The world-renowned luxury hotel Plaza Athenee -- a part of the Dorchester Collection -- is synonymous with Parisian elegance and good taste. Iconic red awnings and chestnut trees welcome guests to the historic setting, on the upscale Avenue Montaigne location with direct views of the Eiffel Tower. It's all about luxury here, inside and out. The avenue is lined with high-end shops such as Christian Dior (guests have access to the Dior Institute for a full range of quality beauty and spa treatments), Prada, and Chanel. And inside, the 146 rooms and 45 suites are decorated in classic Art Deco style with modern touches like flat-screen TVs and marble baths. With six distinct restaurants, a large fitness center, and a can't-miss daily breakfast in a leafy garden, the Plaza Athenee doesn't miss a beat. But it comes at a high price -- and Wi-Fi isn't even included in that cost.

The 88-room Hotel Le Bristol opened its doors in 1925 during the Roaring Twenties, and today is still one of Paris' best-known luxury hotels. It offers impressive amenities for its small size, including a sunlit indoor pool (a rare find in Paris); a three-Michelin-star restaurant, Epicure; and a lovely spa with three floors featuring a Turkish bath and playroom for kids. Families are welcome in this posh environment: There's a dedicated Children's Programme, and little ones may appreciate the fact that there's a resident cat roaming the hotel. Rooms are elegant, aside from the dated comforters, and very in size and price. The hotel -- located on one of the most high-end shopping streets in Paris -- is steps to the Hermes flagship store, as well as avenue Montaigne and Champs Elysees.

The 23-room Hotel Mathis is an upscale boutique property in the 8th arrondissement, within walking distance of designer shops and the Arc de Triomphe. The attractive, Art Deco-inspired decor is particularly impressive in the cozy breakfast room, which has crystal chandeliers, rich blue banquet seating, and crown moldings, as well as in the bar, which has plush red couches. Most rooms have a toned-down version of this look (antique-like lamps, rich curtains, prettily patterned desk chairs), but some have modern elements that contribute to a more eclectic feel. All have flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel's charm and level of luxury are comparable to the Hotel Daniel's, but prices are often better here (though they're still not cheap).

Located on the Left Bank and just a hop, skip, and a jump to Luxembourg Gardens, this boutique hotel has 16 artsy rooms that feature distinct themes -- like the "Musique" room, which has a hand-painted musical mural on the wall. It's not a place for conformists -- even the exterior facade is painted in a tree design, making it stand out among its more traditional neighbors. The rooms are very modern, with iPod docks, CD/DVD players, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms meld into the rooms (with separate water closets) and come with powerful showers or whirlpool tubs. There's also a restaurant and bar here, but there are tons of other dining options just outside. All in all, it's a great choice for those looking for something different but central -- though travelers looking for a true Parisian experience won't find it here.

Situated in a stately 1892 townhouse that was converted into a luxury hotel in the 1920s, the upscale boutique Hotel Baltimore offers a charming Parisian experience with modern comforts. Outside, delicate flowers spill from wrought-iron window ledges, and inside, the lobby and hotel bar feature plush, velvet camelback seating. Each of the 103 rooms is nicely decorated in a classic modern style with simple furnishings swathed in neutral tones. Rooms are small, which is to be expected in a historic property, but the beds are large and comfortable with pillowy down comforters, and the bathrooms are clean and more spacious than at other Parisian hotels. Guests can make use of the fitness center, though it's extremely small. But perhaps the greatest perk of Hotel Baltimore is the on-site restaurant -- La Table du Baltimore, a Michelin-starred French bistro.

The Hidden Hotel -- as its name suggests -- is tucked away on a quaint side street within walking distance to L'Arc de Triomphe and the Charles de Gualle metro station. The intimate hotel has only 23 rooms, and incorporates handmade craftsmanship and natural materials that give it a contemporary and Zen-like vibe. Room types come in different levels (some include balconies and terraces) and though small in size, are effortlessly chic. Beds -- dressed in organic cottons, of course -- are canopy style, and bathrooms have an open design with granite finishes and rainfall showerheads. Though breakfast has a fee, it is a healthy spread using local ingredients. In the evenings, the cozy bar is a great spot for pre-dinner drinks and appetizers, and during the day a barista serves up delicious cappuccino (and other coffee treats) in the chic setting.

This boutique hotel is a beacon of style on an otherwise quiet and nondescript street near L'Arc de Triomphe. The Mon Hotel pays homage to pop culture, with black and white photography of iconic celebrities like Marilyn Monroe lining the walls and funky chandeliers hanging from the lobby ceiling. There are only 36 rooms here, taking up six floors, and they're all just as stylish as the lobby, with crisp white linens and modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and iPod docks. Higher tier rooms have more amenities, including balconies/terraces (some with seating) and Nespresso machines. The Mon Restaurant/Bar is multi-use and serves breakfast buffet in the morning, and small plates during the day. In the evening, candles are lit and lounge music plays to silent black-and-white films on a giant screen -- a cool vibe for a pre- or post-dinner cocktail. Quieter guests need not worry --the joint closes at midnight, so there's no late-night party scene. The hotel also has a spa, Turkish bath, and small fitness center.

The Hotel Duc de Saint-Simon is a classic choice for those seeking a traditional Parisian hotel with historic and romantic touches. It is said to be the place where Lauren Bacall stays while in Paris, which might help describe the guests who best fit in here: people of a certain age, with a certain budget. Rooms are not cheap, but the hotel sees many repeat visitors thanks to its great location on the Left Bank near Saint Germain and the Musee d'Orsay. The property is split by an outdoor terrace, and has a labyrinth feel on the inside with a series of small lounge areas. Head downstairs to the underground cave for breakfast or cocktails, and marvel at the oil paintings and Persian rugs. Comfortable rooms come in three sizes: Classic, Superior, or Suite, and -- like other areas of the hotel -- are decorated in rich fabrics and antique furniture (even the keys are antique). Room perks include flat-screen TVs, large bathrooms (by European standards), and plush bathrobes. Some rooms offer a private terrace or balcony, providing a nice spot to enjoy a glass of champagne from the hotel's impressive wine list.

The 33-room Les Jardins de la Villa is a boutique hotel with contemporary style in a quiet location. Stylish rooms are a good size for Paris standards, and are equipped with great extras such as free on-demand movies, free Wi-Fi, and Nespresso machines. They strike a good balance between practical amenities and fun touches (pops of bright color, avant-garde headboards), and feature luxurious bathrooms with walk-in showers (pricier rooms also have separate soaking tubs). Hotel highlights include the two-person hammam, beautiful winter garden, and convenient honesty bar in the evenings. While breakfast is expensive and the location is a little out of the way, it is a good pick for amenities and style.

The historic Relais Christine is a beautiful boutique hotel with an enviable address in the Left Bank of Paris. While it only has 51 rooms and suites, it has the amenities of a larger luxury hotel, including an on-site spa, fitness center, 24-hour room service, and first-rate concierge service. One of the most charming features of this former mansion is its entrance through a leafy courtyard. Modern rooms reflect the character of the building with details such as exposed beams and wallpaper in antique Parisian prints. Bathrooms are particularly luxurious; some have soaking tubs and all have signature Relais Christine fluffy robes. The breakfast room is in the historic vaults of the building, parking and Wi-Fi are free, and the Left Bank location is within walking distance of Notre Dame Cathedral.