Hôtel Régina Louvre

The Hotel Regina was renovated in 2014, bringing in a color palette of cream, white, and taupe. Much of the old dark wood was tastefully painted white, or bleached, and the most precious of the Art Nouveau decorative pieces were maintained. Stained-glass windows have hand-painted floral motifs, and many spaces have elegant extras like chandeliers. The English Bar off the lobby is cozy, and a good place to meet for cocktails, and the breakfast room, with its bright-colored accents, is a nice spot in the morning -- though there's a fee for breakfast. The hotel is popular with families, business people, and couples.

The Regina Hotel is located within a five-minute walk of the Louvre, and within a 15-minute walk of the Opera Garnier, Fauchon, Galeries Lafayette, and the Grand Boulevards. The Musee d'Orsay, on the Left Bank, is an 11-minute walk across a pedestrian bridge. It's a pleasant walk through the Tuileries to the Place de la Concorde, where the Champs Elysees begins. Hotel Regina is near cafes, restaurants, and the high-end boutiques near the Place Vendome. It's a half block from the Tuileries metro station (Line 1), which crosses Paris east-west.

Rooms include Superior Rooms and Deluxe Rooms, which offer views of the hotel's patio, the Louvre, or the Tuileries Gardens; Family Rooms, which are two interconnecting rooms; Courtyard Garden Suites, with views of the hotel's flower-filled courtyard; and the Eiffel Tower Suite, with views of the Eiffel Tower across the Seine. Decor is classic, with molded ceiling details, muted decor, and some antiques. Bathrooms are modern but a bit small; they include bathrobes and slippers, and Blanc toiletries, but not all have tubs. Beds are plush, and there are free (alcohol-free) minibars, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Rooms that face west on the fifth and sixth floors are probably best, as these give views over the Tuileries toward the Eiffel Tower. Triple-glazed windows block street noise from the busy Rue de Rivoli.

The property’s English-style Courtyard Garden is a highlight, and becomes an outdoor piano bar in warmer months. There's also a children’s playroom with toys and mini scooters. French, seasonal cuisine is served at the restaurant Salon Rivoli, and three meeting rooms can accommodate up to 60 people. The English Bar is truly old-school Victorian, with red velvet chairs, heavy red rugs, and polished oak paneling throughout. The property also offers airport transfers and room service, and can arrange a car for hire with advance notice. Guests have praised the high-quality continental breakfast, which offers plenty of healthful choices (for a fee).