Hotel Mathis

The immaculately monochrome facade of this achingly swish boutique hotel -- there's a stately black awning, ironwork, and polished plaques set against crisp white -- makes a striking first impression. Stepping in through a deliberately unassuming entrance, the lobby is small yet high-ceilinged, combining gold leaf, mosaic tiling, and dark-wood furniture for a classically stylish effect. An Art Deco font references the property's 1930s origins, while the subtle notes of incense fuses with low lighting, leopard-print carpets, and dark velvet for a plush, moody, and subtly exotic, boudoir-style ambience. The hotel bar's near-legendary reputation as a go-to for A-listers looking for a discrete and exclusive haunt also adds to Hotel Mathis's air of exclusivity. The HB Collection group restored the property in 2015, bringing a new polish to some of the more outdated decor while respecting the building's original features. It feels like a private mansion, and with its impeccable level of personalized service, the hotel attracts well-heeled tourists, high-end business travelers, and the occasionally fashion-focused celebrity. 

Considering that the hotel is just one block from the bustling Champs-Elysees, this area of the 8th Arrondissement is surprisingly quiet. There's still an impressive choice of upmarket dining, quaint patisseries, and nightlife within a short stroll, in addition to scores of designer boutiques. Also just a minute away is the picturesque Jardin de la Nouvelle France, where the Elysee Palace is located. But most top sights aren't within walking distance of the hotel, though there are two metro stations within five minutes on foot. Taking public transit, it's 10 minutes to the Arc de Triomphe, 17 minutes to the Opera Garnier, 18 minutes to the Louvre, 26 minutes to Notre Dame, and 27 minutes to Luxembourg Gardens, respectively. Both Charles de Gaulle and Orly airport are within a 30-minute drive. 

The hotel has 23 guest room in all, each individually styled with interior design elements that range from playful patterned wallpaper and convex mirrors to more understated wooden floors, black-and-white photos, and tastefully muted tones. Typical of Paris, entry-level rooms can certainly be on the small side (172 square feet or 16 square meters) though roomier Junior Suites are also available (258 square feet or 24 square meters). Two guest rooms on the fourth floor open to cute furnished balconies overlooking a stretch of charming Parisian facade, though some rooms look to walls of a small inner courtyard and can lack natural light. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, minibars (with free soft drinks), air-conditioning, and digital safes; reliable in-room Wi-Fi is also free of charge. Guest rooms lack kettles, though Junior suites add Nespresso machines. Most bathrooms are stylishly finished in mosaic tile, with shower/tub combos (some showers are walk-in), heated towel racks, and wall-mounted hairdryers; toiletries are a high-end Parisian brand, plus guests get a pair of M-embossed slippers to take home. Beds are also particularly comfy and rooms are very well soundproofed from street noise.

A simple, traditional Parisian breakfast of baguettes, croissants, cheeses, and jams, plus eggs cooked to order is served in the hotel's restaurant; breakfast is not included in the standard rate though the price is fairly reasonable. The connected Mathis Bar is one of Paris's top haunts, with a plush, moody vibe and an appropriately fabulous (and expensive) cocktail list to match. Both bar and restaurant were undergoing renovations during time of writing (summer 2017). With very little in the way of facilities (no spa or fitness facilities) it's the service that really stands out, with super-professional staff on hand 24/7 to help with everything from arranging a chauffeur-driven car and shopping trips, to in-room babysitting, hairdressing, and styling. Wi-Fi is free throughout.