Au Cadran Bleu

For €80/night, I'd only recommend this hotel if you can get it cheap. The room was extremely small, with the shower and toilet in a closet area behind curtains, and no other facilities. We were on the 3rd floor with no elevator, and sounds from the next room came through as if they were right beside us. Getting around was difficult because Paris t+ tickets didn't work on the train or bus in this area, outside the Paris zone. After our 3-night stay, they wouldn't hold our luggage or extend checkout even though our flight was late at night. Communication was also hard because staff didn't speak English. The one good thing was that the cleaner came every day.

I stayed for a week in June, and the place had the basics I was looking for. Staff were friendly and happy to help. Check-in was easy, and bar and restaurant service was always quick. One waiter and one waitress in particular encouraged me to use French and helped me learn more. The room was smallish, as expected for the price, but incredibly clean. The bed was comfortable enough, and the TV got most channels. Wifi could be spotty. Clichy-Levallois to Gare St Lazare was a quick hop and seemed to connect with most routes through the city. For a clean, cheap and cheerful stay in Paris, with no luxury expected, I'd recommend it and stay again. Also, try their croque madames. Simply to die for!

The drinks were good, but I had a really uncomfortable time in the restaurant. A strange man was threatening the bartender, who may have been the manager, and we really didn't want to be there.

The room was tiny, with the shower and toilet squeezed into a closet, and there’s no elevator. Nobody was around or picked up when we checked out. If Paris living standards are familiar to you, none of this will come as a surprise.