Hotel Etoile Saint-Honore

Formerly a Best Western hotel, the Hotel Etoile Saint-Honore by HappyCulture is housed in a row of unremarkable modern blocks overlooking a nondescript cobbled Parisian street. Guests are first met with the hotel's distinctive sweeping portico, some potted shrubbery, and large glass doors that lead into the bright, chandelier-illuminated reception area. Further inside, a long low-lit lobby lounge provides numerous inviting couches and armchairs and warm wooden floors creating a smart yet homey scene and a very welcoming space. Interiors throughout are a slightly strange but successful blend of tasteful contemporary styling with neo-classical pieces such as gilt-framed Napoleon Bonaparte oil paintings and golden Corinthian columns.

The hotel is located on the Rue du Faubourg Saint Honoré that runs parallel with, and is two blocks from, the Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement in northwest Paris. There's not a great deal in the way of tourist attractions within walking distance, though the Arc de Triomphe is a 10-minute walk away together with the Charles de Gaulle - Étoile transport hub. From here most of Paris is accessible via the Metro and RER lines. The Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral are about a 15-minute cab journey away. Paris Orly Airport is 16 miles and is an hour on the metro or 35 minutes by car.

The hotel's 85 rooms are all spacious (for Paris) and decorated in a fresh, contemporary style with wood-effect fixtures and carpeted floors. Most have neutral tones (gray, brown, and white) punched up by bright color accents, such as pink bed runners or orange armchairs. Amenities include free Wi-Fi and free non-alcoholic minibars, as well as the standard flat-screen satellite TV and tea and coffee facilities. Bathrooms aren't generally huge, but clean and modern and nicely finished with wall-mounted hairdryers and heated towel rails. Privilege Rooms also include Nespresso machines and high-end toiletries, and some offer a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower from their balconies. Some suites also have views of Sacré Coeur (a couple miles away). Although well-maintained generally, there have been reports of thin walls and poor soundproofing between rooms.

The hotel serves an American buffet breakfast (which means it includes eggs and bacon) in the bright and tasteful surrounds of the breakfast room; a continental breakfast is available in-room for an extra fee, while early express breakfast is great for coffee on the go. In the late afternoon the hotel has Tea Time, offering guests free drinks and canapés, including Champagne. Early evening in the bar guests can also enjoy their second drink for free, and Wi-Fi is free of charge throughout the hotel. There is a small business station with computer and printer, as well as a meeting room that can fit up to 90. There is no fitness center, however.