Paris Hotel Tips by sue_stone

Hotel Francais: Hotel Francais - near Gare du Nord Inter Hotel Francais Review

In September 2007 I visited Paris for one night with my parents. We were arriving and departing by Eurostar, and seeing as we were going to be staying for such a short time I wanted our hotel to be convenient to Gare du Nord, so we could quickly dump our luggage and see as much as Paris as possible.

I selected Hotel Francais as it was in the right location, reasonably priced (by Paris standards) and had decent online reviews. I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the standard of accommodation and the location. It is about a 5 minute walk from Gare du Nord, and right across the road from Gare de l’Est (hence very convenient to the metro). The surrounding area isn't the nicest, but you are only a short metro trip away from the centre of Paris.

Unique Qualities: We received a friendly welcome on check-in and were pleased with the quality and size of our rooms. My bathroom was recently renovated, though my parents was in need of an update. Although our rooms looked over the front of the hotel, noise was not a problem.

Breakfast was not included in our room rate, though the extra cost was worthwhile considering the decent buffet selection on offer - decent by Paris 2 star hotel standards anyway!

Address: 13, rue du 8 Mai 1945, 750010 Paris

Comparison: about average

Directions: Nearest metro: Gare de l'Est was across the road. 5 minutes walk to Gard du Nord

Phone: +33 (0) 1 40 35 94 14

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Hotel

Hotel Beaubourg: Hotel Beaubourg - Le Marais district Hotel Beaubourg Review

Hotel Beaubourg is 3 star hotel in Le Marais, the 4th arrondissement (district) of Paris.

It is in a fabulous location, very close to some excellent bars and restaurants, near the George Pompidou Centre and only a couple of minutes walk from Rambuteau or Hotel de Ville metro stations.

Unique Qualities: At a cost of 118 euro per night (double room in April 2005), we were expecting a decent room and good experience. Our room was fine….on the small side, but had all the added extras that you get with a 3 star hotel. We weren't thrilled with it though….the décor was a little OTT and dated and the room was not a clean as it should have been.

Breakfast (at an additional cost) was served in an interesting cellar-like room.

Although our stay was absolutely fine, we found it overpriced compared to the hotel we had stayed the previous year and would not be rushing back to the Hotel Beaubourg.

Address: 11 Rue Simon Lefranc, Paris, 75004

Comparison: about average

Directions: Nearest Metro: Rambuteau or Hotel de Ville

Phone: 01 42 74 34 24

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Hotel

Hotel les Argonautes: Hotel les Argonautes - Latin Quarter Les Argonautes Review

We stayed at Hotel les Argonautes in May 2003 when in Paris at the end of a 2 week driving holiday across France.

The hotel is located in the heart of the Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement), very close to the Seine and about 5 minutes walk from Notre Dame Cathedral. The nearest metro stop is only a minute or two walk.

Surrounded by restaurants, cafes and bars, you are never far from the action in the Latin Quarter….guess it just depends what sort of action you are in to!

Unique Qualities: Hotel les Argonautes is a 1 star hotel but we were happy with the facilities on offer. Our room had a bathroom, though some rooms do not (request on booking). The rooms were pretty compact, but big enough…when in Paris there is no need to spend too much time in your hotel room.

The only negative was that it was pretty noisy….though we were pre-warned and did pack our ear plugs. Our room looked out over the very busy Rue de la Huchette which is lined with (dodgy looking) Greek restaurants. Each evening the restaurants seemed to have a routine of smashing plates in the street to attract customers….so don't plan on early nights if you stay here!

Address: 12, rue de la Huchette, Paris

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: In the Latin Quarter, close to Notre Dame and the Seine

Nearest Metro: St Michel

Phone: 01 43 54 09 82

Price: US$20-40

Theme: Hotel

Hotel Andrea Rivoli: Hotel Andrea Rivoli - Le Marais District Hotel Andrea Rivoli Review

Hotel Andrea Rivoli is a 2 star hotel located in Le Marais, the 4th arrondissement (district) of Paris.

The hotel is situated between the Seine and the George Pompidou Centre, close to the Hotel de Ville. Just off Rue Rivoli, it is close to many shops and restaurants and only a couple of minutes walk from the metro station Hotel de Ville.

Unique Qualities: We were very pleased with the quality of the hotel. Our room was a good size (for Paris) with a very clean bathroom and all mod cons. The staff were friendly and helpful.

When we stayed in May 2004 it was 80 euro for a double room, which we thought was very good value considering its excellent proximity to many sites.

It wasn't luxury, but a clean and centrally located hotel in Paris that doesn't break the bank is always a good find in my book!

Address: 3, rue Saint Bon, Paris 75004

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: Nearest Metro: Hotel de Ville or Chatelet

Other Contact: HotelAndrea@wanadoo.fr

Phone: +33 (0)1 42 78 43 93

Price: US$40-80

Theme: Hotel

Website: http://www.hotelandrearivoli.com/