1er Etage Opera

The way to the guest house from the main gate was dusty and dirty, almost like a construction site, which made arriving feel unpleasant and even a bit scary. The owner should look after the outside as well as the inside so guests get a welcoming first impression. We were also short on basic supplies. The bathroom shampoo bottle was empty and hadn't been refilled, and there wasn't enough toilet paper or tissue. No bottled water was provided either.

The breakfast was so generous that I asked for a smaller serving after the first morning, and the staff were really helpful. The apartments are spotless and the coded entry is easy, so there's no fumbling with hotel cards. Room 6 was a good size, and both the room and shared areas have lovely decor, with quirky touches from brands like Astaire de Villiette. There's a little kitchen with tea, a coffee machine, a microwave, a kettle and some sweets. The shower is in the bedroom, separate from the bathroom, which I didn't love. I should have paid closer attention when booking. There's a small flight of stairs or a lift to the apartments, but you have to step over the bottom of the door into the courtyard, so it may be difficult for people with limited mobility. There's also a step in the bedroom between the sink and shower area and the bed. The location is a big plus. Premier Etage on Rue Joubert is just two RER stops from Gare Du Nord, handy for CDG, and close to the Grand Magasins, including Galleries Lafayette and Printemp, as well as Opera Garnier. The Metro is a three-minute walk away, with links to the Grand Palais, Le Louvre and more. I'd rate Premier Etage very highly for its location, cleanliness, decor, staff and breakfast.

The breakfast turned out to be a lovely surprise, with plenty of croissants, baguettes, pains au chocolat, cheese, fresh fruit, deli meat, yogurt, hot drinks and juice. Our room was cozy and comfortable, more like a tiny apartment than a hotel room, and tastefully decorated. We'd happily come back. The hotel is charming and sits in the Opera district, within easy walking distance of lots of places to see. At first we wondered if we'd got the address wrong because there were no obvious signs. Then we found the front door and hesitated a bit at the empty-looking, rather sketchy curved staircase. Looking back, it only felt that way because it was quiet, after dark, and under renovation. Once we reached the floor with the rooms, the small reception area and our room were a delight.

I've stayed at this little hotel three times now. It has six rooms on the first floor of a typical Paris apartment building, between Le Printemps and Galléries Lafayette. It's a good choice for a weekend if you're traveling solo or as a couple and like things simple but good quality. The entrance is being renovated, but inside the decor is lovely and modern, and the room was clean and spacious. Breakfast is brought to your table, and there's a huge amount of it!