"How did it strike you on arrival?Welcome to your Parisian pied-à-terre—in the heart of one of the city’s toniest neighborhoods, no less. The brainchild of young entrepreneur/hotelier Zied Sanhaji, who named this flagship for a story written about his family nearly a millennium ago, Amastan takes the “lifestyle hotel” trend to heart, beginning with warm, retro-chic spaces that invite you to feel at home. Walls of book-filled shelves, chocolate-colored banquettes, a charming patio, and a sleek, blue-tiled bar are just some of the places in which to linger. Nice. What’s the crowd like?With its location a few blocks from the Champs-Elsyées, close to top city sites and surrounded by the upscale boutiques and galleries of the 8th Arrondissement, the hotel attracts young sophisticates and low-key-chic international travelers. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.The 24 rooms are minimalist without being cold, stocked with useful touches, and minus any frills. The four categories—Classic, Superior, Deluxe, and Premier—vary in size, but each features a palette of dark blues, warm woods, and polished brass, and furnishings custom-made to suit the spaces. Some have small private balconies, while all come with complimentary bottled water, Nespresso machines, Bang & Olufsen bluetooth speakers, and a desk. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?Mattresses from French brand Treca and soft white sheets make for a solid night's sleep. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The contemporary, all-white bathrooms are small but functional, with sinks inspired by old-fashioned radios (the knobs look like tuning dials), and products from Australian line Ena. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi is complimentary, as is daily breakfast. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.During the day, the bright bar is a breezy spot to enjoy coffee and fresh juices while you soak up the free Wi-Fi; at night, it becomes Anouk, a cocktail bar serving shareable plates and rare spirits. Venture through the French doors to reach the garden filled with thirty species of plants, framed by jasmine-covered walls, and dotted with giant rocks that double as seating. A quiet haven in the city, the garden is an idyllic spot for breakfast, a coffee meeting, or an evening drink. Set next to the hotel, Pop-In is a flexible space for events and pop-ups from a variety of international indie brands and artists. Bottom line: worth it, and why?With chic spaces and vibrant programming, Amastan makes you feel at home in one of the city's poshest neighborhoods." - Sandra Ramani
