With a rich history as a 19th-century bathhouse and then a popular nightclub teeming with stars in the '70s and '80s, Les Bains reopened as a luxury boutique hotel in 2015. Situated in the Marais -- close to restaurants, bars, several top attractions, and four metro stations -- the hip property features atmospheric, design-forward interiors that include a moody lounge complete with chinoiserie stained glass windows, and a chic restaurant and bar. Staying true to its heritage, the hotel is home to a club (note that noise can be an issue), but a lack of spa facilities are a disappointment and the indoor pool is small. The 39 guest rooms are stylishly clad in soft hues, luxe materials, and modern comforts, while their bathrooms come complete with Le Labo toiletries, plush robes, and rainfall showers. Travelers might want to compare with the Pavillon de la Reine, also in the Marais, which has a full spa and fitness room, but it lacks an on-site restaurant.

This budget property has 127 spacious studios and apartments with kitchenettes that primarily attract long-term residents and business travelers, as well as tourists. Service is basic, with limited hours for reception and rooms cleaned once a week. Its location by the Gare de Lyon-Vaise train station and metro is convenient to the city center, but the rooms, which don’t have air-conditioning, can be noisy, and decor is spartan and a little worn. The Hotel Lyon-ouest, though further from the metro station, is much more clean and modern, with comparable rates.

The five-pearl Hotel Mont-Blanc is the most luxurious hotel in Chamonix, after a glamorous 2013 renovation that updated the old chalet's interiors. Highlights include a stylish lounge bar, a restaurant serving local market cuisine, an upscale spa, and a heated year-round indoor-outdoor pool and hot tub. The 40 modern rooms have gorgeous mountain views and the hotel's location in the heart of town, near shopping and dining, is another major perk. Travelers looking for similar amenities at less expensive rates should compare with the Hotel l'Heliopic, which is also more kid-friendly.

The 56-room Le Morgane is an upscale boutique hotel that sits just outside the center of Chamonix ski town and combines modern design with Alpine-inspired touches. The on-site Le Bistrot restaurant has a Michelin star, and there’s an indoor pool and a small spa with treatments available. Rooms come with balconies, and some overlook Mont Blanc. The only downside is the lack of air-conditioning in rooms, which can be a problem in the summer, plus many rooms have small bathrooms. Also, the colorfully backlit pool might not suit all tastes and doesn't quite match the rest of the hotel's upscale look. The similarly modern Hotel l'Heliopic has a swankier pool area, but often higher rates. 

The Farmhouse - Mas del la Coutettaz is an upper-middle-range inn with 11 rooms across three buildings, the oldest of which was built in 1771. Every inch of this hotel exudes charm, character, and warmth, with original details preserved throughout. The comfortable guest rooms all have different rustic themes and en-suite bathrooms with high-end L’Occitane bath products, while The Mazot, a stand-alone garden cabin, is a particularly romantic retreat. Handmade dinners and breakfasts are outstanding here and walks to the center of town take only 10 minutes. Guests looking to stay adjacent to the La Pleney ski resort cable car should try Le Cottage for rooms at a similar price point.