9th Arrondissement (Opera Garnier), United States
Convenient location near restaurants, shops, and the metro
Two miles from Notre Dame Cathedral
Stylish and fun pop art decor in public spaces and rooms
Rooms come with flat-screen TVs and a minibar
On-site bar and lounge
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Room service available
Pet-friendly (with fees and restrictions)
Standard Rooms are small, no tub in bathroom
Daily breakfast costs extra
No full restaurant
Boring views for interior-facing rooms
Somewhere between “Sherlock
Holmes” and “Austin Powers” lies the inspiration for this upper-middle-range hotel’s kitschy and
colorful decor. The 103-room Best Western Premier Opéra Faubourg is
a pet-friendly, non-smoking hotel less than two miles (about 15
minutes via Metro) from major Parisian attractions including the Louvre Museum,
Notre Dame Cathedral, and Moulin Rouge. The Opera neighborhood is alive with dining choices from around the globe and ample shopping. Guest rooms, while small, have expected
comforts like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Travelers may also want to compare this with Hotel Eugene en Ville, a smaller property with steampunk-style decor and slightly higher rates.
Scene
Fun, whimsical, and retro decor throughout
The focus is on fun and whimsy within the hotel, creating a stark contrast from the seriousness and sophisticated architecture of the street. British pop-culture hallmarks are scattered throughout: English bulldog statues, light fixtures shaped like bowler hats, Union Jack motifs, and place mats that read “Keep Calm and Carry On.” The Technicolor palette spans the spectrum from a hot pink bar top to rainbow color blocked walls and red table tops in the bistro-theme breakfast room. The lobby is bright and white with an atrium ceiling filling the space with natural light. There's a small nook with two computers, a printer, and a tumble of books wedged into the corner. Most guests are international couples, but families and business travelers stay here too.
Location
A foodie paradise close to major landmarks
By far, the biggest selling point for the Best Western Premier Opéra Faubourg is its ideal location. It faces the busy Rue la Fayette, between the Le Peletier and Cadet Metro stops. Major Parisian attractions like the Galeries Lafayette, Paris Opera, and Moulin Rouge are all within a 15-minute walking radius. Other major attractions like the Louvre Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral are about 15 to 20 minutes via the Metro or 12 to 15 minutes by car. The area surrounding the hotel is a paradise of shopping and dining with 10 shops, five eateries, and a grocery store just on the block between Rue la Fayette and Rue de Châteaudun alone. While there are plenty of traditional French bistros and brasseries to choose from, the global cuisine from Gabriela (Brazilian), Hotaru (Japanese), and God Save The Fish (English) are famously good. Charles de Gaulle Airport is about a 40-minute drive away.
Rooms
Cozy rooms with trendy decor and bright bathrooms
The 103 guest rooms are divided into Deluxe, Superior, Standard, and Junior Suite categories. Style is within keeping of the hotel's fun and kitschy theme, some have blue, purple, or brown plaid carpets, and bowler hats as lamps or attached to the walls above reading lights. Each room includes air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and a refrigerated minibar. Junior Suites are the most spacious with a small parlor and extra storage. Rooms in the lower categories, are definitely on the cozy side. Bathrooms can include shower stalls or shower/tub combos. Each is bright white with gleaming tile, chic stainless steel fixtures, organic toiletries, and cozy bathrobes. Note that some rooms face the interior of the hotel and lack much of a view.
Features
Breakfast (for a fee), on-site bar, room service, and free Wi-Fi
The hotel seems to depend on it's convenient location as its best feature. Breakfast is served daily (for a fee), and room service is available, but there isn't a full restaurant at the hotel. The bar and lounge opens in the afternoon for cocktails, spirits, and Champagne. The lobby is accessible 24-hours a day, with a computer nook and bell service. There is also an e-concierge feature to help pinpoint areas of interest in the city. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Other useful, but fee-based extras are laundry service, airport transfer, and nearby public parking. Pets are welcome for a fee and with restrictions.