Friday Photos: Hotel Napoleon Paris, Two Steps from the Champs Elysées

Not too shabby a gift! Built in the 1920s, the Hotel Napoleon was bought by a Russian businessman as a wedding present for the French girl he had fallen for. Over the years the hotel hosted famous guests from the era's high society. (Josephine Baker, Ernest Hemingway, and Dali all stayed here.) In the 1930's, the hotel was immortalized by one of France's most famous actors, Jean Gabin, in a couple of his films. Today the boutique hotel is appreciated for its location in the heart of the Triangle d'Or, just a stone's throw from the Arc de Triomphe and the world-famous Champs Elysées.

Adorned with Napoleonic artwork and elegant Directoire furniture, the Hotel Napoleon has retained an intimate ambience. The 102 guest rooms are decorated in the Empire style and have views over the Paris rooftops and the Eiffel Tower. What could be better than starting the day with breakfast on your terrace, with all of Paris at your feet?