Piccolo Nicolo is a good choice if you are looking for a clean, comfortable hotel in a safe residential area away from the better known tourist beats. Passy ‘village’ lies within the chic 16th arrondissement and has lots of smart shops; its metro station is handy if you balk at the thought of a 10 minute walk to the Eiffel tower. OK, so the choice of restaurants is a tad restricted compared to the Left Bank but there’s enough variety for a short stay.
The hotel’s trump card, apart from its excellent value for money, is the little courtyard garden, bedecked with trellises and an arbour. This is a charming setting for breakfast (which is included in the room price) but you can opt for room service at no extra cost if preferred. Indeed the friendly staff could not be more accommodating and attention to even the smallest detail is impressive.
One of those tiny lifts whisks you up to the spotless bedrooms which, although far from big, are more spacious than you would expect for this category of Paris hotel. For some, the decor will be quaintly old fashioned, despite the recent renovation, but most people relish the quirky individuality.
Parking (pricey but invaluable if you don’t relish an interminable search for a kerbside space) is available next door but book well ahead to be sure of a slot.