W Paris-Opéra

Located near Opéra Garnier, this well-located hotel—the first W in France—feels part Moulin Rouge, part art gallery, with cheeky and irreverent touches strewn throughout. A hotspot for fashionistas, late-night DJ sets and art-themed "happenings" contribute to its very own in-house scene.

YOU SHOULD KNOW In this equation, surface sometimes wins out over substance.

room

Guestrooms blend old and new Paris style, with Louis XV–style chairs upholstered in mismatched fabrics, accent pillows designed as a nod to Marie-Antoinette and other French figures, and modern-style toile duvets by London-based graphic artist Emily Forgot, who also created the quirky silhouette-like illustrations in the lobby and fitness room.

YOU SHOULD KNOW Some rooms feel slightly frayed around the edges.

bathroom

Bathrooms range from bright and spacious to dark and cave-like (some baths are actually in the room). Though higher-priced suites offer both tubs and walk-in showers, most have showers only. Bath products are by Bliss.

YOU SHOULD KNOW If you need privacy, be sure your room has a separate bath.

lobby

The lobby is very small. It's a very small lobby, everyone.

The lobby is small.

gym

On the fifth floor there is a very small gym that features two treadmill machines, one cycling machine and a bench with weights. An ever-changing program of 60-minute fitness courses—pilates, yoga, dance—is offered for an extra fee.

dining

With a decor that echoes the rooms, La Coquette restaurant serves an indifferent breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The buffet breakfast offers such staples such as yogurt, pastries, cold cuts, cereal, and fresh fruit, but nothing that justifies the rather high price.

drinking

The lively lounge—open to the public Thursday-Saturday only—has designer cocktails, a good selection of whiskies, and live DJs four nights a week. Though chic, the initial buzz has died down a bit.