This is a typical Paris hotel for those looking to combine comfort with affordability: small rooms but all en suite, and with all the conveniences; tiny lift and spiral stairs; nicely furnished and comfortable lobby and breakfast areas; very helpful and gracious staff; and free wifi. There is no air conditioning, but ventilation is very good; we had no problems with comfort during a warm spell (?) in late October. Its location for people planning to walk and use public transport is ideal, and exploring the neighborhood is a treat. The Jardins des Plantes is just three blocks away, and a lovely place to walk--or walk through to the Museum of Natural Science or Gare d'Austerlitz. There are several boulangeries, cafes and brasseries, small food shops, and at least two pharmacies within easy walking distance. The hotel has the look of having been recently renovated, and nicely done at that. The only quibble about the room itself was one lamp that didn't work, possibly because of a wiring issue. The plumbing worked wonderfully well, and the beds, though narrow, were crisply made and only slightly saggy. The wardrobe had plenty of storage space for two people (especially once we removed the extra pillows and put them on the bed), and once everything was stowed, we even had room enough to enjoy our picnic dinners at the desk-cum-mini-bar, using the two comfortable chairs. The view out our window was of a pretty old apartment building, with several balconies serving as urban gardens. Amenities: the free wifi was very efficient to our modest needs, and there is a computer in the lobby also for guest use, including a printer (30c per page, or bring your own). Breakfast was extra, and typical for France: juice, hot drinks, yogurt or cereal, and a generous basket of breads, in a pleasant, if rather warm, basement room with tablecloths and china. (We tried eating breakfast out one morning, but could not match the price.)
Prós: Location and ambience tied: close to three Metro stations and on a bus line; near dozens of places to buy food, either to sit and eat or take back; and the decor (newly redone) and feel were oh-so-Paris!
Contras: Some street noise from a nearby pub was a problem, only because we wanted to keep the window open at times. Requesting an inside room might be a good idea.
