Fraser Suites Harmonie Paris La Défense

TRIED AND TESTED APARTHOTEL

BACKGROUND Fraser Suites is an extended-stay brand from Singapore-based serviced apartment and residence company Frasers Hospitality. This Paris property opened in 2004 and was followed by the Le Claridge property in 2006 - see our review at businesstraveller.com.

WHERE IS IT? On the outskirts of Paris in La Défense, the city's business district. It's at the eastern end of the district, opposite the motorway (A14) connecting the western suburbs to the city, and a couple of minutes' walk from the Esplanade de La Défense metro station (Line 1). Guests can reach the hotel by taking the Passerelle de l'Aigle footbridge and following the signs to Fraser Suites, which is down some stairs and on the immediate left.

WHAT'S IT LIKE? The property is in a large white block with translucent blue balconies, and is part of a cluster of highrise hotels and serviced apartments, with a Citadines directly behind it and an Ibis and Novotel next door. As the entrance is beneath the footbridge, it's quite shabby and deserted. The aparthotel feels very secure, however, with a keycard-operated gate. This takes you into a landscaped garden, with a small bridge to the front door.