1er Etage Marais

Notre Dame and the River Seine are both within walking distance of this well-located little hotel. Breakfast was great, and the hotel was very environmentally aware. A taxi from Gar Du Nord cost €15, though you can also walk it in about 40 minutes.

I couldn’t get into the hotel, and it was cold outside. There was nothing on the door to help me find it, so I walked past it five times before realizing I was there. The entrance wouldn’t open and the lights were out. I tried contacting the hotel, despite what they say in their response, but nobody answered. After waiting on the street for 30 minutes, I gave up and found somewhere else to stay that night. They respond readily to Google reviews, but seem not to care about actual customers trying to check in.

The hosts were great, really helpful and responsive. They stocked the shared kitchen with coffee, and there were a few tables where you could sit for a small breakfast, possibly with table service. We had a great two-night stay and would come back. It’s easy to get around on foot or by metro, close to Notre Dame, with lots of good places to eat and drink. This is a huge city and a lively nightlife area, so some street noise gets through even with the windows closed. There was also an occasional slight smell from the shower drain, though you can shut the shower door. Neither thing affected our stay.

The room faced the street, but noise wasn’t a problem for us and things quieted down around 10-11pm. The A/C worked well. Management communicated excellently, and everyone on site was friendly and helpful. At 1er Etage Marais, we had a lovely room and a simple breakfast and coffee setup each morning. The location is very close to Pompidou, in a part of Marais with plenty of places to walk to for shopping, food, nightclubs, and just about anything else.