Hotel Lorette – Astotel

The hotel is set in a beautiful, traditional cut stone Parisian building. Renovated in 2012, the hotel now features a contemporary style with fun touches. Many of the building’s original features still remain, though, and are used well to “wow” guests. One of the most impressive is the vaulted cellar, now used as the breakfast room. The stone pillars are dramatically lit and modern touches like the wood flooring and red dining chairs add a new twist. Upstairs, the lobby is an eclectic mix of styles. The reception desk is made of an enormous piece of stone, with a bright green strip of glass lit up on top of it. Random artifacts add interest to the space, from an ornately-carved wooden rocking chair to a giant, bright pink sheep that stands in the front window. There are contemporary light fixtures and mirrors, areas of exposed brick and stonework, and bamboo plants in contemporary pots. Everything comes together to make an interesting and unique aesthetic.

The Lorette Opera is situated in the north of Paris on Rue Notre Dame de Lorette, right in the heart of Paris' theatre district. The Theatre La Bruyere and the Theatre Saint-Georges are within a few minutes' walk from the hotel, and the world-famous Moulin Rouge cabaret venue is at the end of the street -- less than a 10-minute walk away. There are plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants within a short walk too, and the famous Galeries Lafayette department store is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. 

One of Paris’ major attractions, the spectacular Basilica of Sacre-Coeur is a 15-minute walk away, and from there visitors can see the Place du Tertre and its famous artists, and get a panoramic view of the city. Those wanting a close-up look at the Eiffel Tower can take a cab there in around 15 minutes. The hotel is also well-located for access to public transport -- the Saint-Georges Metro station is less than a minute's walk away, and gets to the Champs Elysees in under 15 minutes. The Gare du Nord is a 20-minute walk or five-minute cab ride from the hotel. 

All guest rooms at the Lorette Opera have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, safes, hairdryers, desks, and minibars. Although the rooms all have double glazing, it’s worth requesting a room on a higher floor to avoid traffic noise from the street below. Some rooms have the bonus of a view of the Eiffel Tower, so it’s worth requesting that, too, for an extra special stay. The room decor is fresh and vibrant. Walls are plain white but there are touches of bright reds, yellows, and blues in the carpets, curtains, and furniture. The beds are comfortable and have modern wooden headboards with inset reading lights. There’s not a huge amount of floorspace or closet space in any, but that’s not unusual in Paris. Superior rooms are larger though, and an apartment is also available, which has an additional lounge and sofa bed. Bathrooms are simply decorated, with plain white tiles. There’s the nice touch of a small plant in a glass vase in each one. 

There’s no fitness center, spa, or business facilities here, and no bar or restaurant either -- although it’s not hard to find somewhere nearby to eat and drink. The hotel does offer a continental buffet breakfast, though. It’s fairly expensive but has a good selection of meat, cheese, pastries, and cereal, as well as hot food like omelets. Those traveling with little ones have been well-considered by the hotel -- there’s an area in the breakfast room with toys and games to keep children entertained. Guests can also have an a la carte breakfast served to their rooms. Unlike many Paris hotels, the Lorette Opera has the benefit of some outside space. Guests are welcome to use the pretty courtyard garden whenever they like, and there are plenty of tables and chairs. There’s also a small area opposite reception with stylish and comfortable armchairs, where hot beverages and soft drinks are served free of charge in the afternoon. Free Wi-Fi is also available throughout the hotel.