Hotel Malte – Astotel

Housed in a 17th-century building with wrought-iron balconies and stone-carved detailing, the hotel is a lovely setting in which to soak up old Parisian atmosphere, and draws international tourists and couples. The standard of elegance is further enhanced upon entering the lobby, with its gorgeous mix of herringbone couches, tufted velvet chairs, crystal chandeliers, midcentury modern lighting, gas fireplace, vintage-inspired wallpaper, and large floor vases of fresh orchids. The patio, which is open in warm weather, offers brightly colored iron tables and chairs set on slate-gray tile. 

Situated in central Paris’ Opera district, the Malte is a five-minute walk to Palais Royal, and about 10 minutes' walk from the Louvre, the Opera, and Place Vendome. There are shopping opportunities and several bars and restaurants within five- to 10-minutes' walk of the hotel, including Le Grand Colbert, where Diane Keaton dines in "Something's Gotta Give." Also, it's about a half-hour walk to Montmartre, Champs Elysees, and Notre Dame. There are three Metro stops within a five-minute walk, from which any main attraction in Paris (including the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe) can be reached in 40 minutes or less. Charles de Gaulle airport is about 35 minutes away by car. 

Like many rooms in Paris, the Standard-level rooms here are quite small -- there isn’t much room for a suitcase. Fresh from a 2016 renovation, the rooms feature beautiful beautiful decor of mostly with cool grays and deep eggplants or warm creams and cornflower blues. Like the lobby, room decor presents an interesting mix of classic and contemporary: the purple-and-cream seashell-patterned carpeting and purple velvet window-pane-print bedspreads and pillows have Art Deco style, while the blond-wood night table, wall-mounted writing desk and black-wire chair, and even the minibar (where free drinks are stocked daily) have a modern Scandinavian look. All rooms have electric kettles, iPod docks, huge flat-screen TVs with several English channels, safes, and free unlimited Wi-Fi. 

White-tile bathrooms are clean and modern with lots of mirrors and bauble light fixtures, but they are also compact. Most bathrooms have shower/tub combos, but some have walk-in showers. Algotherm beauty products are provided -- a shower cap, vanity set, shampoo, conditioner, soap, and shower gel. The Duplex rooms are notably much larger, each with an upstairs loft bedroom (and steep spiral staircase), two bathrooms, a separate seating area, and double-height windows.

A large breakfast buffet including meats, cheeses, smoked salmon, and a variety of locally made pastries and breads is available for a fee. Every afternoon, the hotel offers free snacks, coffee, and tea in the lounge area. The reception desk is open 24 hours, and staff are happy to help with reservations and airport transfers. There is an informal meeting room comprised of a long table, with a glass wall overlooking the patio area, and a large original oil painting depicting a scene in Renaissance Paris. One corner is dedicated to kids, with pint-sized chairs and old-fashioned toys, like miniature wooden cars and a classic ride-on speedster. Hotel Malte Opera's patio is a lovely feature, giving guests a colorful place to relax and have breakfast outdoors when the weather allows. Wi-Fi is free and unlimited throughout the property.