Max Hotel

The Max Hotel is a chic, modern, boutique property that underwent a complete renovation in May 2014. Situated in a plain, three-story building with a flat white facade and matching shutters, the hotel is more remarkable on the inside. The chic lobby doubles as a breakfast room, small bar, and lounge, and looks like a sleek cafe -- well lit, with wooden floors, wooden cafe tables, gray chairs, silver pendant lights, and stylish shelves that offer a variety of reading material like books, newspapers, and magazines. Black accent walls and modern wall art offer just the right amount of flair, while a center kitchen area features a small fireplace, a Nespresso coffeemaker, and a selection of teas. Just a three-minute walk from the metro, the competitively priced hotel attracts budget travelers who don't mind staying outside of the city center and guests who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of a central Paris property.

The Max Hotel is situated beyond the tourist center of Paris on a main road in the 14th Arrondissement. Though not in walking distance to many sights, the area is still bustling, and guests can easily walk to a plethora of restaurants and shops. Guests can also walk to the Catacombs , the Montparnasse neighborhood, and Luxembourg Gardens. The hotel is a three-minute walk from the Alésia metro station (line 4), which can take guests to most Paris hotspots in about a half hour. While not for everyone, the location pleases guests who want to be away from the main tourist area while still having easy access to the city center. Private parking is available nearby, but costs an extra fee.

• Three-minute walk to Alésia metro station (Line 4)
• 11-minute walk to Catacombs
• 16-minute walk to Montparnasse
• 23-minute walk to Luxembourg Gardens
• 25-minute walk to the Gare Montparnasse station
• 22 minutes to the Notre Dame Cathedral via public transport
• 28 minutes to the Musée d’Orsay via public transport
• 28 minutes to the Louvre via public transport
• 30 minutes to the Eiffel Tower via public transport
• 31 minutes to the Arc de Triomphe via public transport
• 15 minute drive to Orly Airport (without traffic)
• 35 minute drive to Charles de Gaulle Airport (without traffic)

The Max Hotel's 19 individually decorated rooms feature chic, minimalistic modern decor with Chagall-esque artwork and lots of natural light. In the hotel's most basic rooms, light wood floors meet cream-colored walls, while white bedding is accented in gray or purple textiles. Walls above the beds are adorned with stylish modern art murals by Czech artist, Jaroslav Juren. Small wall-mounted desks are paired with white chairs and hold Nespresso coffeemakers, free bottled water, and desk lamps. Small wardrobes contains safes. All rooms are air-conditioned and include flat-screen TVs with international satellite channels, and free Wi-Fi (which guests say works well). Deluxe Rooms might include extra design details, such as sleeping alcoves surrounded by velvety blue textiles. Two rooms include outdoor terraces and all rooms have either double or twin beds. Classic Rooms (the standard level) can be small, though this is typical in Paris. Light sleepers may want to consider rooms higher up to avoid traffic noise. 

Bathrooms vary depending on the room, but they are all up-to-date and stylish. Classic Room bathrooms can be tiny, each with a wet-room-style shower and a toilet. The sink may be situated outside of the bathroom. Showers have luxurious rainfall showerheads and bathrooms include individual toiletries and hairdryers. Irons and ironing boards are available from reception. 

As a small boutique property, the Max Hotel has a lot of multitasking features. The hotel's lobby doubles as a breakfast room, snackbar with dried fruits, and lounge and offers reading material as well as tables and chairs. The area extends outdoors into a small garden with a few cafe tables and chairs. Off the lobby, another room doubles as additional lounge space and a mini-business center. Here, there are several armchairs surrounding a long coffee table, an Internet-enabled computer, and a printer and scanner. While the hotel's breakfast costs an extra fee, guests tend to find it satisfying with bread, pastries, cheeses, meat, fruit, eggs, cereal, coffee, tea, and freshly squeezed juice. The lobby becomes a small bar in the evening, serving up a selection of wine and Champagne. The hotel offers a 24-hour reception, multilingual staff, and concierge service. The Max Hotel can help arrange parking for an extra fee. Wi-Fi is free, and guests find it works well. Be aware that there's no fitness center or full restaurant.