Fraser Suites Le Claridge Champs-Elysees

The hotel's beautiful 1914 building has an ornate sandstone facade, and the elegant impression continues upon stepping inside. The hotel feels spacious, which can be a rarity in Paris, and the lobby has round lounge couches, softly lit floor lamps, warm wallpaper, and a collection of abstract prints on the wall. Fresh flowers sit in a vase on the mantel over a fireplace. A pair of elevators reaches all floors, though there is a broad, wood-paneled staircase. The breakfast room, as well as the hotel's meeting room, is equipped with bright red tables and chairs. There is a lovely courtyard area in the middle of the hotel where guests can bring their breakfast during warm weather months. The hotel sees plenty of families looking to save a little by cooking their own meals, as well as couples and business travelers, including long-stay guests.

Located in the Claridge Building on the bustling Champs-Elysees, the hotel is flanked by shops and cafes. The Rond Point des Champs-Elysees takes five minutes to reach on foot, with the Grand Palais and theaters nearby, while the Roosevelt, George V, and Saint-Philippe-du-Roule Metro stations are all less than five minutes away on foot. The Arc de Triomphe, visible from many rooms, is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and for those who are ambitious, walks to the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Musee d'Orsay can all be done in 30 minutes or less. Those looking to take the metro can reach the Louvre is 12 minutes, the Musee d'Orsay in 20 minutes, and the Eiffel Tower in 25 minutes. Notre Dame Cathedral is 25 minutes away by metro as well. The major train stations (Gare de Lyon, Gare du Nord, and Montparnasse) are less than 30 minutes away by public transit and Charles de Gaulle Airport is about 35 minutes away by car, though trips can be longer depending on the time of day. Orly Airport can be reached in around 40 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.

Even the smallest Studios at the Frasier Suites are large by Paris standards (starting at 35 square meters, or 377 square feet), and all are equipped for a self-sufficient stay, with full tiled kitchens including a microwave, mini-fridge, stovetop, coffee machine, and toaster. Beds are plush, with white duvets, accent pillows, and gray bed runners, and are backed by a blown-up sepia-toned photo of Parisian landscapes. Walls are mostly white, with deep blue accents and borders framing the rooms. Contemporary white furniture has antique and vintage accents, like chartreuse velvet upholstery and toile-print fabrics on chairs in the Studio we visited. All rooms have smart, patterned carpets and the One and Two-Bedroom Apartments are even more amply stocked, with large kitchens including ovens and espresso machines, and separate living rooms with a dining table, couch or sofa bed, coffee table, and desk. Each room has at least one massive, floor-to-ceiling window and a few have Juliet balconies looking out onto the busy street below. The flat-screen TVs come with a wide variety of channels and each room has free Wi-Fi and safes. Decor in the bathrooms varies, though they are generally spacious and all are equipped with a shower/tub combo. A few bathrooms have bright, tropical-colored tiling while others are more executive-looking, with tan walls and marble countertops. High-end L'Occitane toiletries are provided. Unlike many apartment-style hotels across Europe, daily housekeeping is provided for free here, and all rooms have individually controlled air-conditioning.

Though many guests cook in their rooms, The Fraser Suites offers a buffet breakfast with hot and cold options and free Wi-Fi throughout. There is no dedicated bar or restaurant here, though. The hotel has a laundry room that is free for guests to use and dry-cleaning services are available upon request. Guests have free, 24-hour access to the small fitness center with a handful of weight machines, a bike, and treadmill. There is also a business corner and presentation/meeting room. Children receive welcome treats and special discounts, and small pets are allowed for an extra fee. Airport transfers can be arranged and the hotel has a 24-hour front desk that can assist with concierge services.