Hotel Nicolo

This hotel is one of those little Passy gems. Passy is the exclusive neighborhood in Western Paris just west of Trocadéro. Down a small sidestreet and within a garden courtyard is where this two-star hotel is nestled. But it's one of those properties that defies ranking. Clientele here are so loyal that it's tough to get a reservation at any time of the year but especially during high season such as Roland Garros. Why the loyalty? The staff is friendly, the family hotel is extraordinarily clean and well maintained. Rooms are furnished with classic antiques that have an oriental charm to them. Common rooms such as the hallways and breakfast rooms are adorned with carved wooden animal heads such as elephants, zebras and other exotic fauna. Breakfast is simple but copious. Plates of fresh seasonal fruit are laid out buffet style and served with fresh pastries and hot coffee.