Opened in 2013 after a total renovation and relaunch, the family-run Hotel Signature St Germain des Prés (formerly known as the Hotel Lindbergh) offers 26 modern, mid-century-inspired rooms in Paris' central, well-heeled St-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood. From the lobby to the rooms, the interiors are colorful and stylish, and in-room amenities are top-notch. The surrounding neighborhood is picturesque and classically Parisian, with many popular tourist sights within walking distance; some of the higher-floor rooms even afford glimpses of the iconic Eiffel Tower. Rates might feel high for so few facilities -- Wi-Fi is free, breakfast is offered for a fee, and little else is included -- but the boutique-style rooms are something special, the location is hard to beat, and service is generally agreed to be outstanding.

The quirky, 40-room Hotel Observatoire Luxembourg is a boutique located near the gorgeous Luxembourg Gardens, a short walk from many of the popular tourist areas of Paris. Rooms are vibrant and creative with Turkish rugs, convex mirrors, and framed prints. Common areas have fun decor including throw pillows and vases imprinted with faces and eyes drawn from historical paintings. The hotel has its own street-level glassed-in brasserie and continental breakfast is included in the daily rate.

The 124-room Sofitel Paris Arc de Triomphe is located three long blocks from the Paris landmark, and caters in particular to business travelers and guests interested in the area's luxury shopping. Rooms are chic and inviting, decorated in serene hues of cream and gray, with modern bathrooms. The building's Haussmannian exterior contrasts with the contemporary interior, developed in collaboration with the French designer Andrée Putman. There is a small fitness center, business center, meeting space, and restaurant/bar on-site.

The 430-room Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel is an upscale, modern hotel with an enviable position next to the iconic tower. Rooms are smart and minimalist with an emphasis on tech, but most guests are more likely interested in their big balconies and Eiffel Tower views -- though beware that some views can be partial. The fitness room is one of the most spacious you'll find in Paris, and almost certainly boasting the finest panorama (it overlooks the Eiffel Tower, too). Proximity to the tower doesn't come cheap, but rates aren't exorbitant for the location and views.

The 44-room Hotel Royal Saint Germain is a lovely, mid-range hotel located in the 6th arrondissement with many shops, restaurants, bars, and metro stations nearby. Rooms are a bit small, but charming with floral wallpaper, tasteful decor, and modern comforts like flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has limited amenities, but a free continental breakfast is included if booked through the hotel’s website, and there’s an elegant lounge space where guests can enjoy a drink or coffee. Travelers seeking hotels in the area might also want to compare rates with Hotel Edouard VI, a similar property down the street.

Renovated in 2008, the Holiday Inn Paris-Gare de L'Est is a modern 200-room property housed in a typical Haussmann building located near department stores and the Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est train stations. Guests can dine in the breakfast room, relax in the bar, or request room service. There are five meeting rooms for business events and a computer with printing capability for personal use. Rooms are contemporary (and can run small) with brightly colored walls and fun textures. Free Wi-Fi is standard in all rooms and available throughout the hotel. Some guests complain about street noise, but the hotel is a good value for anyone traveling on a budget. 

A 38-room value hotel, My Hotel in France Le Marais is popular for its chic Marais location and reasonable rates in a high-priced city. Renovated in 2009, the hotel retains a few nice rustic touches -- wood-beamed ceilings in the lobby and breakfast room, and an exposed stone wall  -- behind its utilitarian glass-door entrance. It has an elevator -- albeit a tiny one -- which is not always a given in small Paris budget hotels. There's a TV lounge and reading room, bar service, free Wi-Fi, and satellite TV, but no air-conditioning in the rooms. Visitors might want to also check out the 25-room Hotel Castex, which is about a 15-minute walk from My Hotel and closer to the Place de la Bastille; it has larger rooms, a business center, air-conditioning, and, surprisingly, lower rates.

The 50-room Hotel Belloy Saint-Germain is an upper-middle-range and homey retreat in the Latin Quarter of Paris. This hotel charms with classic decor and exposed brick walls, and offers great amenities including 24-hour front desk service, safe deposit boxes, a cozy cellar breakfast room (plus room service), and a business corner. Classically decorated rooms have flat-screen TVs, minibars, and some have balconies. Guests complain, however, that small rooms and bathrooms can feel cramped. The Hotel Pas de Calais is similarly priced and its rooms tend to be a bit larger.

The 46-room Villa Montparnasse is an upper-middle-range hotel with traditional Parisian decor located in an artistic neighborhood, 15 minutes' walk from the Luxembourg Gardens. Classic rooms all have minibars, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning, but furniture shows significant wear and tear, detracting from the elegance a bit. Some rooms have exceptional views of the the Eiffel Tower in the distance, though Montparnasse Cemetery is in the foreground. Cocktails and wine are available at the lobby bar, and there is a splendid outdoor seating area at the entrance to the hotel. Room service is available 24 hours a day and breakfast is free. Downsides include a weak Wi-Fi signal and lack of on-site parking, and guests looking for slightly fresher rooms may want to consider Aviatic Hotel, a 10-minute walk from Villa Montparnasse, though rooms will be slightly more expensive.

The 118-room Holiday Inn Paris Opera-Grands Boulevards is a contemporary, six-floor hotel in a bustling location. There is a train station right outside the hotel's doors and taxis are readily available, but many sights are at least a 15-minute walk away. The immediate neighborhood is pleasant for strolls and is populated with restaurants and bars. Inside the hotel, there are an iron elevator that adds old Paris charm, a bright breakfast room, and an inviting bar. Rooms are pleasant (if a touch small) and have stocked minibars, coffeemakers, and attractive modern bathrooms. This is a quality value pick for Paris.