Golden Tulip Opera De Noailles

The Golden Tulip is housed in a typically charming Parisian property with little from the outside to distinguish itself from its quaint white-stone neighbors. Inside, however, every effort has been made to emphasize its playful and arty character: A bale of silver turtles cling to the wall behind a frosted glass reception desk while huge colorful snails sit stationary on marble floors. A bright red crocodile lies in wait, watched by a sleuth of curious orange bears. After experiencing such a kooky scene on arrival, hallways are comparatively mundane, though the hotel is dotted throughout with numerous pieces of original contemporary artwork produced by the environmentally-conscious Italian group Cracking Art. Tucked away from the immediate bustle of central Paris, the ambiance here is relaxed while a fun, kitsch vibe is fostered through the hotel's focus on contemporary creativity.

Located in the busy and bustling 2nd arrondissement in the heart of Paris, two blocks from the Place de l'Opéra, the hotel is excellently positioned for exploring the capital's center. Upscale shopping opportunities are just a quick stroll away, including department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps as well as the Place Vendôme and its haute-couture boutiques. The world-renowned Louvre Museum is a bit more than a 10-minute walk southeast while the grand Palais Brongniart is a little more than five minutes away. The Opéra metro stop is just two minutes away and offers connections to multiple lines. 

The hotel has 56 air-conditioned rooms, all of which are decorated in a bright and modern color scheme. The overall effect, however, is a bit corporate and generic. The wood veneer furnishings have an Ikea-style look, while splashes of red in the bed runners and chairs jar slightly with the busily-patterned yellow and black carpet. Amenities are what you'd expect from an advertised four-star property -- free Wi-Fi, well-stocked minibars, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Black and red tiled bathrooms are jazzy and include hairdryers and walk-in rain-showers or tubs. Some rooms also open to balconies or terraces. As is typical of Paris, a few of the rooms are very small.

Amenities are somewhat limited here, but there are cushy perks to make guests feel comfortable. A full breakfast is served each morning (the meal is not included in room rates), which guests can enjoy in the “Japanese garden” courtyard during warmer weather. And there's the option of having breakfast brought to your room. The hotel also has a bar and lounge where guests can relax in front of a modern-style fireplace. There's no restaurant on-site. The Golden Tulip also has a tiny sauna for two and fitness room with a few machines and free weights.