Garden Elysee Hotel

This hotel lives up to its name, offering tranquility
from the moment guests step into the vine and tree-lined courtyard that fronts
the modern building. That vibe extends throughout much of the property, which
bills itself as an oasis right in the heart of Paris, with plenty of space
inside to sit and relax with a free newspaper or drink from the lobby bar. The
lobby’s black-and-white marble floors look classic against oak pillars while
purple couches and orange chairs can be found in a comfortable lounge. A lamp-lit
garden courtyard is ideal for sipping coffee and starting the day in a relaxed,
typically Parisian way. A tented conservatory with a large flat-screen TV is a
stylish, casual place to unwind for the couples, families, and business travelers
who frequent Garden Elysee.

The 16th Arrondissement is one of Paris’
most upscale neighborhoods, with its wide boulevards and ornate buildings. The
hotel sits in a courtyard behind other buildings off of a side street that
leads to busy Avenue Kleber. Many of the city’s iconic sights are within
walking distance as well. The Trocadero is less than a 10-minute walk south and the
Eiffel Tower is about a 15-minute walk southeast, with part of the route flowing
over the scenic Seine River. The Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysee, a
famous avenue lined with theaters, shops, and restaurants of all kinds, are
both a 15- to 20-minute walk from the property as well. For reaching farther
destinations like the Musee d’Orsay, the Louvre, and Notre Dame Cathedral, the
Boissiere metro station is just around the corner. Orly and Charles de
Gaulle airports are both an hour away using the metro and RER trains, while cabs
to either destination take up to 30 and 40 minutes, respectively.

While guest units here won’t win any awards
for innovative or eye-catching design, they are attractive and comfortable.
Contemporary furniture and a light wood veneer give rooms a bright, breezy
quality. Single Rooms are tiny (starting at 14 square meters, or
151 square feet) and Classic Rooms aren't much larger (16 square meters, or 172
square feet) so those seeking breathing room should consider higher-tier categories. Light, pinstriped
carpets combine with tan, abstract-patterned drapes and soft-colored wall art
to create intimate environments, while brown velour runners lay across comfy
beds with floor-to-ceiling oak headboards. All units have small window-side
seating areas with purple armchairs and coffee tables, and because the hotel
sits off the street behind other buildings, rooms are exceptionally quiet. Each
guest room includes a flat-screen TV, safe, minibar, electric kettles with free coffee or tea, and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are spotlessly clean, if bland, with tan tiling, faux marble
vanities, toiletries, and tub/shower combos with slightly outdated fixtures and
hairdryers.

The
hotel serves a tasty breakfast buffet, though it charges different prices
depending on whether guests would like continental fare or additional hot options, and the cost of the meal isn’t included with most bookings. A small
bar offers cocktails or coffees to be enjoyed in the lounge, outdoor
courtyard, or conservatory. There’s no on-site restaurant for lunch and
dinner, but room service is available from a local eatery. The small fitness
center with towel service is suitable for a simple workout, with four cardio options and pulley
machines but no free weights. Private parking is available for
guests with cars, and laundry and dry cleaning services can be arranged. The
24-hour front desk provides concierge services and Wi-Fi is free though spotty at certain spots.