Hotel Chavanel

The family-owned Hotel Chavanel is situated in a classic, six-story Haussmann-style building that blends in seamlessly with the rest of the block. Completely renovated in 2013, this design-conscious hotel is chic and contemporary in a way that's perfectly suited to its location on one of the most fashion-forward streets in Paris. The lobby's standout feature may be the line of birch trees that wall off the reception desk from the rest of the lobby, where rich teal, white, and exposed stone walls provide the perfect backdrop for a chic multicolored couch and rug. A little pop-up shop in the lobby features shelves of French-made products and a few sitting areas, including a large golden birdcage seat. While this intimate property doesn't have the features of larger chain hotels, decor here is thoughtfully considered and high-end, making this rise above the standard mid-range options. With mostly double and twin rooms, guests here tend to be couples, though business travelers, particularly in the fashion or design industry, and small families find their way here, too. 

The Chavanel is situated directly on bustling Rue Tronchet, a popular high-end shopping destination on the eastern edge of Paris' 8th Arrondissement. The Galeries Lafayette and Le Printemps, two major department stores, are under a five-minute walk away. The Place de la Concorde is a 10-minute walk, and nearby destinations like the Jardin des Tuileries, Grand Palais, the Orangerie Museum, and the Champ Elysées, are about a 15-minute walk. For destinations farther out, this spot is exceptionally well connected to public transport, with four metro stations and at least eight lines within a seven-minute walk. Parking is available right across the street, though, as one expects in Paris, it costs an extra daily fee. - Three-minute walk to Madeleine metro station (Lines 8, 12, and 14)

• Four-minute walk to Havre-Caumartin metro station (Lines 3 and 9)
• Six-minute walk to Saint-Lazare station (Lines 3, 12, 13, 14, plus trains J, L, and TER)
• Six-minute walk to Auber station (RER A)
• 11 minutes Arc de Triomphe via public transit
• 15 minutes to the Louvre via public transit (25 minutes on foot)
• 16 minutes to the Musee d’Orsay via public transit (22 minutes on foot)
• 25 minutes to Notre Dame Cathedral via public transit
• 25 minutes to the Eiffel Tower via public transit
• One hour to Charles de Gaulle Airport via public transit

Rooms at Hotel Chavanel may be Paris-sized (read: small), but they're chic and contemporary and chock full of luxe details and high-end amenities. Lace is a theme repeated throughout the rooms. The black-and-white wall-to-wall carpeting has a lace-like effect that pairs well with the intricately patterned, illuminated Kryon headboard and layered black and lace curtains. Beds are accented in gray wool or cashmere blankets, and rooms feature chic details like modern turquoise upholstered chairs, oak or walnut bedside tables, and unique light fixtures. Bathrooms can be tiny (though no smaller than anywhere else in Paris), but they're modern with textured white accent walls. They may include separate toilet stalls and a shower or combo shower and tub, either with rainfall showerheads. Rooms have individually controlled air-conditioning, but -- one caveat -- it's individually controlled by reception. Rooms also include small desks and wardrobes with electronic laptop safes, umbrellas, and generously stocked minibars. Courtesy trays include light snacks (for purchase) and electronic kettles. Rooms also have docking stations, 32- to 42-inch wall-mounted HDTVs with satellite and international channels, and free Wi-Fi. Some units have narrow Juliet balconies that provide a small ledge to take in the street scene below. Bathrooms have magnifying mirrors, modern hairdryers, individual Nuxe toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. Entry-level Classic rooms start at 161 square feet, Superior Rooms 182 square feet, and Deluxe Rooms 226 square feet. The hotel's two Junior Suites measure up to 322 square feet and feature parquet floors, hydro-massage tubs, chic sitting areas, and other extras. 

Like many central Paris hotels, this one has limited extra property features, but it offers some of the services guests expect from higher-end hotels. The hotel serves up a daily, 100 percent organic cold breakfast buffet in a small vaulted cellar, though it costs an extra fee. Breakfast room service is available, and room service is also available (cold items only) in the late evening. The hotel's petite but chic lobby lounge is also home to a tiny "pop-up shop" -- it's really just a stylish shelved alcove, which features a rotating selection of French products for sale. Guests are offered fresh tea upon arrival. Another nice feature -- the hotel is committed to eco-friendly, socially responsible service. The front desk is open 24 hours and staff can assist with concierge service, or arrange for airport transfers, car service, laundry or dry cleaning, luggage storage, or even in-room massages. Public parking is right across the street from the hotel, but it costs an extra fee. For guests traveling with children, the hotel has cribs, and babysitting can be arranged, but guest should note that all children, no matter the age, cost an extra nightly fee if the room exceeds its designated capacity. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.