Eber MarsEditor's Pick

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The Hôtel Eber Mars flaunts charm, location and Parisian history like no other. It’s the whole package, with reasonable rates to boot! We lost our heart at the 1930s-inspired hotel, which is named after the Champs de Mars Park (at the foot of the Eiffel Tower) and Monsieur Eber, the hotel’s charismatic proprietor (and resident curator, historian and former bellboy). 

The Eber Mars is slowly undergoing a makeover, so about half of its 34 rooms are “deluxe” and a bit pricier, while the other half are less expensive “standard” rooms. Monsieur Eber has dressed all rooms with antique pieces from Parisian flea markets and personally (and lovingly) attended to all the details—he’s handpicked the wallpaper, woven towels, retro spigots and original Eiffel Tower prints and maps. He’s even taken care to find the perfect lighting fixtures and beds (which have all recently been replaced).

All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and telephone. A few of the rooms boast views of the Eiffel Tower (ask ahead). The renovated rooms have a polished feel about them and are decked out with new wallpaper, furniture and linens. Some also come with air conditioning. The less expensive rooms waiting for renovation have vintage, well-worn décor.

Renovated rooms have sparkling, brand new bathrooms, while the older rooms have bathrooms that are spotless but slightly dated.

Note that the Eber has a strict “no picnicking in the rooms” rule, but guests are permitted to snack in the swanky hotel lounge. Monsieur Eber is quite willing to steer guests to great restaurants, cafés and bars. (He’s also an expert on the Eiffel Tower, so ask him questions!)

Much of the glass work displayed in the lounge was created by sculptor Josette Rispal, daughter of the original owner (and collector) Antonin Rispal. His Art Nouveau collection was recently donated to the Musée d’Orsay.

Breakfast is offered for €10. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout and there is an Internet station in the lobby. There’s an elevator, but it’s tiny. (Going up? Yes, but one at a time!) Low season: Note that the rooms are 20 percent cheaper from November through March, and July through August.

» Theadora Brack

Note: This hotel was visited by a EuroCheapo editor and is recommended based on cleanliness, location, price and overall quality. EuroCheapo did not charge this hotel to be listed.