Hotel George - Astotel

Hotel George – Astotel is housed in a century-old building whose interiors were renovated in 2015 in a pop art style that recalls the 1950s. The lobby is modern and a bit funky -- think: wooden floors, upholstered retro chairs on leaf-printed rugs, and an accent wall with geometric patterns and hanging portraits of 19th-century Parisians with overlaid pink mustaches. On another wall are colorful blue and green wallpaper, hanging mirrors, and a stenciled black mustache. A bright-red refrigerator filled with drinks and snacks -- an open bar -- sits a few feet from the sleek front desk. The only other common space is the breakfast room -- whose playful style includes large leaf-patterned rugs on wood floors, tables with red or white accents, cloud and sky murals on parts of the ceiling, and white hanging lights in the shape of tea kettles and coffee pots. The hotel draws tourists -- mostly couples -- and business travelers, but given its kid-friendly touches, families find their way here too, along with solo travelers and groups of friends.

Hotel George – Astotel is located in the 9th Arrondissement in a lively area with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops, but not too many iconic sights. The hotel is a three-minute walk to the Saint Georges Metro station and a five-minute walk to the Notre-Dame-de-Lorette station -- the neoclassical church of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette is worth a visit. The Palais-Garnier Opera House and Galeries Lafayette and Printemps department stores are about a 20-minute walk south of the hotel, and the still somewhat seedy Pigalle is a six-minute walk north. (Pigalle is changing and filling but expect to see a few sex shops along the Boulevard Rochechouart.) The legendary Moulin Rouge Cabaret -- and the electronic sound of the newer La Machine du Moulin Rouge next to it -- are a seven-minute walk from the hotel, while La Cigale and Boule Noire music clubs are a nine-minute walk away. Within a seven-minute walk is the Rue des Martyrs -- known for its specialty food shops and boutiques, it leads straight to the heart of Montmarte in about a 20-minute walk. Charles de Gaulle Airport is about a 45-minute drive from the hotel, while Orly Airport is about 40 minutes away.

The 46 rooms at the Hotel George - Astotel, which were renovated in 2012, come in Singles, Doubles, Twins, and Triples, and there's an Apartment, which is really just a larger room, that can sleep up to four. Fun patterned wallpaper complements color-blocked chartreuse curtains and bed runners that top the crisp white bedding. All rooms are air-conditioned and come with flat-screen TVs and minibars with free soda, juice, and water (replenished daily) -- but they lack coffee- and tea-making facilities. Street-facing rooms provide views of lively city life, but these rooms can pick up some noise. Courtyard-facing rooms are quieter, but a bit darker. The small white-tile bathrooms were not part of the 2012 room renovation -- they have shower/tub combos and shower stalls, and granite counters around the sinks. Hairdryers and basic toiletries are provided, but space is tight.

Hotel George does offer some nice perks, such as the free "open bar" in the lobby lounge area where guests can help themselves to drinks and snacks, but facilities are limited. There's no gym, business center, computer for guests' use, or full restaurant. Breakfast is served daily for a fee, and it includes yogurt, pastries, cereal, and eggs. The stylish dining room has a kids' corner with high chairs and child-size tables and chairs. There's public parking nearby, and the hotel will reserve places on the airport shuttle for guests. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.