Hotel Eiffel Saint-Charles

Small Parisian hotels are a dime a dozen, but as its name suggests, the Eiffel Saint Charles stands out for its Eiffel Tower views from many rooms. It occupies a corner building in the residential 15th Arrondissement, and an on-site elevator is a perk for Paris. The look throughout leans heavily on neutral tones and glossy finishes. Zigzag patterns on cozy chairs and stools feel stylish at the lobby bar, though it's a quiet scene there. The few amenities and common spaces here mean guests are typically outside the hotel exploring sights.

The hotel is set in the fairly central, though rather residential, 15th Arrondissement, located a 15-minute walk from the Eiffel Tower and splendid Champs de Mars lawns adjoining it. The immediate area isn't crammed with shops and restaurants, but it has a decent selection. The 42 bus, a one-minute walk from the hotel, runs from transport hub Gare du Nord to sights including Place de la Concorde, Opera, Madeleine, and the Champs-Elysees with maximum journey times of 30 minutes. Between the curved wings of Chaillot Palace, Trocadero is a 25-minute walk or 15-minute metro ride, and both Charles Michels and Dupleix metro are a five-minute walk. Beaugrenelle mall is a six-minute walk, while the Louvre Museum is half an hour by metro. Charles de Gaulle Airport is an hour by car or public transport and Orly Airport is the same by public transit or a quicker 40-minute drive.

Although common for Paris hotels, rooms are a squeeze at 13 to 15 square meters (140 to 161 square feet), but they're attractive, contemporary, and well-designed to make use of the limited space. Although lacking kettles, rooms have expected amenities such as flat-screen TVs with international channels, free Wi-Fi, desks, minibars, air-conditioning, and electronic safes. Rooms can fit up to three people with the Triple category.

Some rooms face an inner courtyard, while those with Eiffel Tower views may require leaning out the window for a decent sight of the monument. Unfortunately, complaints of interior noise from thin walls are frequent. Bathrooms are the most modern-looking aspects of rooms, with sleek matte surfaces, chrome fixtures, and either shower/tub combos or showers. Toiletries are provided, as are hairdryers, but they're the old hose-style ones and are in need of a refresh.

Unsurprisingly for a small Paris hotel, there are no full restaurant or a gym here. The only meal offered is a buffet breakfast spread (fee) consisting of the typical continental fare such as breads, pastries, jams, cold meats and cheeses, cereals, and yogurt, alongside canned fruit, scrambled eggs, and bacon. Tea, coffee and juice are also served. Alcoholic beverages are available all day in the lobby bar. Management can organize tours and store luggage after checkout. Though the hotel doesn't offer its own, the nearest parking facilities are a four-minute walk away. Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout.