Hôtel at Gare du Nord

Its OK but not worth the price and definitely not a 3 star hotel. Breakfast was good but it not included in the cost of the hotel.

Prós: It was close to the Gare du Nore Train Station.

Contras: NO AC in the room. Tiny room and bathroom. Had to have window open and my view was of a homeless shelter across the street.

People just need to appreciate how expensive the 'standard' hotels can be in Paris and then the deficits of this hotel will seem to be lessened ! The breakfast (which Priceline deal included in their great rate) was very satisfying. All the staff were totally supportive and helpful -- kudos to them !

Prós: The staff -- they responded to any request that would help to overcome the shortcomings (such as the tiny room and the flimsy pillows and the room looking over the trainyards). Next -- the location was very handy for public transit.

Contras: Noisy location and tiny room... but that's the way it is in a budget hotel in a very expensive city.

Overall good enough that I'm ready to overlook the fact that trains nearby can be noisy. I'm hoping the owners do look into and fix this (5th floor room) smell problem, as the desk clerk promised: probably just a U-trap faulty or missing altogether somewhere. Free breakfast and free wi-fi are good. Rated a 3-star, this place would more likely be equivalent to a decent 2-star hotel in N. America. One word of caution: My bid was accepted at approx. 60% of the regular price, (supposedly all taxes included ), but then they tacked the taxes back on, and the final price ended up very close to the original price.

Prós: Cleanliness, always important. Courteous service.

Contras: Permanent sewer smell coming from bathroom; cramped shower stall: I scalded myself by hitting tap handles accidentally while trying to turn around in the shower. I wish someone would one day sue the makers of those cramped shower stalls and their owners.