Hôtel Ampère Paris

Located on a chic street in a traditional limestone building, the Ampere Hotel has warm, modern interiors with rustic and traditional touches like unvarnished wood columns in the bar and paneled walls and marble-tile floors in the lobby. The lush garden terrace and bar with a fireplace makes the property feel like a sanctuary, far removed from the urban frenzy just blocks away. The lobby has a white leather, L-shaped banquette with silver pillows and a gray contemporary rug. Several daily newspapers are placed next to potted orchids. Just off the lobby is Bar Le Patio, whose dark wood, black lacquer, mirrored finishes, and splashes of purple are a contemporary take on Art Deco. The corner fireplace creates a cozy ambience, especially in the winter months. Outside the bar, through large French doors, is the brick garden terrace, surrounded by boxwood and trees, with black woven seating and slatted wood tables sheltered by square, white umbrellas. Restaurant Le Jardin d'Ampere, unfortunately, with its large white columns, gray accents, and sheers has all the charm of an airport departure lounge, and is an exception to the otherwise stylish design of this hotel. With its four electronically equipped meeting rooms and its proximity to the Espace Champerret exhibition space, the hotel draws mainly business travelers during the week, but tourists, especially couples and families, take advantage of lower weekend rates. 

The Ampere Hotel is in the largely residential 17th Arrondissement, a 20-minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe. It is near three metro stops: Pereire, a two-minute walk from the hotel; Pereire-Lavallois for the RER C, a four-minute walk; and Wagram, a five-minute walk. Three bus lines also converge near the hotel. The lovely Parc Monceau is a 15-minute walk away, as is the Rue de Levis, one of Paris' liveliest market streets. Picturesque Montmarte can be reached in about 20 minutes on public transportation. The RER C line stop at Pereire-Lavallois serves as a direct link to many monuments and museums: The Eiffel Tower is about a 22 minute ride, the Musee d'Orsay is 26 minutes, and St.-Michel-Notre Dame is a 36-minute ride. The Louvre is 21 minutes away on the N16 bus. Charles de Gaulle Airport is an hour away on RER C (changing a St. Michel-Notre Dame for RER B), or a 22- to 30 minute-drive, depending on traffic. Orly Airport is about an hour's drive. 

Ampere Hotel's 97 rooms, which range from 226 to 404 square feet, have views of picturesque streets, while some of the suites have terraces and views of the Eiffel Tower. The decor is either stark -- white walls and rose-toned wood furniture with brown fabrics -- or punched up with lots of color, including purple-yellow-and-red-striped drapes that match purple-accented pillows and throws. All rooms have air-conditioning, minibars, irons and ironing boards, safes, electric kettles for coffee and tea, and free Wi-Fi. Higher-end rooms have Nespresso makers and sitting areas with high quality sofas and chairs. The large windows have sheers and black-out drapes. Bathrooms, all with modern fittings and fixtures, vary: Higher-end rooms have bold orange tiles and separate glass-door showers and tubs, while those at the lower end have pink-and-brown marble with half-round stall showers, or shower-tub combos. Hairdryers, some of which are wall-mounted, are provided, along with plush terrycloth robes and L'Occitane toiletries. 

The Ampere Hotel has enough special touches to break out of the chain hotel mold -- it's distinguished by its boxwood planted terrace and a bar with Deco touches and a fireplace. The restaurant, Le Jardin d'Ampere, serves a buffet breakfast that includes eggs, sausage, and fresh fruit for a fee; and in good weather, guests can take it on the terrace. The restaurant known for inventive French cuisine varies its menu according to the seasons. The bar serves snacks and a full range of cocktails. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, and the hotel includes a business center with computer, fax, and copy machines, and four meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment. French and international newspapers are available in the lobby, and there's a small gift shop. The 24-hour front desk provides concierge services, and guests like the convenience of being able to purchase museum passes here. Laundry and dry-cleaning services are available for a fee. On-site garage parking is also available.