Hotel Review: M Social Hotel Paris Opera

In the 9th arrondissement, close to Richelieu-Drouot Métro station, the hotel is on the north side of boulevard Haussmann between rues Lafitte and Le Peletier. Lined with imposing office and apartment blocks, this is a grand and busy avenue with the air of a national capital going about its business. You're also not far from Gare Lazare railway station. The majestic Palais Garnier opera house, which opened in 1875, and the flagship Galeries Lafayette Haussmann department store are nearby. It's a straight walk south to the delights of the Jardin du Palais Royal, Musée du Louvre and River Seine.

By plane: Flights from London or Manchester to Paris Charles De Gaulle take 1 hour 15 minutes and the hotel is 45 minutes' drive away. Book flights to Paris.

By train: Eurostar from London to Paris Gare du Nord takes 2 hours 20 minutes and the hotel is 10 minutes' drive away. Book flights to Paris Gare du Nord.

Built as a hotel in 1927, this eight-storey building has a solid, stately feel. Now returned to 21st-century tastes, it is gaining a following since its opening in September 2021. The design mood is exemplified in the lobby-lounge which has the look of a library with its fireplace, bookshelves and oriental vases, but this is subverted by oversize chess pieces and chandeliers wrapped in gauze.

There are free newspapers and a business centre but no gym or spa - most guests stay three or four nights and use it as a base for work and/or play. A concierge desk is available to offer advice and make reservations, and there is a large table in the lobby-lounge for laptop users.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Lounge
• Free Wi-Fi

The rooms start with the compact alcove category facing an inner courtyard, followed by larger street-facing signature rooms. The décor favours navy and grey, and all rooms come with a custom-built headboard fitted with reading lights. Bathrooms have marbled washstands and granite tiles.

Room types: Alcove Room, Signature Room, Grande Signature Room, La Sweetie, La Grande Sweetie

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with L'Occitane en Provence toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

Brasserie Haussmann is a large, street-facing restaurant with a classic style. A patterned stone floor and stained glass ceiling survive from the old days, while the menu moves safely from foie gras to pièce du Boucher (butcher's cut of meat) to apple tart. There is also a small bar in the lobby lounge.

Brasserie Haussmann: classic French brasserie. Signature dishes include smoked salmon tartine veal and tuna steak. All-day menu, open daily.