Hôtel Splendid Étoile

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.

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.

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.

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.