Hotel Mademoiselle

Hotel Mademoiselle is situated in a cream-colored six-story period building with charming Juliette balconies on its tall windows. The decor takes its cues from fashion, with a palette of slate blue, periwinkle, and smoky gray. Oversize murals of models in jaunty hats can be found throughout the hotel. Also, child-size statues of the French cultural mascot "The Little Prince" are a constant presence -- even in some guest rooms. Reception is particularly impressive, with a massive and angular mirrored desk atop a sleek, wood-laminate floor. An opulent chandelier hangs overhead while a few fuchsia tufted chairs add a pop of color. The center courtyard is a beautiful focal point for interior rooms, with large potted plants sitting among white iron dinettes, making it a serene setting. Guests are mainly couples, along with some families, who don't mind using public transportation or walking a bit to reach the main tourist sights. 

The street that Hotel Mademoiselle faces literally translates to “street of small hotels,” which makes for a charming setting. It’s in Gare du Nord, a neighborhood known for its multicultural population -- and the Gare du Nord Eurail station, which is seven minutes away on foot. Influences from India, Pakistan, and Africa make the area come alive and offer interesting dining choices. This 10th-Arrondissement hotel is also about a seven-minute walk to the Gare de l'Est metro station and the RER commuter rail. The hotel's convenient, city center location lands visitors at the Pont des Arts bridge and Orangerie Museum in about a 15-minute drive. The Louvre is a half-hour walk or 20 minutes by public transportation. The Eiffel Tower is about 20 minutes by car or 45 minutes by public transportation. Arc de Triomphe is a bit closer -- 18 minutes by car or 35 by public transportation. Charles de Gaulle Airport is a 32-minute drive away.

Each door has the “chambre” number emblazoned in cursive before giving way to a modestly sized room with hardwood floors. The rooms aren’t too tight, and there's a good use of space in their layout, including a work desk in each room. Creative touches -- such as trompe l'oeil wallpapered bookshelves, fuchsia-colored faux deer heads, and black lace-patterned lights -- lend interest to an otherwise minimal style that's mainly white, navy blue, and charcoal gray. Each room is air-conditioned and has a flat-screen TV with cable, an iPod dock, coffee/tea facilities, slippers and robes, a safe, and free Wi-Fi. The blue/gray/white color palette continues into the bathrooms giving them an upscale and uniform look. There are Mademoiselle-branded toiletries, magnifying mirrors, and hairdryers, and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. But the spaces are fairly compact with little counter space, and bathtubs aren't included even in larger suites.

Although the on-site spa offers massages and manicures, the focus tends to fall on the beautiful, blond-wood sauna and walk-in showers. The showers are huge, with seats and gray iridescent tile all around, and guests have access to these spaces at no cost. There is free coffee and tea in the breakfast room in the mornings. An expansive breakfast buffet is prepared daily (a fee applies), and guests have the option to have the meal delivered to their rooms. The property doesn’t have a full-service bar, but they do offer wine by the glass in the evenings. There's also a concierge on-site to assist with bookings and airport transfers.