Hotel Molitor Paris – MGallery Collection

Upon entering the bright yellow Moliter, the feeling is something between walking onto a movie set and into a warehouse showroom. Situated under exposed lights, pipes and beams, the reception desk resembles a box of dental floss and a colorfully graffitied Rolls Royce convertible is the centerpiece of the lobby. The Art Deco architecture is reminiscent of Jacques Tati's films, and various trinkets -- portraits of sad clowns, cutouts of pop and a motorcycle -- are strategically placed throughout the lobby. The long indoor and outdoor swimming pools are frequented by guests and high-paying regulars alike. Stark and simple pairs of chairs and tables line the rooftop bar, which has a tremendous view of the tree-lined neighborhood and the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Bright red is a recurring color, making appearances among the chairs in Le Restaurant (under the vine-like hanging lamps) and also on the windowsill of the lounge in the form of small, odd statues. The two bars and restaurants are frequented by hipsters and artists.  

Situated in the quiet and tree-lined 16th District on the outskirts of Paris, the Jardins des Serres d’Auteuil is a three-minute walk from the hotel and Boutique Roland Garros is six minutes away. The Bois do Boulounge park and several other green open spaces are nearby, as are a handful of tasty cafes and restaurants. It’s a bit of a trip to get to the main attractions of central Paris, however. The Metro’s 9 and 10 lines are each about a 10-minute walk from the hotel and via metro, the Eiffel Tower is 35 minutes away, the Louvre Museum 40 minutes, and the Champs-Elysees 32 minutes. The main train stations -- Gare de Lyon and Gare du Nord -- are at least 45 minutes away via the 4 and 9 lines and Charles de Gaulle Airport is 30 minutes away by car or taxi.

There are 124 rooms at the Moliter and thanks to the hotel’s huge 2014 renovation, they all feel fresh, clean, and contemporary. The artistic lighting features include stylish stainless steel lamps on one wall, delicate, candle-like spindle lights behind the bed, and elegant reading lights attached to the sleek wraparound headboard. Although many rooms are rather small, they all have large windows and let in plenty of light. Bathrooms are ultramodern with fancy rain showers, stainless steel towel dryers, long countertops, and frosted glass doors with porthole-like windows from which one can see the bedroom. Even the coffee and tea-making facilities are shiny and futuristic. There are free Wi-Fi access, safes, mini-fridges, and individually controlled heat and air-conditioning in every room. The views look out upon the outdoor pool.

Besides the enormous indoor and outdoor swimming pools, viewed as the best in Paris and frequented by non-guests who pay a sizable monthly fee to use them, the Moliter has a classy spa and salon with a large variety of massages, body, hair and nail treatments. Free Wi-Fi access is available in rooms. Parking -- indoor and outdoor -- is available for an extra fee and breakfast is also not included in the room price. The indoor restaurant and rooftop bar serve creative French cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel also has a fully equipped meeting and presentation room and small business center.