Le Belmont Hotel

Set in a handsome five-story Haussmann-style building on a cobblestone street, the interiors of Le Belmont Hotel are as elegant as its exterior, cloaked in a quintessentially Parisian aesthetic. Completely refurbished in 2014, the reception area is tiled in soft beige and adorned with an Art Nouveau chandelier, while the mirrored reception counter is made of mahogany. A small courtyard reveals a 100-year-old olive tree. The lounge and bar are paneled in dark wood and furnished with armchairs and sofas upholstered in black leather and gray velvet. Jazz music playing in the background adds to the refined atmosphere. This independent hotel has been run by the same family for three generations and is popular with both leisure and corporate travelers. 

Le Belmont Hotel is located in Paris' chic 16th Arrondissement, one of the capital's most affluent areas. Tucked away on a quiet side street leading to the Champs Elysees, there are plenty of tourist attractions within easy walking distance, or guests can take the metro from nearby George V station. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops in the immediate vicinity.

• Five-minute walk to George V metro station
• Five-minute walk to the Champs Elysees 
• Eight-minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe
• 20-minute walk to the Eiffel Tower, (15 minutes by public transit) 
• 15 minutes to the Louvre Museum by public transit 
• 20 minutes to Musee d'Orsay by public transit 
• 25 minutes to Centre Georges Pompidou by public transit 
• 25 minutes to Le Marais district by public transit 
• 27 minutes to Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral by public transit 
• 30 minutes to Luxembourg Gardens by public transit 
• 36 minutes to Sacre-Coeur Basilica by public transit
• 25- to 40-minute drive to Orly Airport (60 minutes by public transit)
• 30- to 50-minute drive to Charles de Gaulle Airport (60 minutes via public transit)

Guest room interiors have a somber and dark but elegant look: The furniture is black and floors are covered in dark gray carpeting, while walls feature textured wallpaper in soft gray or pale yellow hues. Bedspreads in salmon, mustard, or teal tones add a splash of color. Dramatic headboards are designed to look like the stage curtains of the Opera Garnier. Other notable features include built-in wardrobes and Juliet balconies overlooking the street or inner courtyard. The bathrooms are compact and tiled in stark black and white. They're fitted with shower/tub combos or walk-in showers, as well as Japanese toilets, towel warmers, magnifying mirrors, and hairdryers, plus plush robes and slippers. Deluxe Hermes toiletries are provided.

Standard amenities include air-conditioning, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, free Wi-Fi, minibars, electric kettles, and safes. Deluxe Rooms and Suites are more spacious and feature extras like Nespresso machines and black leather sofas. Separate living rooms with sofa beds are found in the Junior Suites, while the Imperial Suite also includes a private terrace.

This small upscale hotel offers a few on-site features. Though there's no full restaurant on-site, breakfast service is available (not included in the room rate) and served buffet-style in the hotel bar. This includes croissants, breads, cereals, yogurt, cheese, cold cuts, fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, and sausages. The elegant lounge bar has 70 different kinds of whiskey on offer, but is pricey according to several guests.

The hotel also offers a spacious spa covering over 2,150 square feet spread over two levels. This includes a hammam, relaxation area, and five treatment rooms for spa and beauty treatments. The small fitness room is flooded with natural light thanks to its glass roof, but it can only fit a limited amount of equipment, though they do cover the cardio and weight-lifting basics with a treadmill, cross-trainer, bench press, and free weights.

There's a computer available for guest use in the business center, and the free Wi-Fi connection is available throughout the hotel. Pets are welcome here. Note that there is no on-site parking.