Melia Paris Tour Eiffel

The Melia Royal Alma is geared mostly to foreign tourists and business travelers looking for a more affordable option in this upscale area. The beige exterior is unassuming and blends in with surrounding buildings. Once inside, there's a small lobby with marble floors, an arched entryway, and a sculpted bust giving the space a decidedly classic appearance. Fresh flowers in numerous vases and a structured shelving unit add a bit of charm. There's not a ton in the way of common spaces, but the breakfast room has a pretty atrium with terra-cotta tiles and the sleek indoor bar has black-and-white patterned carpet and white leather seating. Plus, most guests spend their days exploring the nearby Paris attractions. 

The Melia Royal Alma has an excellent location near the Seine on Paris's Right Bank in the 8th Arrondissement. The hotel sits on a quiet side street that runs parallel to Avenue Montaigne, and is within a five-minute walk of the Champs-Elysees. It's a 10-minute walk to the Grand Palais, and a 20-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. The surrounding neighborhood is expensive and posh -- with Gucci, Dior, Channel, and Louis Vuitton stores nearby. The Alma Marceau Metro station is a two-minute walk away. 

The 64 rooms at the Melia Royal Alma are beautifully decorated in a contemporary color palette that includes prominent use of black, white, gray, and a few red accents. Traditional wooden furniture paired with modern gray headboards and gilded mirrors give the spaces a unique style. Though small, rooms make good use of their tight space (typical for Paris) and range from standard Melia Rooms to Suites. Comfortable beds feature plush Dreamax mattresses, with similarly high-quality linens and pillows. Larger rooms include extra seating options such as white leather loveseats and armchairs. All units have balconies, though some share the spaces with adjacent units.

Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and air-conditioning (windows can also be opened to adjust temperatures). Suites have Nespresso coffeemakers, while other rooms have electric kettles and tea/instant coffee. Bathrooms are traditionally French, with tubs and handheld showerheads attached, but no proper stand-up showers. Some Suite bathrooms also have bidets. Wall-mounted makeup mirrors, toiletries, and hairdryers come standard. 

Amenities are minimal here, but there are a few quality features. While there's no on-site restaurant, the hotel offers a varied breakfast buffet in the breakfast room, but it's expensive for what it is. Additionally, guests can grab a cocktail in the small lobby bar. Room service is also available. The lobby business center consists of a computer and printer for guest use; it lacks privacy but is useful for checking emails or printing boarding passes. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Guests in town for business can also rent the small conference space that accommodates up to 25 people and has modern audio-visual equipment.