Hôtel Daniel
"How did it strike you on arrival?The 19th-century Hausmann exterior may be classic Paris, but the interiors take you on a journey to the east. Drawing on the owners' travels through Asia, designer Tarfa Salam has created a world of vibrant textures and colors, where Kazakh rugs and displays of Chinese calligraphy brushes live alongside custom-ordered De Gournay wallpaper emblazoned with garden motifs. Overstuffed furnishings and the warm color palette help keep things comfy and inviting. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Relais & Châteaux fans who value a boutique atmosphere, personal service, and a focus on tasty cuisine will feel right at home. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Each of the 26 rooms and suites has been individually designed around a specific color scheme, with the hand-painted wallpaper, thick curtains, and fabrics all made to match. The antiques and custom-made furniture were selected to impart a homey vibe, so you'll find mini-bars hidden away inside Lebanese wooden cabinets, and traditional glass-fronted armories instead of closets. Rooms on lower floors may have terraces, while some higher-set options have Eiffel Tower views. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Bed styles vary by room, but all are topped with one-hundred-percent cotton linens, and some have European-style bolster pillows. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?In keeping with the private home feel, the room amenities are useful, but limited: standard-sized LCD TVs, hairdryers, slippers, and bathrobes. Light sleepers will appreciate the double-glazed windows. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.Bathrooms are lined with either Italian marble or Moroccan zelig tiles, and feature showers or shower/tub combos. Given the eastern flair of the hotel, the products from British brand Molton Brown seem a bit incongruous, but they do the trick. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is complimentary. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Like any good host, the hotel caters to guests' needs--which here, translates to breakfast served made-to-order, at any time of day. An abundant afternoon tea (complete with homemade baked goods and an extensive tea menu) and weekend brunch are also on offer. Friends not staying in house can join you for drinks at the cozy bar. Bottom line: worth it, and why?Some may find the setting old fashioned or the amenities limited, but guests looking for a four-star full of charm will quickly feel at home." - Sandra Ramani
