Hotel Saint Georges

The building is old and could use some remodeling, but we had a great stay, especially considering the price is half what you'd pay elsewhere. The place was really clean, and the staff were kind and helpful. The location is everything, near Pigalle Metro and within walking distance of Montmartre and Sacre Coeur.

We grew quite fond of our little room by the end of the week, and the daily cleaner kept it tidy. It had a fridge and a wooden table, both useful, but there was no wardrobe, just a kitchen cupboard fixed to the wall. I knew this was a budget hotel, though nobody mentioned the mountain of stairs to the room on the fourth floor. The decoration was very random, and the painting looked like a child could have done a better job. Still, you get what you pay for.

I had to leave my room key at reception whenever I went out, and I wasn't allowed to bring my friends into the room even for a quick change of clothes, no more than five minutes. At 2:00 AM, the door was locked, and I had to stand outside knocking for about ten minutes before anyone let me in. I knew it was a budget hotel, but this fell far below even that standard. I found mold on the wall and ceiling in my room.

Le Consulat is worth stopping for coffee, and we found lots of painters and portrait artists around. We also loved Montmartre, which was close by. My husband and I walked up there three times during our weeklong stay. Maxim's had the best macarons! A decent hotel in a great location.