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.