Hotel de Vendome

The hotel, owned by Swiss luxury jeweler Maison Chopard and a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, is immediately opulent upon stepping through the revolving glass door. The 17th century building's lobby is lined with elegantly patterned granite floors and features an elaborate crystal chandelier overhead, while the polished wood and granite front desk is flanked by pillars. Vibrant green plants sprout from vases set about the lobby, leading to the etched art nouveau elevator doors. There isn't much seating, though the hotel's restaurant and bar serves as a place for guests to gather. It's bright and welcoming, combining antique lines with modern patterns and colors; black and white prints on upholstered chairs with small pink pillows, a smattering of bookshelves, long brown couches, and a small brass bar create a truly exceptional, classy place to relax. Guests of the hotel are primarily couples on romantic holidays, though a few business travelers and families pass through as well.

As its name suggest, the Hotel de Vendome sits on the beautiful Place de Vendome, surrounded by jewelry stores and designer shops (such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Marc Jacobs). The hotel is within a five-minute walk of several museums -- the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay, and the Palais Royal  -- and a 20 minute walk to the Champs Elysee. The Tuilieries Metro station is less than a five-minute walk from the hotel for access to Notre Dame and Moulin Rouge in 25 minutes away, the Arc de Triomphe in 15 minutes, and the Eiffel Tower in 30 minutes. Taxis are also readily available in the area. Gare de Lyon is 15 minutes away by metro, while Charles de Gaulle Airport is about 40 minutes away by car and Orly Airport is a 30 minute drive from the hotel. 

All 29 rooms here offer a hint of royal charm, and are outfitted with an embarrassment of rich antique fixtures and accents, from framed walls to heavy wooden furniture and luxurious fabrics. Duvet-covered beds have velvet and wood headboards plus embroidered bed runners, and many feature an antique bench at the foot. There are small brass floral chandeliers, gilded mirrors, and framed period prints on the walls, many featuring birds. Most rooms have several pieces of antique furniture, like red velvet couches and solid wood desks, and thick velvet curtains hang over the windows. Suites offer a separate living area, equipped with a pair of velvet and wood couches, armchairs, dressers, and antique lamps. Some even feature a small decorative fireplace. There is free Wi-Fi access in every room as well as flat-screen TVs, safes, air-conditioning, pillow menus, and minibars. Bathrooms are stunning, with marble tile floors and walls, bathrobes, a cosmetic mirror, and shower/tub combos. High-end products would have been a nice touch, and guest rooms may be a bit fussy for guests who prefer modern, minimalist decor.

Hotel de Vendome offers free Wi-Fi access in rooms, but not much else in the way of freebies. The restaurant gets rave reviews from non-guests as well as hotel guests, and features gourmet fresh seasonal cuisine. The restaurant serves a variety of a la carte and fixed menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but no meals are included with bookings. There is a small bar serving a variety of French wines and cocktails and room service is available 24 hours. Valet parking, laundry, dry cleaning, babysitting, and shuttle services are available upon request and for a fee.