Crowne Plaza Paris – Neuilly

Formerly the Moevenpick Hotel Paris Neuilly, this hotel had ongoing renovations throughout 2014 and 2015 that updated its guest rooms and lobby. It's still a business hotel through and through, with few, if any leisure tourists. Revolving glass doors open into a lobby with a two-story-high ceiling supported by overly ornate purple-and gold-leaf-patterned columns, but it's also partially covered in undesirable drop-ceiling panels. White chandeliers styled like molten shards of glass hang above clustered seating areas with off-white and lime green chairs and couches. The reception desk is broken up into four small counters, made of attractive, cream-colored stone. Down the hall, three elevators service the floors so that busy travelers are never waiting long. Outside, the U-shaped building has a second-story rooftop terrace that looks down over a little garden courtyard.

The hotel is on a sleepy residential street, outside the city center in the suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine. There are a handful bars and restaurants within a few blocks, but options are slim and this is not an ideal spot for tourists, despite being quiet and safe. It is, however, a convenient base for business travelers, about a 10-minute drive across the river from La Defense, France’s premier business district, packed with office towers and corporate headquarters. The Espace Champerret exhibition center is a four-minute drive, and the Palais des congres de Paris located at Porte Maillot is about a five-minute drive away. The closest metro stop, Anatole France, is a 10-minute walk, but the more useful Les Sablons stop is almost 20 minutes away on foot. It's just over 30 minutes to the Eiffel Tower and about 45 minutes to Notre Dame Cathedral via public transportation. Expect a 40-minute drive to Charles de Gaulle International Airport and about a 35-minute drive to Orly Airport (depending on traffic).

The hotel's 281 guest rooms have a sobering contemporary decor, with patterned brown carpeting, neutral walls, and wood accents. Views vary from street to garden courtyard, and some have city views with the Eiffel Tower in the distance. At 258 square feet, the standard air-conditioned rooms are spacious, and they have queen or two twin beds, along with seating areas with cushy upholstered chairs. Flat-screen TVs are set in wood frames above work desks. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and electric kettles, but there are no coffeemakers. Bathrooms are modern, with either shower/tub combos or large, rainfall showers. Deluxe Rooms are on upper floors with Eiffel Tower views, and they add minibars. Some upgraded rooms, as well as suites, have Nespresso machines and free minibars. Suites also have large work desks, separate living areas with sofa beds, and Bulgari toiletries. 

Business-friendly features here include 20 flexible meeting rooms; the smallest accommodates groups of 12, while the largest can hold over 400 people. Most have natural light and some have windows facing the pleasant interior garden courtyard. There's also a comfortable business corner in the lobby with a desk and a printer. There's no spa or hot tub, but an adequate fitness center has treadmills, stationary bikes, and free weights. For dining, Brasserie Victor Hugo serves traditional French and international cuisine, with Swiss specialties as a slight twist. It also has a full buffet breakfast (not included) and brunch on Sundays. Trendy 58 Bar & Lounge has a happy hour and lays claim to stocking 100 different kinds of Champagne. The large rooftop terrace is open seasonally, with ample table seating and a mix of wicker and wrought iron patio furniture. Parking is available for an extra fee, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.