Le Relais Madeleine

Le Relais Madeleine blends perfectly with the surrounding Haussmannian buildings on a narrow street lined with restaurants and cafes. Inside, the lobby is homey, with an antique wooden desk at reception and large, street-facing windows, numerous potted plants, a statue of a svelte dog, and a mishmash of antique furniture and newer pieces. But a more stylish space could be the courtyard out back, with a few bright-red metal chairs surrounding a marble-topped table and walls lined with lots of dark, dramatic trellises. There's also a lower-level breakfast room with whitewashed brick walls dotted by framed album covers and photos (there's even a framed pic of a young John Stewart with a cigarette dangling from his lips). All in all, it's a quirky, mixed bag of a property that draws plenty of couples, though families find their way here, too.

Le Relais Madeleine is located in the 9th Arrondissement, near the Palais Garnier Opera House and a nine-minute walk from major department stores popular with tourists, namely Printemps (a five-minute walk) and Galeries Lafayette (an eight-minute walk). The seedy Pigalle district is 21 minutes away on foot. Place Vendome is a seven-minute walk, and from there it's just another four minutes to the Tuilleries Garden. For exploration farther away, the Madeleine metro stop is a two-minute walk and connects to three major lines. The Charles de Gaulle  international airport is a minimum half-hour drive or about 45 minutes by public transport.

Rooms at Le Relais Madeleine are individually decorated, but all have similar decor, with pastel-hued walls, patterned drapes and -- in some cases -- headboards, simple framed prints, and wooden desks and nightstands. Rooms start at 140 square feet (43 square meters) and go up from there; there's even a four-person suite with access to a small rooftop terrace and sauna. All rooms have flat-screen TVs, safes, Bluetooth-accessible Bose Soundlink speakers, minibars with alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, and closets with interior lighting (these also offer a surprising amount of storage for Paris). Most also have electric kettles with coffee/tea supplies. Bathrooms are snug, with shower/tub combos, free basic toiletries, magnifying mirrors, towel-warmers, and a reasonable amount of counter space. Note that street-facing rooms get some noise.

Le Relais Madeleine offers little in the way of features. There's no fitness center, meeting rooms, or any proper restaurant or bar (beyond the breakfast room), though the hotel does have a computer for guest use along with some loaner iPads. Breakfast is available for a fee and includes continental items such as croissants and fruit along with coffee and fresh orange juice. Airport transfers are available for a fee, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Pets are welcome, but arrangements must be made in advance.