Hotel Au Coeur Du Marais

The staff were super helpful, and it’s a lovely boutique hotel in a great spot at the north end of the Marais District. But I wouldn’t choose it if you need to work from your room. The internet was patchy, which made it extremely difficult for me to work, and the school directly opposite was incredibly noisy. From about 8:30 in the morning until 5:30 in the afternoon, kids could be heard playing outside, so there was no chance of sleeping in or taking an afternoon nap if your room faces the street. I’m glad to see them back at school and out playing, but that noise really got to me. For leisure it might be a good place, particularly on weekends, but definitely not if you need a quiet place to work.

The room was extremely comfortable, with all the self catering facilities we could want, and the price was excellent value. We really enjoyed our stay and would happily return. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and helpful. It’s easy to get to and well placed for the popular sights, but still quiet, with local shops and places to eat rather than expensive tourist traps.

We spent three nights here in December and had a great time. It’s a small hotel with a Parisian feel, and the hosts were generous and helpful. The neighborhood is mostly Asian, lively with families, and has welcoming Asian and French bistros. It’s close to Arts et Metiers metro. If you can, get a room on the top floor for wonderful views of Pompidou on one side and the schoolyard on the other, plus lovely rooftops all around.

The hotel wouldn’t return any of my money when I had to cancel because France’s national strike made travel to Paris impossible. All trains and flights had been cancelled. I don’t think that’s fair: I wasn’t in the city, so shouldn’t have had to pay city tax, and the hotel didn’t need to clean the room or wash the linens, so those costs became profit for them. Following a cancellation policy is fine in normal circumstances, but a little humanity during an emergency would have been better.