Hotel Regent's Garden - Astotel

The building that houses the Regent's Garden Hotel was once a private mansion gifted by Emperor Napoleon III to a Dr. Conneau for his service and loyalty in the mid-19th-century. Since then it has undergone several renovations -- first becoming a hotel in 1937 and a Best Western in the 1980s -- while losing very little of its original Parisian flair. Its elegantly shuttered and corniced facade has changed little through time, though interiors have been tastefully modernized while maintaining a historic feel. The airy lobby is fresh and bright with glass chandeliers, vibrant striped furnishings, and polished black tabletops. Smart low-lit hallways lead visitors to their rooms, while a secluded rear garden is a peaceful oasis of exotic plants and flowers. Location means clientele tend largely towards the business traveler, though the hotel also attracts tourists happy to be staying a little away from Paris's bustling center.

The hotel is located just off a quiet street in the 17th arrondissement -- a mostly residential and business district in the northwest of Paris. It's an eight-minute walk to the nearest Metro station -- Ternes -- which connects to the north side of the capital, including the Gare du Nord Eurostar terminal. The famous Arc de Triomphe is 10 minutes away on foot, and the start of the renowned shopping avenues of Champs-Élysées. Paris's major exhibition hall, the Palais des Congrès, is also just a 10-minute walk away.

Regent's Garden serves a choice of three breakfasts (not included in rate) with fair-trade tea and coffee and organic products, which can be taken in the elegant breakfast room or on the terrace in warmer weather. Room service is available with limited hours. The garden is a lovely, secluded space to enjoy a drink, while the lobby bar also provides room to relax. Parking is available on-site, though spaces are limited and pricey.

The Regent's Garden 40 rooms are bright and comfortable, though some are on the smaller side. Each is decorated with a blend of patterned fabrics and splashes of color with traditional flavor and antique-style furnishings. Some rooms retain period features such as marble fireplaces while all rooms either overlook the courtyard or lush rear garden. Wired and wireless Internet is available free of charge, as are minibar refreshments which are replenished daily. Technology also includes flat-screen TVs and iPod/iPad docking stations, while modern bathrooms have wall-mounted hair dryers and walk-in showers with powerful rain showerheads.