Le Metropolitan, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Paris

Situated in a handsome 19th-century building in the middle of bustling Place de Mexico, there's a lot of sharp style to be found throughout this upscale hotel. With interiors that have been crafted by renowned designer Francois Champsaur, Le Metropolitan is sleek from top to bottom. That impression starts right away, when guests step in off the busy street. The monochrome finish -- a collection of rich gray, black, and wood tones -- complements marble and granite accents throughout the hotel. Contemporary art by George Rousse, Tony Cragg, Miguel Barcelo, and Paul MacCarthy can be found around the hotel, adding even more chic style. There are a number of intimate spaces throughout this classic property for guests to unwind, including a swish spa and a shimmery restaurant. Given this romantic boutique-hotel atmosphere, guests here are mostly couples, but families and business travelers occasionally visit too.

Located on the Place de Mexico in the 16th Arrondissement, Le Metropolitan is in a bustling corner of the city, near some of Paris’ most famous landmarks. Exploring the city by public transport is simple via metro stations at Trocadero and Boissiere, which are six- and nine-minute walks from the hotel, respectively. The Trocadero Gardens are nine minutes away on foot, and connect with the Palais de Chaillot in the Place du Trocadero. The Palais houses three museums – the Cite de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, the Musee National de la Marine, and the Musee de l’Homme (there are also great Eiffel Tower views from the gardens). The Arc de Triomphe is 13 minutes away by metro, while the Eiffel Tower can be reach in 14 minutes by bus (or 20 minutes on foot for the ambitious). Travelers visiting Paris for a shopping trip might head to the Champs-Elysees, which is an 18-minute journey by public transport. Charles de Gaulle Airport is a 45-minute drive, depending on traffic or around an hour on the RER train. Budget at least 60 minutes to reach Orly Airport by public transportation.  

Rooms at the Le Metropolitan vary from lower to higher categories, with decor ranging from simple (but attractive) to minimalist-chic. The monochrome decor keeps with the rest of the hotel, and features include floor-to-ceiling mirrored feature walls with wooden headboards, plus white bed linens and seating. Deluxe Rooms feature French doors leading to small Juliet balconies, some with Eiffel Tower views. For those really looking to make a splash, the swish Eiffel and Eiffel View Suites have four-poster beds, stylish white-furnished living areas, and spectacular postcard views of the Eiffel Tower. Standard features include LCD televisions, air-conditioning, free W-Fi, and Nespresso coffee machines. Proper closets hold electronic safes, minibars, fluffy white robes, and slippers. Rooms like the Executive Suite add iPod speakers. Bathrooms are sleek, bordering on sexy (even if some are compact), and include long marble vanity areas with integrated sinks and tall mirrors. This Works branded toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Higher-category rooms have even more polished bathrooms with plunge baths done in Zimbabwe granite. Since the hotel sits on the corner of a busy roundabout, it's worth noting that traffic noise might be an issue in some rooms. 

The Le Metropolitan has a good range of facilities, some of which are unexpected for a hotel in one of Paris' central arrondissements. The spacious ground-floor restaurant is well-liked by previous guests and serves locally sourced fare for all meals. A free a la carte breakfast is available with some room rates. There’s a chef's table with a view from the restaurant through to the kitchen, and a pastry cart full of French patisserie. A lounge area with deep purple velvet seating, dramatic contemporary artwork, and a modern fireplace stands out amongst the hotel's neutral color scheme. Beside the restaurant there’s a small, well-stocked bar, and a large wine fridge. There are also a couple of lounge areas ranging from a cozy spot with a fireplace to one that has street views for people watching. Marble tiles line the walls of a 10-meter (32-foot) indoor pool and spa treatments can be arranged for a fee. A hammam steam room is an ideal place to relax after a day of sightseeing. The meeting room is more attractive than many that we've seen, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Valet parking is only available for a fee.