Villa Des Princes - Paris, France     

I stayed here in October, and was very pleased. This is a budget hotel, so one should not be surprised that it's not the Ritz. The rooms will be small. Read any guide book to Paris, and you'll find out most hotel rooms in Paris are small, especially in a hotel converted from a 17 century home. I think if I had been traveling with someone, I might have wanted a bit more space, but then again for the price, I might have just dealt with the crowdedness. Unless you're on your honeymoon or have $$$ to spend, you come to Paris for the city, not the hotel room. The elevator is tiny. I mean teeny-tiny. I fit on it with a large suitcase, with no room to spare. But, I made it to my room, and this is the sort of thing to be expected at this sort of hotel. I didn't have a view, my window looked out to the back of the hotel, down an airshaft. But I didn't come to Paris and stay in a budget hotel for the view, and if you book this hotel and have done even the slightest bit of research, neither will you. The location is fantastic, only a couple of blocks from the Metro, near the Luxembourgh Gardens, within walking distance to Notre Dame. There are plenty of food choices nearby with take out sandwiches, crepes, etc. The hotel offers breakfast, but I never took advantage of it, instead opting for a nearby cafe. My only concern was that since the hotel isn't staffed late at night, if I had any problems with the card key for the front door, I would have to call someone. And you know how impossible it can be to use a phone in another country where you don't speak the language. Fortunately, that never happened. Be forewarned though, when I checked in, I was told staff would be there until a certain time at night, but when I came in to the hotel at night, a full hour before staff was supposed to go off duty, there was no one manning the lobby and I had to use the card key to get in. The staff was helpful and friendly, and amusingly, pointed me in the direction of McDonald's right after I checked in and asked for a suggestion on where to get a quick meal so I could hit Notre Dame and Ste. Chappelle before sundown. I was annoyed that the staff never responded to repeated e-mail queries confirming my reservation. I was in Germany and able to check my e-mail, but couldn't figure out how to make a phone call to save my life. But, they had my reservation when I got there. Overall, I was very pleased with this hotel and would definitely consider it again the next time I go to Paris and am on a budget.

We really enjoyed our 3 night stay at this quaint little hotel that exuded the the charm of its location, the Latin Quartier. It is close to a feast of galleries for those who might be interested in purchasing some fabulous art, not to mention a short stroll to the Louvre, Musee D'Orsay, Notre Dame. Our room on the 3rd floor faced the street and included an ensuite. Although very small (leave all that extra luggage at home because you will not fit it in this room), the room was clean and comfortable and ear plugs blocked out any street noise. Access was via the narrow stairs, we sent our luggage up (and down) in the tiny lift. The front desk staff were welcoming and always friendly. We thought it good value for money.