Hotel Relais Monceau

The stone facade exterior and flower boxes spilling with greenery from street-facing windows of the Relais Monceau blend in beautifully on a quaint Parisian street in the 8th Arrondissement. In the lobby, dark wood paneling is offset by contemporary minimalist couches in bright colors. Elsewhere, club chairs, tole tray tables, and crystal chandeliers combine to create a stylish atmosphere, and the scent of orange and cinnamon wafts through the air. Cozy nooks have been created throughout the common areas, with chairs strategically placed around a table or near a window. The property is a delightful throwback to the 1930s Art Deco-era in the breakfast lounge, the bar, the library, and the courtyard (which is under a glass enclosure, so it's open year-round). The staff is known for making guests feel welcome (unfortunately the bar is notoriously understocked). Though it's mostly tourists and couples here, the location is good for business travelers given the hotel's nicely-equipped meeting rooms and proximity to government offices. 

This hotel is well-located on a quaint, quiet street in the upscale 8th Arrondissement, and the Villier metro stop is just three minutes away on foot. The 8th is home to stunning architecture such as the Champs-Élysées (a 24-minute walk), the Arc de Triomphe (a 25-minute walk), and the Place de la Concorde (25 minutes away on foot). There are numerous shops, restaurants, and small groceries nearby. For guests who opt to skip the hotel's breakfast, there's a wonderful bakery right across the street. 

Impressionist painters including Monet, Manet, and Gustave Caillebotte have lived among these streets. Today, many galleries are located here, including the contemporary Galerie Lelong, just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. This neighborhood also hosts the official residence of the French presidents, and several embassies. It's a 28-minute drive to Charles de Gaulle Airport (or it's possible to take an express train from Place de l'Opera). Orly is a 35-minute drive.

Each room here is individually decorated. Differences are found in the walls and wainscoting: some have striped wallpaper, some are painted in yellow, and others are all off-white. Individual furnishings and artwork vary. The courtyard-facing rooms are smaller, and come with double beds. The street-facing rooms have king-sized beds. The windows are soundproofed, which cuts down on noise, but street-facing rooms can get some traffic sounds during rush hour (the area tends to be quiet at night).

All rooms levels have shelf and hanging space in closets done in light woods. Minimalist furnishings tend to be darker woods and the bedding is maroon and white. All rooms offer separate work and sleep spaces. Rooms also come equipped with flat-screen TVs (but these are on the small side), kettles, safes, and free Wi-Fi access. The bathrooms feature bathtubs, as well as basin sinks, hairdryers, Fragonard amenities, and towel warmers. It's possible to create suites by joining rooms, and some rooms have a small outdoor terrace. Some rooms have ashtrays for smoking. 

The hotel is short on features, which isn't surprising for its location and price point. A hot breakfast buffet is served in a lovely glass-enclosed courtyard, though the meal costs extra. A bar provides drinks and cocktails. There are nicely equipped meeting rooms -- a rarity in Paris hotels in this price range. The 24-hour reception desk staff can also arrange airport shuttles, laundry services, and offers free newspapers. Cribs are available on request. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.