Normally I’m right in the heart of things, but every now and again, I can’t find a place that’s up to my standards, so I venture out just a bit further than I might prefer, in order to find a place that delivers what I’m looking for. The more I travel, the more my flexibility wanes on certain things. Safety, style, and accessibility are the utmost for me. Maybe accessibility over style, but yes, style — and I don’t just mean veneers and trendy lighting, style is also cleanliness and comfort, from hotel amenities to bathrooms.
Le Méridien Etoile is everything you expect from the Le Meridien brand — it’s clean, it’s elegant, and it has a touch of business that makes it super accommodating for tech needs.
The communal spaces have all been redone in a super chic, “The Jetsons” meets the jet set style that is clean without being sterile. There’s a huge breakfast area where I had coffee in the mornings, and there’s also a terrace where you can sit down and watch the people go by.
The hotel was undergoing renovations when I stayed here, but I had one of the upgraded rooms. It was stunning. The bathroom was a dream, as it was big, bright, and spacious, with gorgeous lighting. Not always the norm in European hotels! The toilet was in its own room, and the shower featured a luxe rain shower head. Perfect to relax and unwind after a day spent wandering the city.
Like I said, the hotel is a bit out of the center of things. You’re located at the end of the Champs-Élysées, so this is a bit of a quieter neighborhood, though still a pretty one. You’re within walking distance of the Arc de Triomphe, and if you’re up to it, you can continue onwards to the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre.
As a note, I scored an amazing deal on the hotel using Priceline.com — be sure to check out sites like this, as you can really get some amazing deals. The rate I paid was about a third of the normal rack rate, which means I had a room right at my budget, but still got to enjoy a luxe stay.