Maison Albar Hotels - Le Champs-Elysées

The Maison Albar Hotel Paris Champs-Elysees is a boutique property that combines classical 19th-century decor with striking modern accents. The lobby's carved pillars and sphinx statues combine with red paper-like light fixtures, animal-print throw pillows, and gold wallpaper behind the front desk for a bold entrance. Up a flight of stairs is the breakfast room that turns into a lounge bar, sporting a giant rhino head over a marble fireplace and Alice In Wonderland-esque chairs in reds and pistachios. There are no other common lounge areas, but a big pro are the stunning Arc de Triomphe views from some of the rooms. The vibe here is sexy and sophisticated, making the hotel popular with well-heeled vacationing couples, plus some corporate travelers. 

On a street off Place Charles de Gaulle, the surrounding area is a great starting point for exploring Paris' history, shops, and dining. The Roman-inspired Arc de Triomphe and Place Charles de Gaulle are a three-minute walk, and its star layout offers easy access to some of Paris' classiest streets. Trendy shopping on Avenue Victor Hugo (a two-minute walk) gets more upscale at the Golden Triangle (a 12-minute walk) and for some market browsing, Rue Poncelet is a five-minute walk. Numerous cafes can be found in the immediate area. Charles de Gaulle-Etoile metro and RER transport hub are just a one-minute walk, providing 15-minute journey to the Eiffel Tower and 30 minutes to "La Defense" business district, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Sacre Coeur Basilica. A hop-on, hop-off bus stops right by the hotel. The hotel offers airport transfers for Charles de Gaulle Airport, a 30-minute drive (or 50 minutes by public transport). Orly Airport is a half-hour drive or twice that by metro, and an Air France shuttle stops a one-minute walk from the hotel.

Like common areas, rooms here are posh and bold, combining classic features with modern decor. Style varies between rooms, though most can expect a combination of black, white, gray, and red decor, wood floors of carpet resembling parquet wood, black wooden furniture, and chandeliers. Some add sexy ceiling mirrors above comfy beds and silhouette murals on walls. Rooms are on the small side (common for Paris), starting at a tiny 14 to 18 square meters (151 to 194 square feet). Amenities, however, are top-notch, including iPod docks, Nespresso machines, minibars, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, desks with period chairs, safes, and phones. Separated by decadent drapes, small but sparkling jet-black bathrooms have high-tech toilets and walk-in rainfall showers. Large mirrors come alongside hairdryers, robes and slippers, and swanky Anne Semonin toiletries.The 28 to 40 square meter (301 to 431 square feet) Suites add perks such as living areas, kitchenettes, or jetted tubs. Some rooms have unfurnished balconies, some of which have spectacular Arc de Triomphe views. 

Features are limited at this boutique property, as there are no spa facilities. The only wellness amenity is a tiny gym with just two cardio machines -- a treadmill and stationary bike -- and free weights. Nevertheless, most guests give good reviews for the breakfast buffet served in the lounge bar, Le Noham Cafe. The spread offers scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, breads and pastries with preserves, smoked salmon, cold meats and cheeses, cereals, yogurt, and fruits (fee). A cheaper "express" option is also available. The space turns into a bar after breakfast, serving alcoholic beverages and light meals such as salads and sandwiches. Room service from here is available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.