Derby Eiffel Hotel

The Derby Eiffel Hotel is located in a turn-of-the-century building that provides an affordable base with iconic views of the Parisian landmark. The mid-range hotel’s entrance, directly on the sidewalk, has red awnings over room windows, patio furniture in front of arched windows on the ground-floor, and a red “Derby Eiffel” sign over the entrance. The lobby is decorated in wood wall paneling that creates a traditional, old-world vibe. Modern chairs and a table are across from the wooden front desk. A charming antique staircase, with purple carpeting and iron railings, winds from the sixth floor to the hotel’s patio, where there are potted plants and patio furniture. Hallways are standard, with cream-colored walls, purple striped carpeting, and an old-fashioned, small elevator. Overall the atmosphere is old-world and cozy.

The hotel is situated in Paris’ 7th Arrondissement in view of the Eiffel Tower and surrounded by shops, bars, restaurants, and markets. In walking distance are the Saint-Francois-Xavier Metro station (13 line), the Ecole Militaire station (8 line), Rue Cler, and the Champ de Mars public park, with the Mur de la Paix and the Eiffel Tower. The Louvre Museum, Champs-Elysees, and Arc de Triomphe are 20 minutes by subway or bus. Musee d'Orsay is a 25-minute trip via public transportation. The Paris Orly Airport is a 30-minute car trip.

Options for rooms include Single, Twin, Double, Double Premium, Triple, and Junior Suites that are furnished with wooden floors, yellow or blue wallpaper, Eiffel Tower decor, and dark wood furniture. All rooms come with air-conditioning, closets or wardrobes, safes, Wi-Fi (for a fee), and windows, with intricate iron railings, overlooking the courtyard or the Eiffel Tower. Space is limited in rooms -- some are teensy even by Paris standards -- but there are writing desks with built-in minibars and, in some rooms, chairs. Small, modern bathrooms have hairdryers, shower/tub combos and -- in some -- whirlpool tubs and heated towel racks. Microwaves and irons/ironing boards are available on request.

The hotel’s bar, accessible from the lobby, provides a classic and comfy atmosphere, with warm-toned wooden wall panels, chevron wooden floors, gray tufted chairs and sofas, a large flat-screen TV, and an espresso machine. A large arched window, flanked by potted palms, provides natural light. There’s also a business corner in the bar, with three PC computers, a printer, and three swivel chairs. Floor-to-ceiling stone walls create a cozy, grotto feeling in the charming breakfast room. The breakfast itself is perfectly adequate, with croissants, cereals, fresh fruit, and hard boiled eggs. Wooden high-back chairs and a buffet table, with orange juice dispensers and a water cooler, are also in the dining room. Wi-Fi is available for a fee.