Fine example of
19th-century Haussmannian architecture
Well-heeled, picturesque neighborhood
Many rooms have Arc de Triomphe views, some Eiffel Tower
One block from
Charles de Gaulle – Étoile public transport hub
Fine-dining restaurant
Intimate lounge bar
Nicely finished
rooms with modern bathrooms
Some rooms have
balconies and exceptional views of the Arc
Free Wi-Fi
20-minute walk or quick metro ride from city center
No spa or gym facilities
Expensive breakfast and minibar
Located just off Paris' renowned Etoile, home to the Arc de Triomphe, the intimate Splendid
Etoile Hotel certainly has plenty going for it, from its historic Hausmannian architecture
to its elegant restaurant and bar. Rooms, too, are well-finished, with cool contemporary furnishings, ample amenities, private Juliet balconies, and, from many, the hotel's pièce de résistance: views of the
Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower. Despite its prime location for business travelers near the Etoile and La Défense, the hotel is a bit far from many famous sights in the city center. Also, not unusually for Paris, there are no spa or health facilities.
Rates aren't cheap, either -- top-end hotels like the nearby Mac Mahon can
charge comparable prices -- though, if you snag a room with view of the Arc here, they might be worth it.
Scene
Refined ambience in splendid Haussmannian building with Belle Époque touches
Built towards the
end of the 19th-century, the Splendid Etoile Hotel's impressive corner building is, indeed, a splendid example of
fine Haussmannian architecture. With its elegant-yet-imposing stone facade adorned with intricate wrought iron and a Belle Époque-style
portico, the hotel fits effortlessly into its refined and swanky
surroundings in one of Paris' wealthiest neighborhoods. The small but inviting lobby is decked out in a
conservative blend of dark-wood paneling and polished marble floors, all
smartly finished with a turn-of-the-century flavor. The mood is hushed and
sophisticated with particularly polished staff,
both in manners and presentation. The leather-and-mahogany cocktail bar is a popular spot with business travelers looking to relax, as well as tourists resting their feet after a day of exploring.
Location
One block from the Arc de Triomphe in northwest Paris's well-heeled 17th arrondissement
The Splendid Etoile Hotel is
set on a relatively quiet street corner just a block from the
iconic Arc de Triomphe, in the northwestern 17th arrondissement. One of the most picturesque and desirable areas of
Paris, the neighborhood is filled with 19th-century Haussmannian buildings and wide, tree-lined avenues. The Arc sits at the top of the renowned luxury shopping strip of the Champs-Élysées, which runs down to the Place de la Concorde and the river, but there are few other tourist sights within
walking distance. However, the Charles de Gaulle – Étoile public transport hub
is just a block away on foot and makes the whole of Paris easily accessible. The La Défense business district is minutes away by metro.
Rooms
Bright, classic rooms, many with small private balconies and Arc de Triomphe views
The hotel's 57 rooms are decorated in a modern take on classical styling, in neutral tones
with floral motifs and 19th-century etchings. Superior rooms tend more
towards the traditional, many with chandeliers and antique-style furnishings, while Privilege rooms are enlivened with pops of orange and have slightly more modern accents. Bathrooms are small and modern, with marble vanities and combination shower-tubs. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi,
flat-screen TVs, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and well-stocked minibars (though drink prices are a little
inflated). Slipper and robes come as standard (unusual for this level of hotel),
as does air-conditioning in the summer. Many rooms have private Juliet balconies; some rooms face the interior courtyard, while others have Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower views.
Features
Breakfast on the terrace and room service around the clock
The hotel serves
an excellent hot and cold buffet breakfast each morning in its glass-roofed
breakfast room -- though it's not included and is pretty pricey. A continental breakfast can also be ordered to your room. The hotel's elegant Pré
Carré restaurant also offers lunch and dinner menus serving modern takes on
tradition French cooking within eyeshot of the Arc. There's also an elegant Art
Deco lounge that serves drinks and cocktails, overlooked by a superb Klimt
portrait. Not unusually for Paris, there's nothing in the way of health or spa
facilities, though Wi-Fi is free of charge throughout. There is also a meeting room.