze, even for one person), and could use some sprucing up in terms of décor. The light oak bed frames, bedside tables and work desks are classic in style, offset by darker carpets, drapes and bedspreads. Some feature framed black-and-white prints or sketches above the beds. None of the rooms has dressers, though open shelves and closets provide space for clothes. Several street-facing rooms, even some at the basic level, have small Juliette balconies with partial views of the Arc de Triomphe, while balcony-less rooms tend to be darker, with small windows. In-room amenities include air conditioning, safes, flat-screen TVs and minibars (however these are inconsistent -- sometimes including a bag of chips, sometimes not -- and poorly stocked -- no alcohol, and single bottles of flat and sparkling water). A low-bandwidth Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but guests may upgrade for a fee. Ironing equipment can be requested. Only rooms at the Superior level and above come with tea-and-coffee-making facilities, plus a dish of macaroons upon arrival. Upgrades offer additional space, seating, and bedding options. There are no accessible rooms or features for guests with disabilities. All bathrooms are modern and outfitted with marble tiling; while the Single Classic bathroom is tiny, with only a walk-in shower, the others include shower/tub combos with handheld showerheads. Fragonard brand toiletries and hairdryers are provided in all bathrooms. 

Beyond the bar's homey seating area and flat-screen TV, there's not much in the way of common space in this hotel besides the breakfast lounge. The breakfast is good, with freshly-baked pastries, fruits, eggs, sausages, coffee and juices, but it isn't always included with room rates. The hotel lobby is open 24 hours and offers concierge services. Though there is no airport shuttle, staff can arrange airport transportation, in addition to laundry service, or babysitting. Rental bikes are available just across the street from the hotel. There's no on-site parking, but the hotel offers spots in a nearby lot. Street parking is also available. A low-bandwidth Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but guests may upgrade for a fee. Like many Paris boutique hotels, this one is limited in amenities, lacking a pool, gym, business facilities, or dedicated on-site restaurant.