The Hotel Chopin is situated near the famous Grévin Museum in the Passage Jouffroy, which is one of the more atypical historical treasures that Paris has to offer. The Passage Jouffroy is a glass-covered arcade lined with bookshops and art galleries. After experiencing this posh environment, it's a bit of a disappointment to enter this old-fashioned budget hotel, which could do with some renovation. The nearby Hotel Palm Opera offers considerably more style for similar or only slightly higher rates.

The 189-room Citadines Prestige Les Halles is an upscale, apartment-style hotel; each room has a kitchenette including mini-fridge and tea kettle, plus living space. The property is located a few steps away from the Forum des Halles, the teeming Parisian shopping hub situated in the 1st arrondissement that is a draw to city dwellers and tourists alike (area construction can be a source of noise during the day). A small business center with an Internet terminal and a printer is free for guest use in the lobby, as is an espresso machine. The highlights here are the central location and the spacious, contemporary apartments.

At the southern edge of Paris's 6th Arrondissement, the upper-middle-range Hotel des Academies et des Arts is an intimate and elegant boutique hotel with artsy interiors decorated with works by celebrated contemporary artists. The small but refined rooms have views of the courtyard or a quiet street; some have balconies. Breakfast (included in some rates) is served daily, and the hotel offers room service in the evenings, but there's no proper restaurant beyond the charming tea room on the ground floor.

Guests at the 101-room Shangri-La Hotel Paris receive the five-star treatment in this former palace, built by Napoleon for his grandnephew. Because of its meticulous restoration and attention to detail, Shangri-La feels like a boutique hotel, or a museum in which you can spend the night. Two Michelin-star restaurants and the unparalleled views of the Eiffel Tower from balconies -- and even from some guest room bathtubs -- mean Shangri-La truly lives up to its reputation as a top luxury stay.

The Hôtel du Prince Eugene is a mid-range, boutique-style property located on a pleasant though busy boulevard in eastern Paris. While the locale can be considered more authentic than most, there are few tourist attractions within walking distance -- though nearby transport links are good. With few facilities here, the emphasis is on the particularly helpful and informative staff that is on hand around the clock. While rooms can be small -- even by Paris standards -- rates compare very favorably with the similar Le Patio Saint Antoine and Grand Hotel Francais nearby. 

Hotel Ares Paris is a 40-room upscale boutique hotel with a convenient location in the 15th Arrondissement, within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower. Decor is gorgeous and stylish; you'll find hardwood floors, crown moldings, wall paneling, and trendy touches such as animal print rugs. Pets are welcome (and free), and guests have access to an honor bar and free Wi-Fi throughout. There's no full restaurant, but a breakfast with hot and cold items is served. Small but luxe rooms have rich textiles, Hermes bathrooms amenities, comfy double beds, flat-screen TVs with international channels, and minibars with soft drinks. The nearby and also upscale Hotel La Bourdonnais is similarly priced, but the decor is more special here. 

The 72-room Hotel Royal Saint-Honore is a mid-range property conveniently situated on the prestigious shopping street it takes its name from, Rue Saint-Honore, and a short walk away from several top sights such as the Louvre Museum. The rooms (and two-room Suites) are modestly elegant and have flat-screen TVs, minibars, small desks, and marble bathrooms. There's a decent French restaurant with red walls and mahogany furniture, as well as a breakfast room. Meetings facilities and a business corner round out the amenities here, and though Wi-Fi is free, high-speed Internet costs extra. It's one of the best-priced options in this incredibly popular area, along with the Hotel Britannique.

The Hotel Britannique is a charming, mid-range boutique hotel with a classic English decor in the heart of Paris. Its enviable location in the 1st arrondissement is within walking distance of fantastic dining options, along with major attractions like the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral. Its 39 rooms, draped in red, have a decidedly romantic vibe. There aren't many features to speak of at this small hotel, but it's a good value given its quaint atmosphere and location. Guests can opt for the breakfast buffet for a fee. Rates tend to be a little cheaper around the corner at the more contemporary Hotel Louvre Rivoli, but it lacks Hotel Britannique's homey appeal.

The pet-friendly, Millesime Hotel is a fairly simple, yet stylish, three-pearl property that features a beautiful 16th century breakfast room, bar, and Tuscan-style courtyard patio. Twenty contemporary guest rooms include minibars, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers along with rainfall showers. Suites offer wonderful city views and a bit more space. It's too bad that breakfast costs extra, though Wi-Fi is free and there is room service within limited hours. The Saint-Germain-des-Pres location is picturesque and close to restaurants, while the Notre Dame Cathedral and Louvre are a 15-minute walk away. Similar features can be found at Hotel le Clos Medicis, closer to the Latin Quarter, where rooms can be had at a lower price point.

The two-pearl, 52-room Touring Hotel is in Paris’ 9th Arrondissement, a 15-minute walk from the Opera Garnier and Gare du Nord. This budget-friendly option has a small outdoor patio and the hotel's clean and basic rooms have en-suite bathrooms. Some rooms also have balconies, but there is no air-conditioning and safes cost extra. Wi-Fi is free, though breakfast is not included, and guests have mentioned that the hotel’s elevator is cramped. Guests desiring a more central location and extra amenities should consider the Hotel Du Louvre, with its restaurant, bar, and fitness center, though rates are higher.