Hotel Le Colbert - Paris, France 

We have stayed at the Melia Hotel Le Colbert Boutique hotel about 7 and have always liked it. Sadly, as has been reported elsewhere, the hotel is in need of attention. Although they replaced the windows a couple of years ago, the carpeting and other fixtures are in need of major maintenance. The hotel was going to be sold to the Stein Group but that deal must have fallen thru as they are back with the Sol Melia group. Maybe that could explain delays in maintenance and turnover in personnel. The photos that someone else left are accurately portrayed. The front desk was manned by a new individual who was ok but not as friendly as with others in past years. Note that it was only one person this year at the desk and that can be a problem at times. As others have noted, the rooms still have clunky tvs with no english channels and few other channels. They seem to be scimping on amenities as well. The breakfasts, although very nice, are outrageously expensive - even including your roommate eating for free if you are a Sol Melia club member. The biggest criticism, though, is that the air conditioning was not turned on. Too warm and stuffy with with windows closed and too noisy and cold with them open. This was also the case last year and is inexcusable. With the prices that they are tyring to get, they should be doing a better job. Lastly, the "bar" area is still not effectively utilized. In all the years that we have been staying there, we have yet to see anyone having a drink at the bar - despite the advertising sign outside the hotel. The room is more suited to reading than it is for socializing. It would be nice if they had a real bar or tavern. For all of these reasons, I have lowered my rating of the Colbert to just average and it should be more properly rated at three stars. It is, however, in a great location and we will probably return. Amortizor.