Hôtel Eldorado

By now, everyone and their mother knows about the Bistro des Dames, formerly the best kept secret in Paris’ increasingly trendy Batignolles district. You can (sarcastically) thank the guide books for that.

And now, thanks to me, you will know about the hotel upstairs.

While there are an increasing number of chic “boutique” hotels and increasing demand for “budget” hotels, the Eldorado straddles the line between both, providing the boutique hotel experience at a wallet-friendly budget.

Of course, “boutique” can take on many meanings. At the Eldorado, it means each room is decorated in a theme, generally with various flea market finds. I’ve stayed in both the “Oriental” room adorned with Asian knick-knacks in black lacquer and silk, and in what I could only call the “Orange and Brown” room that somehow perfectly coordinates with my shoulder bag of the same colors.

Upkeep and service seem to be minimal, and it can be potentially noisy with the aforementioned bar downstairs, and yet another bar (the aptly named 'Lush’) just next door. But you don’t book a hip hotel in a hip neighborhood to get peace and quiet, right? On the other hand, by the time morning (or afternoon) comes, the sun bathing the greenery in the courtyard with warm light can really help ease a hangover…