Le Meridien Etoile

Le Meridien Etoile is a trendy hotel with sleek furnishings and thought-provoking interactive pieces of art by well-known, local artists located throughout the hotel. The artistic displays include large bold art pieces in the lobby and restaurants, paintings hung on the walls of the hallways, collectible artistic room keys, wall quotes, and a mathematic art display in the fitness center. Additionally, there are many photographs of jazz musicians hung in the lobby and hallways. The hotel is currently undergoing renovations which are expected to be completed in 2016, which means not all areas are up to par stylistically and noise can be an issue. Most guests are couples seen congregating at one of the many on-site dining options and business travelers utilizing the hotel's business amenities. 

The Meridien Etoile is in a superb location for travelers looking to be close to the Paris Convention Center, which is just across the street, as is the shopping center, Les Boutiques du Palais. Travelers have easy access to the Charles de Gaulle Airport with an Air France Shuttle that stops across the street -- tickets can be purchased at the front desk. But the hotel is far from the bustle of the city's historic center, though it's easily accessible as the nearest metro station (Porte Maillot) is a three-minute walk away. The Arc de Triomphe is a 15-minute walk away, which is also the starting point for the famous avenue, Champs-Élysées. Other sights require a metro or taxi ride, such as the Louvre Museum, which is 20 minutes by metro. There are a variety of dining options on surrounding streets that can be reached within a five-minute walk. 

Rooms at this hotel are subdued yet sleek. A few splashy details stand out -- chic hanging silver lights, giraffe-print carpets, and enlarged photos of women racing through Parisian landmarks. But most of the decor has a neutral look with white bedding, blond or dark wood furnishings, chrome accents, and black leather ottomans. Note that not all rooms have been renovated to this updated style yet, and there have been complaints about worn, dated rooms. Though fairly small in size, all rooms are outfitted with flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, safes, and minibars. Wi-Fi is free in Executive Rooms and Junior and Senior Suites, but requires a costly fee in all other rooms and complaints have been made concerning connectivity issues. Bathrooms (though small) have an attractive black-and-white color scheme and have either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, as well as illuminated vanity mirrors, robes, and hairdryers.

With such close proximity to the Paris Convention Center, it’s no wonder Le Meridien Etoile has 26,910 square feet of meeting space spread across 25 conference rooms. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby and there's a business center. The hotel has a variety of dining options beyond 24-hour room service such as the Ma Chére & Tendre Steakhouse, a breakfast room that serves a daily breakfast buffet (for a fee), and the Jazz Club Etoile that serves light meals, has a full-service bar, and stages jazz performances. It also has a patio in the outdoor courtyard where light meals or drinks can be served. But guests have noted that the food is expensive and not always inspiring. The 24-hour fitness center has a large selection of cardio and weight machines as well as free weights. Guests can also book an in-room massage. Other notable amenities include a boutique in the lobby that sells postcards and newspapers, as well as the Street Corner, a small snack shop that sells pastries and coffee in the lobby. Self and valet parking is available for a fee. The hotel’s Green Choice Initiative lets guests that participate receive Starwood points or a voucher to use in one of the hotel's dining options.