Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe Hotel

Occupying the site of the old Theatre de L’Empire, this striking piece of contemporary architecture is instantly recognizable by its waves of glass that create an impressive ripple-effect facade. Designed by architect Christian de Portzamparc and opened in 2009, interiors are also ultra-contemporary, echoing the architectural wave motif with undulating drapery and a ruffled centerpiece that hangs from the skylight above the lobby. There's an artful vibe throughout the hotel -- a pleasant departure given that it's part of the often corporate looking Marriott chain. Dramatic drapery, charming bookshelves filled with tchotchkes, and sleek gray, white, and red hues lend the hotel its up-to-date vibe. A pair of elevators whisk guests to one of eight floors, though the first two levels comprise mostly boutique shops. A pleasant, wood-decked terrace is decorated with a white Buddha statue and playful contemporary seating is lined with greenery and overlooked by the guest room balconies. The overall effect is cool and polished, attracting a mixture of business guests, families, and vacationing couples. 

The hotel is set on a wide avenue lined with shops and restaurants leading to the famous of Arc de Triomphe in Paris' upmarket 17th Arrondissement. The iconic arch and Charles de Gaulle Etoile RER/Metro transport hub are about five minutes away on foot, set on the busy roundabout that also marks the start of the swank Champs Elysees. The closest metro station, however, is Ternes, just two minutes' walk away, which is six stops from the infamous Moulin Rouge cabaret. Attractions such as the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral are 15 and 30 minutes away by metro, respectively, and Montmartre and Sacre Coeur Basilica will take about 25 minutes to reach by metro. Expect a 35-minute drive to Charles De Gaulle Airport, which is a 60-minute trip by metro and train. It's also about an hour to Orly Airport by public transit. 

The hotel's 118 rooms are all decorated in a smart, contemporary style with hardwood paneling, sleek modern furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The palette of pale and dark grays, clean whites, and muted browns is nicely accented with subtle, floral-pattern accent walls and striped carpeting. The dramatically oversized charcoal gray upholstered headboards are a particularly nice touch. Some rooms open to small, furnished balconies that overlook the hotel's peaceful courtyard while others look out onto the road, though decent soundproofing keeps traffic noise to a minimum. 

All rooms are air-conditioned and include minibars, kettles for tea and coffee, safes, ironing facilities, bathrobes and slippers, and flat-screen TVs, though Wi-Fi is only free of charge in upgraded rooms and suites. The Architectural Rooms have curved windows as well as Nespresso machines and free bottled water. Premium suites offer all of these upgrade amenities plus iPod docks, free Wi-Fi, and balconies with at least partial views of the Arc de Triomphe or the Eiffel Tower. Granite tiled bathrooms provide scales, hairdryers, and high-end toiletries (including Bvlgari products in suites), and either separate bathtubs and Italian showers, or just showers. Rooms are generally spacious, at least by Parisian standards. Family Rooms have two double beds each. Turn-down service is provided and newspapers can be delivered on request.

Buffet, full American, or continental breakfasts are served in the hotel's bright and spacious restaurant that has floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the spacious terrace. Breakfast is not generally included in room rates. The Makassar Lounge Restaurant also offers a menu of contemporary French cooking for lunch and dinner. Free cocktails are served in the bar on weekday evenings. During Sunday brunch, the hotel can provide childcare services. For entertainment, live DJ sets are offered weekday evenings, jazz singers perform on Wednesdays, and work by a French artist or singer is featured once monthly.The decked terrace has quirky seating and table tennis, while a modern gym offers up-to-date fitness equipment -- there are no spa facilities or pool on-site, however. The hotel also provides direct access to the Salle Wagram, a 19th-century concert hall next door. There are four adjustable meeting rooms, with both daylight and state-of-the-art technology, plus a business center with Mac computers.