Hotel Joyce is a mid-range hotel, part of the Astotel chain group -- yet this particular hotel is very un-chain-like in design. Quirky would be a good word to describe it -- oddities like car seats (with seatbelts) and funky light fixtures hang from the ceilings. The unique design elements mix well with the historical aspects of the hotel -- like the glass-roofed solarium and stone walls. Somehow, it all adds up to make this boutique hotel a solid, and fun, choice in the 9th arrondissement. The street and neighborhood are quiet, but within walking distance are train stations, the Moulin Rouge, and restaurants. Rooms are bright with white walls, murals, and bold accents. Most come with French balconies, and include flat-screen TVs, tub/shower combos, and iPod docks. Travelers on a budget (this place is much more affordable than most Parisian hotels -- though it certainly is not a "budget" hotel) with a good sense of humor should check this place out.

This boutique hotel draws music lovers seeking a good value in a central location. The rooms are colorful and music-themed, with record albums used as art, and guitar paintings hung on the walls. The hotel is aptly located next to the Olympia music hall in the 9th arrondissement, making it a great spot to crash after attending a performance. The funky yellow hands adorning the entrance doors will alert guests that this is no ordinary hotel, and small touches will continue to surprise within. Near the front desk there is a multimedia area with headphones where guests can listen to CDs, and rooms have high-tech audio equipment and iPod docks. The communal areas are fun to wander -- check out the carpets decorated with stars, the sequined elevator, and silhouettes on the walls. The hotel serves breakfast for a fee, and has an area for drinks and snacks, but no real restaurant for meals. There is, however, a spa offering Turkish baths and massages.

The 38-room Hotel Palm Opera is a well-run boutique with a fantastic central location. Rooms are clean and sophisticated with modern Danish-style minimalist decor, flat-screen TVs, and French balconies that offer excellent Parisian views. The bathrooms are as immaculately clean as the rooms and surprisingly spacious. But amenities are bare-bones (there's little else other than a small on-site dining room for breakfast), which is probably why the contemporary, stylish vibe can still be had at such a good value.

The Hotel Astra Opera is in situated in Paris' 9th arrondissement, in the heart of the city's theater and business districts. The seven-story, 82-room hotel rises beside shops and restaurants, and is a quick walk to local attractions. With a simplistic, minimalist design and glass-roof lobby (with lobby bar and no-frills restaurant) the Astra is modern and up-to-date, but lacks the warmth and personality many might expect from a Parisian hotel. The hallways lack natural light, so combined with dark carpets and embossed floral wallpaper, they're extremely dark (especially at night). The rooms themselves are quite pleasant (albeit a bit plain), and feature modern conveniences such as iPod docks and large LCD flat-screen TVs. Bedside tables open into tiny mini-fridges, and fresh flowers in the rooms add a welcoming touch. The bathrooms are sleek and pretty with granite countertops, but are extremely narrow. The on-site business center, meeting rooms, free Wi-Fi, and location near the business district make this a nice choice for those traveling for work, but the proximity to popular sites make it a good choice for couples as well.