Hôtel Picardy

I had room 76, supposedly the “best room,” but my iPhone went missing. After I'd checked out, reception also messed me around about shuttle times to the airport and charged extra to store my suitcases for two nights before my three-night stay. There's no AC for anyone staying in the hot summer months. In the end, after I said I didn't want to share a shuttle, they reluctantly helped with a taxi and my heavy bags.

We booked a twin room, but were given a double, which didn't work for two friends who didn't want to share a bed. They moved us to room 37, where the toilet wouldn't flush. We were told the hotel was full and had to use the toilet two floors down in the breakfast room. The room was changed again the next day. The ceiling in that third room, 36, was in such bad repair it looked ready to fall down. Housekeeping was rude when we asked for a clean towel. She refused, then eventually threw one at me. I complained, but the owner didn't care. At checkout we asked for a refund for the first night, when the toilet was broken. The duty manager let slip that he knew it was broken before assigning us the room. Staff weren't helpful and couldn't see why we were complaining. Time to find another hotel!

We enjoyed our stay at this budget hotel, at a budget price. It's right by Gard du Nord station, with plenty of restaurants, fast food, bars, and a fairly good shopping area close by.

This is a two-star hotel in central Paris, in front of a major train station with a metro entrance right by the front door. It does what it promises, and you get what you pay for. If all you need is somewhere to shower and crash for a few nights, it works. Don't come expecting luxury. There are plenty of rough edges: tiny, dated rooms, chipped furniture, a strange elevator, and laundry in the stairwell most days. The UK-plug hairdryer has no converter and is basically useless. You have to punch the toilet flush button, the bathtub shower has no curtain, the neighborhood is lively at night, outside noise carries into the room, and the curtains don't block out the light. Still, the beds were clean, there was hot water and soap, and enough space for two carry-on suitcases. There's wifi and daily housekeeping, and towels are changed when you leave them on the floor as instructed. Breakfast is very French, with a croissant and coffee or orange juice, toast, and even an egg or yoghurt. The staff were mostly helpful.